Can UK Labour do it?

Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, December 9th, 2019 - 164 comments
Categories: boris johnson, Jeremy Corbyn, labour, uk politics - Tags:

Very unlikely.

From the polls taken in the UK a few hours ago, the Conservatives are in for an historic fourth consecutive term in Parliament.

Just six months ago the Conservatives were in total disarray, with their Prime Minister regularly humiliated in Europe and in the UK Parliament. Labour should have been able to best a government that was falling apart and that had pulled Parliament into total paralysis for several years in a row.

Rather than get to the role of leadership, it’s worth looking for a moment at the main party policy highlights.

UK Labour are not short of attractive policies.

Their leader Jeremy Corbyn launched the Labour Party manifesto with an announcement of a spending spree of £83 billion to bring in “real change”, which will be funded by raising taxes and extra borrowing, should the Labour Party win a majority in the 2019 general election.

The Labour leader vowed to take on “vested interests” in society and set out a radical programme.

Labour’s 105-page manifesto set out plans what Mr Corbyn described as a “radical and ambitious plan to transform our country in decades.”

They include:

– Increase the health budget by 4.3%, and that includes scrapping prescription charges, no charges for parking at hospitals, and free basic dentistry. And of course not selling out the entire national system through a trade deal with the United States once the UK leaves the EU

– A “final say on Brexit” referendum, and Corbyn has promised he will remain neutral if he gets to hold one

– Raise the minimum wage from £8.21 to £10 an hour.

– Pension age remains at 66. And reviews for starting younger if you’ve been in an arduous job.

– A comprehensive nationside National Care Service, like they already have operating in Scotland.

– Bring forward the “net carbon zero” target by about a decade

– Re-nationalise key industries such as Royal Mail, the Big Six energy firms, the national grid, the entire water industry, all railways, and the broadband arm on British Telecom.

– Free bus travel for everyone under 25

And there’s more, but you can get a sense it’s not lacking in ambition.

Whatever labels one would wish to put on them, UK Labour have a pretty proud history of similarly bold policy action, which you can see in their history.

https://labour.org.uk/about/labours-legacy/

But this time – unlike 2017 – their campaign hasn’t caught on with the general public.

It made some inroads for a while. Unfortunately that was after several months of tanking. And it has failed to push upward in the critical final days towards 40%.

It’s clearly not yet time to call on whether Labour will achieve power, because miracles have happened before. Did anyone really think that World War 2 giant Winston Churchill would be turfed out so soon by Labour after his leadership to victory? But it happened.

OK sure, this isn’t a post-war moment. And as per above, it’s very unlikely.

It’s just that Corbyn feels as policy-nerdy as Attlee.

For the long version of what I mean by that, see Ken Loach’s “Spirit of ’45”, which had plenty of interviews with those who executed that bold set of policies and also those who benefitted.

That is a serious warm bath in soporific nostalgia. Back when the state was the state and did stuff.

Maybe Labour winning the battle on Instagram means they lose but gain even more of the young generation to secure a win some other time in the future. Pretty cold comfort.

In my industry I talk to a lot of recent UK professional emigrants to New Zealand. They generally refer to the UK now in very negative terms. Words like “shithole” and “wrecked”. There’s not a lot of belief in the effectiveness of politics to change things for good.

That view will certainly be reinforced by a further Conservative win.

So for a sense of what is likely to be implemented under a Boris Johnson government, here’s a few of their manifesto highlights:

– For England itself, increase the number of nurses by 50,000

– Leave the EU in January 2020

– No Income Tax, VAT, or National Insurance Tax rises

– Pension increased per year by either rate of inflation, or CPI, or 2.5% (whichever is highest)

– No one will sell their home to pay for care

– Net carbon emissions by 2050

– A points-based immigration system

There’s more in the summary here.

There’s a very strong likelihood that this is another term – possibly another 5 year term – in which the memory of what is possible for the UK left recedes further and further away into historical memory.

So in policy terms there is quite a big set of differences, and for the UK as a whole quite a lot at stake for the direction the UK could go.

By the end of this week we should know which way that is.

164 comments on “Can UK Labour do it? ”

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  1. Blazer 1
    9 December 2019 at 8:33 am

    I guess Labours promises seem …'tooo good to …be true'!

  2. Sanctuary 2
    9 December 2019 at 8:36 am

    The defeatism, cynicism and nativist sentiment of a defeated boomer generation infects everything in the UK to the point of morbidity at the moment. These defeated boomers – the vast majority of UK boomers perceive themselves as defeated, hence their inchoate anger – had welfare, unions and a reasonable living standard, albeit with many people excluded from the class compromise. They had dreams of using that launch pad to achieve much more. Under Thatcherism they lost so much of what they had that they had little choice but to adopt neoliberalism as a means to just sustain themselves. Buy a council house, rely on rising prices to borrow more, rely on self-improvement, training and education, to get a ahead. Use debt to supplement wages. That strategy showed diminishing returns well before 2008, but after that it broke down dramatically. These angry boomers are the engine room of Britain’s slide to fascism.

    The meta is the gross mismanagement and decline of 150 years of rotten rule by an incompetent, decadent and unreformable establishment is now accelerating. The UK is in serious trouble. The British ruling elites resemble an over-crowded cage of rats with diminishing resources who are now turning on each other. The polarisation, the lack of hope, they engender is unbelievable. North Sea oil papered over the cracks, but that wealth was squandered on tax cuts, weapons and buying off the working class with bread and circuses whilst opening Britain up to corrupt oligarchs and international finance. The smiling ghost of Oswald Mosley stalks the print media, which is now dominated by Fascism.

    The thorough character assassination of Jeremy Corbyn by the Oxbridge liberal elites in connivance with the far right billionaire media, the Israel government and big finance shows how Britain's elites are now no longer capable of reform – they simply seek to deny, destroy and debunk any opposition to their scramble to retain their piece of the diminsihing pie.

    The only hope lies in an interesting statistic I read today. UK Labour enjoyed a 15 point lead among 18-24 year olds in 2010, by 2017 it was 54 per cent. Why? The clue might be that in the decade from 2007 to 2016, all new wealth went to over-45s (though unevenly), while incomes fell by around 10 per cent among those aged 16-34. This polarisation holds out some hope, because Corbynism has given young people in the UK hope. The youthfulness of Momentum is extraordinary. Youth culture in the UK has overwhelmingly identified with Corbyn's Labour project.

    The young are the future, the only question is how far the forces of fascism will go to stop them.

    • Blazer 2.1
      9 December 2019 at 8:57 am

      Fantastic!

      Post of the ..year!

    • Dean Reynolds 2.2
      9 December 2019 at 10:22 am

      Sanctuary, what a brilliant analysis of the UK today! Your intelligence & insight have sparked Gosman's right wing diatribe & exposed it for the facile nonsense that it is.

      • Gosman 2.2.1
        9 December 2019 at 11:28 am

        Do you mean the analysis that postulates Israel is influencing the UK election by making up allegations of antisemitism in UK Labour?

        • Psycho Milt 2.2.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 4:06 pm

          The analysis that Israel's supporters in the UK are putting a lot of effort into getting people to equate support for the Palestinians with anti-semitism, yes. The Israeli government may or may not be involved, but that's a side issue.

    • Heather Grimwood 2.3
      9 December 2019 at 11:23 am

      I have pondered the almost total denigration of Corbyn by the British press and can but think that his logical, reasoned, well spoken approach showing a calm dignity must have caused fear on the right.

      I am putting my faith in the young whom I feel will use their votes to ensure survival.

      • Gosman 2.3.1
        9 December 2019 at 11:30 am

        If you want to know why people on the right hate Corbyn so much why don't you ask a right leaning person? If only you could find someone to ask….

        • McFlock 2.3.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 4:51 pm

          … who could be relied upon to be truthful when they answer.

          • Incognito 2.3.1.1.1
            9 December 2019 at 5:15 pm

            Someone who states that “views are reflective of the reality at this point in time” and that they are “just stating the truth of the matter” can be relied upon without question 😉

        • UncookedSelachimorpha 2.3.1.2
          10 December 2019 at 2:46 am

          Why bother, when we can simply listen to you ad nauseam, Gosman.

        • Dean Reynolds 2.3.1.3
          10 December 2019 at 9:53 am

          OK Gosman, you're right wing, so tell us why you hate Corban & try to be objective – none of your foam flecked hysteria

  3. weka 3
    9 December 2019 at 8:39 am

    FT's Poll of Polls, in %

    Cons 43

    Lab 33

    LD 13

    SNP 4

    Green 3

    Brexit 3

    … political scientists and election forecasters generally believe that a Conservative polling lead of around 6 per cent over Labour is the dividing line between a Tory majority and a hung parliament.

    https://www.ft.com/content/263615ca-d873-11e9-8f9b-77216ebe1f17

    I can't get my head around the LD vote. They're won't support the Cons but that vote will give the Cons another term.

    Is this in part a protest vote from third wayers who can't handle Corbyn's pull left?

    • Gosman 3.1
      9 December 2019 at 8:43 am

      Why can't you get your head around the Lib Dem vote? If I was in the UK right now I would vote for the Lib-Dems because I can't stand Johnson and I despise Corbyn and all he stands for. I would prefer the UK had another referendum on Brexit but if that comes with a Corbyn led government that would be worse than a Conservative Brexit.

      • Sanctuary 3.1.1
        9 December 2019 at 8:50 am

        When I talked about hopeless, angry and defeated boomers, this is exactly what I was talking about.

        An idiotic and splenetic bunch of Don Quixote types who would rather hate Corbyn than vote to lift children out of poverty or save the NHS. Get fucked.

        • Gosman 3.1.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 8:54 am

          Maybe they don't think Corbyn abnd his hard left mates WILL actually save the NHS or lift children out of poverty and will instead lead to the UK turning in to a version of Greece before the bailouts.

      • weka 3.1.2
        9 December 2019 at 8:54 am

        Lol Gosman, obviously I was referring to non-Tories, not Tories like yourself.

        • Gosman 3.1.2.1
          9 December 2019 at 8:56 am

          I just told you I wouldn't vote for the Conservatives if I was in the UK right now. When I lived there the two times I voted I voted for two different parties. I am exactly the person you are meaning.

  4. esoteric pineapples 4
    9 December 2019 at 8:40 am

    The problem for Labour is that rather than respecting the outcome of the Brexit referendum, it is proposing to hold another one.

    • weka 4.1
      9 December 2019 at 8:43 am

      Explain that one. More people would vote for Corbyn's left wing Labour if Labour supported Brexit?

      • Gosman 4.1.1
        9 December 2019 at 8:50 am

        The logic is the area of the country where Labour will lose this election (The Midlands and North of England) wouldn't abandon Labour if they supported Brexit. Of course the would bleed votes in the South however that might go to the Lib-Dems instead rather than the Conservatives. Ultimately Corbyn prevaricated on Brexit and as a result pleased neither side.

        • weka 4.1.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 8:56 am

          so the idea is that there's a solid core of people who would otherwise vote for a left wing Labour but won't this time because it might lead to a no brexit? This suggests a core of left wing brexiters. Is there research to support that such a group of voters exists? (enough to shift an election).

          • Gosman 4.1.1.1.1
            9 December 2019 at 8:58 am

            Why is the Labour party at risk of LOSING seats in the Midlands and the North of England Weka? Please explain the reasoning behind that.

            • weka 4.1.1.1.1.1
              9 December 2019 at 9:14 am

              I'm just asking for an explanation Gosman. Someone of your expertise on the UK political scene should be able to clarify.

              • Gosman …
                9 December 2019 at 9:42 am

                It seems quite clear that there are really only two major reasons why Labour might be at risk of losing seats in traditional Labour supporting areas in the North of England and the Midlands.

                1. Dislike of Corbyn and his hard left policies.

                2. Desire to see Brexit completed and the belief that the Conservatives are the best party to do this.

                Do you happen to have another reason why Labour might be at risk in these areas?

                • weka …
                  9 December 2019 at 10:06 am

                  1. Dislike of Corbyn and his hard left policies.

                  Which left voters does that apply to? Where is their vote going?

                  2. Desire to see Brexit completed and the belief that the Conservatives are the best party to do this.

                  Again, who are the solid brexiters who normally vote Labour but won't this time?

          • Sanctuary 4.1.1.1.2
            9 December 2019 at 9:01 am

            IMHO, for the liberal establishment Labour's position on Brexit – which isn't that difficult to grasp – has been savagely attacked mainly as a fig leaf to preserve their liberal credentials whilst doing everything the can to destroy Corbyn and his project. Ditto for the "anti-semitism" row, a fantastical concoction of smears put together by a conspiracy of the Israeli government and it's corrupt friends in the UK establishment to bring down Corbyn, who poses a genuine threat to the veto Israel currently has on any sort of pro-Palestinian action from the major western powers.

          • Pierre 4.1.1.1.3
            9 December 2019 at 9:38 am

            There has always been working-class support for Brexit; people might not rally behind the criticism of the EU as a fundamentally neoliberal project, but they understand that austerity has hit communities hard, and when given a chance to express their discontent they vote accordingly. I'd be interested to see how Galloway does in West Brom, as he's running on a 'real Labour / left exit' platform.

            • Gosman 4.1.1.1.3.1
              9 December 2019 at 9:45 am

              What's the difference between what Galloway is running on and the position of Corbyn beyond Corbyn is neither for nor against Brexit (but everyone really knows he is for it)?

              • Pierre …
                9 December 2019 at 10:03 am

                The difference is that Corbyn is subject to the democratic will of Labour Party members. Labour members voted to promise a second referendum as party policy, and Corbyn follows that policy regardless of his own personal opinion. Galloway meanwhile is accountable only to himself at this point, he can take whatever position he likes. At least I think the difference is clear.

            • mauī 4.1.1.1.3.2
              9 December 2019 at 10:30 am

              Ah George…wonderful, wonderful man… amazing human being.



    • Sanctuary 4.2
      9 December 2019 at 8:45 am

      The problem for Labour is they are desperately trying to hold onto to being a class based party when the entire media is intent on re-defining politics along culture war line, as in the USA. The purpose of course is to turn a substantial part of the working class against itself.

      • Gosman 4.2.1
        9 December 2019 at 8:53 am

        I was waiting for someone to blame the media

        • Sanctuary 4.2.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 9:03 am

          I assume (perhaps optimistically) you can read. I invite you to peruse the British press and draw your own conclusions.

          • Gosman 4.2.1.1.1
            9 December 2019 at 9:46 am

            I consume lots of UK media. It stretches across the political spectrum. If you want to find pro-Corbyn media there are lot's of it out there.

            • UncookedSelachimorpha 4.2.1.1.1.1
              9 December 2019 at 11:58 am

              But the overwhelming media view in the UK is biased against Corbyn. It makes a huge difference. Some examples:

              We set out to recognise and acknowledge the legitimate role of the press to critique and challenge the powers that be, which is often encapsulated by the metaphor of the watchdog. Our systematic content analysis of a representative sample of newspaper articles published in 8 national newspapers between 1 September and 1 November 2015, however, shows that the press reacted in a highly transgressive manner to the new leader of the opposition, hence our reference to the attackdog metaphor.

              Our analysis shows that Corbyn was thoroughly delegitimised as a political actor from the moment he became a prominent candidate and even more so after he was elected as party leader, with a strong mandate. This process of delegitimisation occurred in several ways: 1) through lack of or distortion of voice; 2) through ridicule, scorn and personal attacks; and 3) through association, mainly with terrorism.

              Our report found that 75% of press coverage misrepresents Jeremy Corbyn – we can't ignore media bias anymore

              The Media Is Biased Against Jeremy Corbyn – but Does That Even Matter in This Election?

              (note to self – don't waste time replying to Gosman..)

    • Molly 4.3
      9 December 2019 at 9:45 am

      There is a good transcript of one of Corbyn's speeches on the Labour website that outlines what it will do in regards to Brexit. Worth the read.

      Of particular relevance is Corbyn's quote:

      "People sometimes accuse me of trying to talk to both sides at once in the Brexit debate; to people who voted leave and remain. You know what? They’re right.

      Why would I only want to talk to half the country? I don’t want to live in half a country. Anybody seeking to become Prime Minister must talk to and listen to the whole country.

      Labour stands not just for the 52% or the 48%, but for the 99%. It’s Labour that’s determined to bring a divided country together. You can’t do that if your whole political strategy is to turn one side of the Brexit debate against the other.

      The Tories are offering an extreme and damaging form of Brexit, while the Liberal Democrats want to ignore the result of the 2016 referendum and revoke Article 50. The Brexit crisis needs to be resolved but it must be done democratically."

      And regarding Brexit policy:

      "The Tories have failed on Brexit for three years. A Labour government will get Brexit sorted within six months by giving you, the British people, the final say. And despite what some commentators want you to believe, Labour’s plan for Brexit is clear and simple.

      It’s time to take the decision out of the hands of politicians and trust the people to decide. It won’t be a rerun of 2016. This time the choice will be between leaving with a sensible deal or remaining in the European Union.

      That’s the policy. It really isn’t complicated.

      So an incoming Labour government will first secure a sensible deal. That will take no longer than three months because the deal will be based on terms we’ve already discussed with the EU, including a new customs union, a close single market relationship and guarantees of rights and protections.

      It’s a deal that will protect British manufacturing and respect the precious peace in Northern Ireland.

      And then we’ll put that deal to a public vote. So if you want to leave the EU without trashing our economy or selling out our NHS, you’ll be able to vote for it. If you want to remain in the EU, you’ll be able to vote for that.

      Either way, only a Labour government will put the final decision in your hands. Because this has involved the whole country from the start, it can’t now be left to politicians.

      To finally get this sorted and move forward, we need the people to sign on the dotted line. And we will immediately carry out your decision, so Britain can get beyond Brexit."

      • Gosman 4.3.1
        9 December 2019 at 9:47 am

        And yet people still aren't flocking to him in sufficient numbers. Why is that if his position on Brexit is so logical and reasonable?

        • Molly 4.3.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 9:58 am

          I have no idea, Gosman – and I know don't why you would think I would have insight into what lies in the hearts and minds of British voters. (Interesting that the words ‘logical’ and ‘reasonable’ came from you in regards to Corbyn’s Brexit policy.)

          Perhaps like you, they vote according to their own bias, rather than considered thinking and reality?

  5. Sanctuary 5
    9 December 2019 at 8:43 am

    PS – I think the most likely outcome is another hung parliament and the collapse of the Lib-dems as a political force forever as Jo Swinson – a yellow Tory/Orange book liberal who comes across as an annoying head prefect from an Enid Blighton novel – props up a Boris Johnson conservative government in exchange for a cabinet post (assuming she keeps her seat, I hear the squirrels of Scotland are mobilising in force against her).

    • Gosman 5.1
      9 December 2019 at 8:45 am

      The Lib-Dems would never support another Conservative led government UNLESS they committed to a further referendum on Brexit. Johnson won't do that as it will be one betrayal too far.

      • Sanctuary 5.1.1
        9 December 2019 at 8:47 am

        Swinson is an idiot, and the Lib-Dems is now home to an extraordinarily hubristic collection of centrists and chancers. Don’t under estimate their stupidity.

        • Gosman 5.1.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 8:52 am

          The raisson-d'etre for the Lib-Dems now is purely to promote membership of the EU. You are trying to argue they will abandon that for what exactly? Just because they want to prop up a Conservative government to avoid Corbyn? Really???

          • Sanctuary 5.1.1.1.1
            9 December 2019 at 9:04 am

            Dude, I don't want to be rude but I am going to be. You clearly do not follow British politics particularly closely and you offer nothing valuable. So shut up.

            • Gosman 5.1.1.1.1.1
              9 December 2019 at 9:06 am

              LOL! I am pretty confident my knowledge of UK politics is better than yours. I don't blame the fact Corbyn is not getting enough traction on Israeli (who have more pressing matters to worry about like the state of their own government).

          • Pierre 5.1.1.1.2
            9 December 2019 at 10:13 am

            Sanctuary is correct on this one, the Lib Dems haven't changed their tune, and they will happily prop up another Tory coalition just like that. Their councillors are already loyally supporting the Tories in local government up and down the country. If anything the experience of the last decade should have been a lesson not to trust the Lib Dems.

    • weka 5.2
      9 December 2019 at 8:58 am

      What would constitute a hung parliament? What would happen next?

      • Gosman 5.2.1
        9 December 2019 at 9:01 am

        What happened in 2017 is a hung parliament. Even if the Opposition managed to cobble together a small majority it would still be regarded as hung. The idea that Labour would be able to introduce it's radical socialist policies without an outright majority would be laughable.

        • Sanctuary 5.2.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 9:06 am

          "…The idea that Labour would be able to introduce it's radical socialist policies…"

          I would be fascinated to know what these radical policies are. Care to expand with examples?

          • Gosman 5.2.1.1.1
            9 December 2019 at 9:48 am

            Renationalisation of large parts of the British economy.

          • Gosman 5.2.1.1.2
            9 December 2019 at 9:57 am

            "Free" Broadband for everyone in the UK (If one policy highlighted Corbyn's fundamental issue with the UK electorate it is this one).

            • weka 5.2.1.1.2.1
              9 December 2019 at 10:13 am

              It's hardly communism.

              • Gosman …
                9 December 2019 at 10:43 am

                I stated Socialist not Communist

                • weka …
                  9 December 2019 at 10:45 am

                  "radical socialist policies"

                  Free internet fits within capitalism quite easily.

                  • Gosman …
                    9 December 2019 at 10:57 am

                    Umm… no it doesn't. It is a ridiculous Socialist idea that broadband is some sort of Social good like Water that should be free to everyone. Capitalism would put a price on it that reflects the supply and demand for the service.

                    • weka …
                      9 December 2019 at 11:03 am

                      the internet now holds such an important place in society that it is a social and economic necessity.

                      Capitalism doesn't put a price on internet services, it leaves it up the to the free market. Consequently there are people that are disadvantaged from taking part in civil society. The other way to manage that would be to increase wages and benefits.

                      I guess your version of capitalism doesn't care about citizens. In social democracies like ours it's normal to care.

                      Good to hear you think water should always be free though.

                    • Gosman …
                      9 December 2019 at 11:12 am

                      Amazing that Corbyn cares so much but his support is so low.

                    • weka []
                      9 December 2019 at 11:37 am

                      not that low, but not particularly surprising. 35 years of neoliberalism has taught a lot of people to be selfish.

                    • Gosman …
                      9 December 2019 at 11:44 am

                      Why didn't 34 years of State driven development prior to 1979 not lead to a society that was anti-Thatcherism then?

                    • weka []
                      9 December 2019 at 11:51 am

                      because unlike neoliberalism/Thatcherism it wasn’t intentional social engineering?

                    • Gosman …
                      9 December 2019 at 11:56 am

                      Really??? I'm pretty sure the concept of the NHS has been well and truly ingrained in to the mainstream British psyche.

        • weka 5.2.1.2
          9 December 2019 at 9:08 am

          "What happened in 2017 is a hung parliament"

          Why was that result hung though? Because there were enough left wing parties to vote against the Cons on their own?

          • Pierre 5.2.1.2.1
            9 December 2019 at 9:25 am

            It was a hung parliament because there was no simple majority. The Tories had the authority to form a government in 2017 because they came out as the single largest party, technically won the most votes, and… because the British state favours the Tories.

            • weka 5.2.1.2.1.1
              9 December 2019 at 10:03 am

              By majority do you mean 50% of the vote?

              • Pierre …
                9 December 2019 at 10:04 am

                50% of the seats in parliament

                • weka …
                  9 December 2019 at 10:10 am

                  ok, so a hung parliament doesn't mean much unless other parties can form a coalition to achieve 50% (seats).

                  Who has first crack at doing that? The party with the most seats?

                • weka …
                  9 December 2019 at 10:12 am

                  and in this case, the LDs are irrelevant (not willing for form govt with either L or C). So it comes down to L/SNP/G vs Cons/Brexit/DUP? Doesn't that make it closer election than is being predicted?

                  • Gosman …
                    9 December 2019 at 10:46 am

                    Ummm… why are the Lib-Dem's irrelevant? If they hold the balance of power neither UK Labour or the Conservatives will be able to get policies through that they disagree with.

                    • weka …
                      9 December 2019 at 10:51 am

                      Irrelevant to formation of government (assuming they've ruled out both L and C).

                    • Gosman …
                      9 December 2019 at 10:56 am

                      It is not irrelevant if the Lib-Dems and whatever other parties are in opposition have enough votes to stop any policies being implemented. You will just have a continuation of the problems the UK faced prior to the election.

                    • weka []
                      9 December 2019 at 11:05 am

                      if the LDs won’t support Labour or the Cons to form govt, what role do they play in the formation of govt?

                    • Gosman …
                      9 December 2019 at 11:10 am

                      You are aware that unless a party leader can guarantee they will have support on confidence and supply matters it makes forming a government almost impossible. This is especially so under the fixed term parliaments act as the PM can't just dissolve Parliament whenever they want and try to increase his mandate. They are effectively hostage to the opposition in such circumstances.

                    • weka []
                      9 December 2019 at 12:28 pm

                      Yes I am aware of that Gosman. What I am asking is what role LDs might play in formation of govt at this election given they have said they won’t form govt with the Cons or Labour. I suggested they were irrelevant, you said they are relevant and I’m asking you how they are relevant. Do you think they will change their minds and support one of the parties?

                    • Gosman …
                      9 December 2019 at 12:32 pm

                      They are relevant because unless the government can guarantee they have enough votes to get funding legislation passed they aren't going to be much of a government are they? If Corbyn forms a government with the SNP and Greens as some here suggest (and possibly even Plaid Cymr) but the DUP, Conservatives, and Lib Dems decide to vote against tax increases how will Corbyn be able to get the money to spend on all the additional things he want to spend money on?

                    • weka []
                      9 December 2019 at 12:41 pm

                      If Corbyn forms a government with the SNP and Greens next week, what role would the LDs play in that? Not later on specific legislation, but at the time of negotiations and formation of govt.

                    • weka []
                      9 December 2019 at 12:42 pm

                      it’s not a trick question, I’m trying to understand. I though the LDs said they wouldn’t form govt with Labour. So how would this work? C and S agreement with Labour?

  6. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 6
    9 December 2019 at 9:23 am

    At the risk of repeating myself – Labour by a landslide (well, a moderate tidal swell anyway) – enough for them to form a government with co-operation with the SNP and the Greens.

    • Sanctuary 6.1
      9 December 2019 at 9:29 am

      The outcome depends on two things – the turnout of youth voters (if there is a youthquake, then Labour might sneak in) and the if Labour can hang onto in the North.

      Given the partisan nature of the British press, I don't know the state of play. I know momentum has mobilised a huge ground game for Labour and there was a huge surge in young people registering to vote. On the other hand, polling indicates the older white English boomers are even more determined to tun out and to try and deliver a no deal Brexit this time.

      My heart says a Labour win on the back of a big turnout of minorities and youth.

      • Gosman 6.1.1
        9 December 2019 at 9:54 am

        The UK press is incredibly diverse and vibrant. If you want to fund a major newspaper that broadly reflects your political leaning you can and the broadcast media is generally middle of the road. The BBC have a specific remit to try and ensure balance in reporting. I don't see on what basis you can claim the media is at fault for the failure of Corbyn to get more support than he has.

        • UncookedSelachimorpha 6.1.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 12:06 pm

          More misleading stuff from Gosman – are they simply incredibly poorly informed?

          " The UK press is incredibly diverse and vibrant "

          In fact:

          New Report: Who Owns the UK Media in 2019?

          just three companies (News UK, Daily Mail Group and Reach) dominate 83% of the national newspaper market (up from 71% in 2015). When online readers are included, just five companies (News UK, Daily Mail Group, Reach, Guardian and Telegraph) dominate nearly 80% of the market, slightly up from our last report.

          and 5 billionaires own 80% of the UK media

          Just 5 men- including 2 brothers- own 80% of the UK media, new statistics show. The 5 men also own not only the newspapers but also 80% of the TV stations, press agencies, book companies and cinemas in the UK.

          • Gosman 6.1.1.1.1
            9 December 2019 at 12:37 pm

            LOL! Ummm…. Name me a political view not represented in the mainstream newspapers in the UK. The Guardian and The Mirror are left wing. The Evening Standard and the Independent is middle of the road, The Times and Daily Telegraph are center Right. The Daily Mail and Daily Express are right wing. Which views are being denied a mainstream outlet?

            • KJT 6.1.1.1.1.1
              9 December 2019 at 7:22 pm

              "Guardian is left wing".

              I wish.

              The organ for chardonnay socialists who want to clear their conscience, but don't make any changes, thanks.

        • Sanctuary 6.1.1.2
          9 December 2019 at 12:09 pm

          "…The UK press is incredibly diverse and vibrant…"

          LOL Just two individuals – Rupert Murdoch and Lord Rothermere – control 52% of online and print national news publications in the UK.

          12% of the UK's population attended a private or grammar school and 1% of the UK population has attended Oxford or Cambridge.

          But five out six of the BBC's chief political reporters went to Oxford or Cambridge, and the one that didn't (Laura Kuenssberg) is also card carrying member of the British elite, and is a personal chum of Boris.

          68% of newspaper columnists went to a private or grammar school, 63% of the most influential news media figures and 49% of BBC executives. 44% of newspaper columnists have Oxbridge backgrounds, as do 36% of the most influential media figures and 31% of BBC executives.

          The UK media is dominated by the voices of the 1%.

        • UncookedSelachimorpha 6.1.1.3
          9 December 2019 at 12:12 pm

          Sheesh. and then Gosman says " The BBC have a specific remit to try and ensure balance in reporting "

          Meanwhile on planet earth:

          University of London study

          We concluded that some BBC coverage does demonstrate bias and partiality against Corbyn in subtle modes where tone alters the meaning of the script and visuals and the BBC fared badly compared to other mainstream TV news.

          In its election coverage, the BBC has let down the people who believe in it

          The corporation, admired around the world, has been behaving in a way that favours the Tories

          • Gosman 6.1.1.3.1
            9 December 2019 at 12:42 pm

            That's an opinion piece by some lefty. If you had bothered to watch the Andrew Marr interview with Boris Johnson he was challenged on all those points. Other than that what are you expecting the BBC to do?

            • Incognito 6.1.1.3.1.1
              9 December 2019 at 12:48 pm

              Is this “an opinion piece by some lefty”?

              http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/18571/

              • Gosman …
                9 December 2019 at 1:00 pm

                Ummm…pretty much.

                Here's an extract by one of the author's of that study Dr Paul Lashmar on another one of his studies:

                https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/11222/1/FulltextThesis.pdf

                "Instead I use the critical-realist approach where data is gathered and analysed where possible, but analysis is also based on interpretation through experience. Within the critical realism tradition it is permitable to consider what one observes as reality providing one’s own subjectivity is clear set out. I recognise that my world-view was formed primarily within a particular journalism culture and includes intimations of my pluralist, left leaning, liberal and secularist opinions"

                • Incognito …
                  9 December 2019 at 1:42 pm

                  Well, well, well. It seems “some lefty” now has a name and even an academic degree and states that he’s using the critical-realist approach to data collection and analysis. BTW, the article had two authors.

                  Thus, you decided to fob off UncookedSelachimorpha without even bother to read the link because of the author’s left leaning opinions [your bold]?

                  In other words, you only mention stuff that only confirms your own opinions and you refuse and ignore everything else? Because your “views are reflective of the reality at this point in time”? How would you know?

                  Using the critical-realist approach to your comments here I conclude that you are not interested in genuine debate but only in parroting Tory talking points and echoing RW sentiments that have no other underpinning than that they resonate with that flimsy membrane you deem to be your brain and makes these weird flatulating noises.

        • Cinny 6.1.1.4
          9 December 2019 at 2:12 pm

          Gossy……. the majority of British tabloids are conservative, that's a fact. Unfortunately the perception of bias is no longer limited to the papers, it has bled into the broadcast sector, including the BBC.

          Bojo was asked whether truth mattered, during a recent BBC interview and the audience laughed at him. The BBC edited out the laughter replacing it by applause before airing.

          https://youtu.be/0yGCcGHX3j4

    • Gosman 6.2
      9 December 2019 at 9:51 am

      Care for a wager?

      • Tony Veitch (not etc.) 6.2.1
        9 December 2019 at 10:16 am

        I'm not a betting man – that's just a mug's game.

        But my opinion is based on very scientific evidence – who I'd vote for if I was resident in the UK now. And I'm a boomer.

        Christ – another 5 years of Boris/Tories!! It doesn't bear thinking about.

    • Wayne 6.3
      9 December 2019 at 9:57 am

      Quite possible, at least the SNP part. The Greens will get hardly any seats. More likely the LD will be the other part of the government. Won’t be a landslide or anything like that but the combo might be enough to form a government.

      • weka 6.3.1
        9 December 2019 at 10:15 am

        I thought LDs has said they won't support a Labour govt.

        • Gosman 6.3.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 10:47 am

          With Corbyn as leader. If Labour got rid of him there may be a chance.

        • Wayne 6.3.1.2
          9 December 2019 at 11:29 am

          Yes, I am aware of Swinson’s statement. Actually I suppose she could either way.

          But I has assumed because of the LD view on Brexit, they would ultimately prefer Labour.

          • weka 6.3.1.2.1
            9 December 2019 at 11:35 am

            Do you think LDs might well support formation of govt then?

            • Wayne 6.3.1.2.1.1
              9 December 2019 at 12:48 pm

              Yes, I do.

              If it comes to it, the LD’s will support the formation of a government. After all, some combination of parties has to be able to form a government. Otherwise there would be a new election.

              I think the decisive issue for the LD is Brexit (or rather stopping it). They will go for a referendum which means Labour.

              Part of the price of going with Labour will be stopping Corbyn’s full scale socialism. Obviously Labour will still be substantial reformers but not to the extent that Corbyn wants.

              The renewal of Trident will also be gone. Neither the SNP or LD want it, also the left part of Labour including Corbyn are against it. I imagine the UK will still be part of NATO. It is possible that if Trident goes then the conventional forces of the UK might actually increase, in particular some more naval ships (frigates) which will be good for Scottish and North East jobs.

              • weka …
                9 December 2019 at 1:02 pm

                thanks Wayne.

                Do you think LD saying no support for Labour was just electioneering, or that the position was overstated by others? Looking now it seems clearer that they would in fact support Labour.

                Are LD the Winston Peters of UK politics/

  7. Bill 7
    9 December 2019 at 10:01 am

    From a trusted poster on my facebook feed this morning (they reside in NZ)

    Apparently posting anything about Jeremy Corban is against Facebooks community standards. I have had three notifications just today about it and they were all that.

    People can make of that as they will. Like I say – the source is one I trust.

    That aside, I'll freely admit to a degree of anxiety around the demise of Momentum under the idiotic top down management style imposed by Jon Lansman after the last election. They seem to be AWOL this time around.

    In summary, I don't view this UK election as necessarily being a reflection of peoples wants and desires, but rather an indication of how successful pop media are at bending the public will to serve their own preferred agenda.

    By way of a throw away indicative example – when UK Labour were subjected to two hacking attempts a week or so back, there was "nothing to see" according to pop media. In contrast, a fair amount of focus coming off the back of the NHS document has been to suggest nefarious Russian interference. To hell with the authenticity of the document – that's secondary. Labour is Putin's project.

    You can see how that fits with the general thrust of pop media, yes? How it might stack on top of all the other negative pop narratives to suggest people with a more casual take on politics think twice before voting Labour?

    That said, 'no-one' bar red/blue tribalists pay much of any heed to pop media these days. So any influence pop media may have had in the past in much diminished these days.

    But the gaming of social media platforms to 'blank' the left (it's been happening on youtube for quite a while now) – that's a worry. That's influential.

    • Gosman 7.1
      9 December 2019 at 10:52 am

      Do you really think people aren't supporting Labour because they think they received some document about the NHS via a Russian hacking attempt?

    • Gosman 7.2
      9 December 2019 at 10:54 am

      And this idea that YouTube and Facebook are working against the Labour party is bordering on the paranoid.

      • Bill 7.2.1
        9 December 2019 at 11:23 am

        Do you write down a sentence with the spaces where the nouns should be left blank? And then do you dip into a 'bag of random' to determine what nouns you'll put in those blank spaces?

        Do you then have a second bag full of random assertions that you replace the original text around the blank spaces with?

        Reads like it.

        • Incognito 7.2.1.1
          9 December 2019 at 11:48 am

          Gosman types faster than he thinks. So far, 37 out of 91 comments under this post are his.

          Maybe time to put the handbrake on …

          • arkie 7.2.1.1.1
            9 December 2019 at 11:52 am

            Bold to assume there is any thought involved, especially when this 'thought' is sprayed so widely but spread so thin.

            • Incognito 7.2.1.1.1.1
              9 December 2019 at 12:00 pm

              I was trying to be generous. Hill test coming soon to test the brakes. I hope Gosman’s tyres and shocks are up to it 😉

          • UncookedSelachimorpha 7.2.1.1.2
            9 December 2019 at 12:14 pm

            And so much of what he says is simply fact-free nonsense.

            • Incognito 7.2.1.1.2.1
              9 December 2019 at 12:20 pm

              Sadly, true and so many here get sucked in by his comments and wasting time replying without realising he’s taking them down the garden path into his rabbit hole of manipulative nonsense and pseudo-knowledgeable Gobbledygook.

          • Siobhan 7.2.1.1.3
            9 December 2019 at 1:27 pm

            Thanks for that..I was about to do a count myself…tho to be fair…Gosman is one of the few to absolutely bloom on this site…far more thoughtful reasoned folk have been destroyed by the very same moderators who are more than happy to engage with Gosman.

            Some days, where it not for the Gosman, this site would be the most deserted of playgrounds..

            • Incognito 7.2.1.1.3.1
              9 December 2019 at 1:36 pm

              I don’t like it when people let their pets shit in children’s playgrounds.

              I don’t follow the part about “the very same moderators” destroying “far more thoughtful reasoned folk”. I don’t assume you want to elaborate?

            • francesca 7.2.1.1.3.2
              9 December 2019 at 3:51 pm

              I've had a moderator rushing out at me like an insane rat on crack.

              Doesn't do the site a lot of credibility.

              And like the wider world, positions have become incredibly polarised, not much space for discussion before the insults come rolling in , destroying any true debate

        • UncookedSelachimorpha 7.2.1.2
          9 December 2019 at 12:15 pm

          Maybe it's a Bot! Reads like one.
          (sorry if this counts as ‘speculating as to a poster’s identity’)

          • Gosman 7.2.1.2.1
            9 December 2019 at 12:47 pm

            Except my views are reflective of the reality at this point in time. Corbyn has not got enough support according to ALL the opinion polls to form a government on his own. He is also not close enough to form it with the help of the majority of the opposition parties. The indication is that the Labour party is in danger of losing ground in traditional Labour supporting areas in the North of England and Midlands. It may make up some gains elsewhere but it is unlikely to be enough. It would take a minor political miracle to turn it around. It is possible of course but Corbyn is not getting the cut through he was getting in 2017. What part of that analysis do you disagree with and why?

  8. pat 8
    9 December 2019 at 10:18 am

    can they do it?…we'll know in 4 days

  9. mosa 9
    9 December 2019 at 12:00 pm

    Campaigners for second referendum urge voters to ‘hold their noses’ and back second choice to stop hard Brexit.

    I don't think it can be underestimated how much BREXIT plays in this election.

    Johnson's whole campaign is based around it while Corbyn has tried too keep the focus on the evil effects of neo liberal policies and austerity but cannot get traction for what needs too be done.

    Neither candidate for PM inspires or grabs the public's desire for strength and confidence.

    Another Tory led government will not address the deepening social damage of the ongoing suffocation of poverty and misery that engenders.

    Sadly unless there is a massive shift in the next few days this election will not deliver the watershed result that is needed too enact Labours priorities.

    2017 and the 2019 elections have not been about the human cost of Tory – Lib Dem austerity policies but the inability too divorce from the E.U.

    The possibility of another hung parliament is possible as many are feeling aggrieved enough too vote tactically on Thursday.

    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/election-poll-tory-majority-boris-johnson-brexit-remain-tactical-voting-a9236691.html

    • Gosman 9.1
      9 December 2019 at 12:52 pm

      Why didn't Labour promise to respect the will of the referendum and get a better Brexit done ASAP then? Why this prevarication over the issue by promising to hold another referendum?

      • mosa 9.1.1
        9 December 2019 at 2:27 pm

        It has been a massive divisive issue and has split both main parties.

        I agree the response and position has been far from perfect and i don't think for one minute anyone thought they would leave but they have.

      • Chris 9.1.2
        9 December 2019 at 3:38 pm

        Because Labour knows the referendum was a sham and doesn't reflect the will of the…'referendum'.

      • Psycho Milt 9.1.3
        9 December 2019 at 4:14 pm

        Why didn't Labour promise to respect the will of the referendum and get a better Brexit done ASAP then?

        Because a referendum isn't a stone tablet handed down by Almighty God to his prophet here on Earth. There's a big question mark over whether a majority of the UK voters want to leave the EU unconditionally, or whether the nature of the leave agreement affects their enthusiasm. That's one of the many problems with referenda.

        Why this prevarication over the issue by promising to hold another referendum?

        Because the question of whether a majority of voters want to leave the EU with these conditions attached is one that needs answering – and if it doesn't need answering, neither did the question in the original referendum.

  10. That_guy 10
    9 December 2019 at 1:59 pm

    Basically what this is showing is that lies and dirty tricks work, because they disgust a small chunk of the population who were never going to vote for you anyway, but fool a lot of people in small subtle ways. It's a numbers game.

    Facebook not fact-checking politicians means you can say what you want. Even when you are caught out, it's pointless because the damage is done.

    This statement was verified as true by @factcheckUK!

  11. millsy 11
    9 December 2019 at 8:11 pm

    No. UK Labour can't. This isn't an election. This is a massacre. Even Old Labour stalwart Dennis Skinner is forecast to lose his seat.

  12. greywarshark 12
    9 December 2019 at 9:47 pm

    Al Jazeera doing a sympathetic piece about a little town once a dockyard, where everything seems downward.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/hard-times-uk-town-struggle-age-austerity-191205150316762.html
    by David Child 8/12/2019

    Almost 10 years on from the beginnings of austerity, Chatham and the rest of the UK is readying to have its say in a general election – its fourth this decade.

    But the anger and frustration felt by Maple and others in the town over the policy is at risk of being drowned out.

    Despite pledges from the Conservative Party that "austerity is over" and promises from the Labour Party to radically shake up the UK economy, as polling day nears, Brexit has once more cannibalised almost every other talking point in the national political conversation.

    The noise surrounding the UK's long-running drama over its bid to depart the European Union is hard to break through, says Maple, whose bid to unseat incumbent Conservative Member of Parliament Tracey Crouch is anticipated to be a bellwether for which way the election will go.

    I think that the UK people are numb and Brexit is the only conversation, whoever promises better support for the NHS will carry the day possibly.

  14. pat 14
    10 December 2019 at 7:30 am

    "As British voters cast their ballots on December 12 they will be doing so in the most important election since 1979, but this is not because the ramifications of a possible Brexit have such profound consequences. Rather, it is because this is possibly the last chance to stop the project that started with Margaret Thatcher’s election in 1979 and set the UK on its current course of dismantling the last pieces of welfarism and any remnants of the post-war consensus that still exist."

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/12/10/940792/the-most-important-uk-election-since-1979

  15. Sanctuary 15
    10 December 2019 at 8:21 am

    Ah, the unbiased BBC, part of Gosman's "vibrant" media…

    Laura Kuenssberg (chief political reporter for the BBC and a total blue blood) this morning uncritically tweeted as fact a Tory accusation that a Labour activist "punched" a Tory party adviser outside Leeds hospital.

    She (much) later tweeted again, saying it looked like the adviser merely brushed past the arm of a protesting activist.

    Meanwhile, the fake news that a Labour activist punched a Tory advisor is being blared as the main headline from every right wing morning paper in the UK.

    To sum up – three days out from a general election the chief political reporter of the BBC, who happens to be a personal friend of Boris Johnson, tweeted Tory propaganda – a damaging false accusation against Labour that was a lie – that was then used to lead the morning right wing papers.

    You couldn't make this shit up.

    Kuenssberg is an arrogant bitch, so she'll refuse to apologise and do her usual spiel about being a victim. Oh and continue to collect her huge salary.

    • Gosman 15.1
      10 December 2019 at 9:01 am

      Ummm…. Tweets from BBC reporters are not the same as a usual broadcast. I challenge you to watch the Andrew Marr show or an Andrew Neil interview and then tell me the BBC is bias.

    • Gosman 15.2
      10 December 2019 at 9:03 am

      As for the story being the main headline it is not mentioned anywhere on the BBC website front page that I can see

      https://www.bbc.com/news/uk

    • Gosman 15.3
      10 December 2019 at 9:07 am

      The Daily Mail (no pro-Labour newspaper i am sure you will agree) has leadwith the story but has pointed out that THERE WAS NO PUNCH UP.

      https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7773113/Labour-activist-Matt-Hancocks-adviser-Leeds-hospital.html

      "However, a video of the incident then emerged which showed Mr Njoku-Goodwin had been accidentally struck by the protestor's hand as the latter pointed and both men were looking in different directions. "

      Noone is deliberately making up stuff here. It seems like a fast developing story was circulated without first verifying the facts. That happens on both sides of the political spectrum.

  16. Sanctuary 16
    10 December 2019 at 9:10 am

    "… It seems like a fast developing story was circulated without first verifying the facts…"

    A ridiculous comment letting off clear pro-Tory bias – akin to saying Tomás de Torquemada was often at the scene of tragic fires.

    • Gosman 16.1
      10 December 2019 at 9:53 am

      The British have a Broadcasting standards authority. If there is a massive concern then people can raise it. I don't see the leadership of the UK Labour party complaining though.

      Also why is this any different to an ITV reporter shoving a picture of a kid in an emergency waiting room demanding Boris Johnson look at it? That to me was an example of frankly ridiculous and extremely biased reporting.

      • The Al1en 16.1.1
        10 December 2019 at 12:09 pm

        The matter of the tory press is a herring, a blue herring if you will, and one that is an easy scapegoat to avoid the fact the UK labour party are somewhat unelectable in it's current guise.

        First you have to accept the influence of the papers is steadily declining with circulation consistently falling.

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_newspapers_in_the_United_Kingdom_by_circulation

        Then you have to accept those who still read the dailies are obviously quite free to disseminate the news and vote as they choose outside of an editorial position.

        Then finally you'll realise that like in NZ, despite an apparent very right leaning media, given the correct leadership, it's quite possible to get a labour led government.

  17. James 17
    10 December 2019 at 9:29 am

    Can labour win ? Of course.
    Can labour win with Jeremy Corbyn? not a chance.

    ive said from the outset he is unelectable and he has only gotten worse.

    boris will win a majority and given a clear mandate to deliver brexit.

    • Gosman 17.1
      10 December 2019 at 9:57 am

      Yes, many leftists can't accept that Corbyn is not well liked by many, many people who might be tempted to vote for Labour if he was not the leader. He represents the sort of sanctimonious double standards of some people on the left which drives some people barmy.

    • Incognito 17.2
      10 December 2019 at 12:42 pm

      … and they lived happily ever after.

      The End.

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    Buzz  from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example.  This shows National down ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Listening To The Traffic.
    It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
    Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Ending The Quest.
    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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