And I’m pretty sure at least part of the reason that Rwanda was picked was because most people know it as “that place that had a genocide a few years back” which makes it extra scary/performatively cruel.
What immigration problem? I thought that Brexit was supposed to fix that once and for all. Wasn’t that the reason why an overwhelming majority of 50.03% of Britons voted for it?
Ah, but she was an ex-pat, and these are immigrants we’re talking about. Completely different. Oh yes.
Ahem.
Rishi Sunak has announced the 4th July 2024 as the date of the UK General Election in a vote the ruling Conservative government are expected to lose heavily.
The announcement perhaps sums up the sense of disorder and chaos that has plagued this government throughout its term as the rain thrashed down on the Prime Minister with his words drowned out by music blasted out by protesters in front of the gates of Downing Street. Sunak already looks like a defeated man and will need a miracle to remain in number 10.
Since taking office in 2010 the Conservatives have been led by five different leaders (and therefore Prime Ministers), including the disastrous Liz Truss and the deeply polarising Boris Johnson.
Labour’s leader Keir Starmer has tried to make the party acceptable again after the public soundly rejected left-wing activist Jeremy Corbyn who as Labour leader could not connect with voters in the last election.
Keir still has work to do however. It’s one thing to lead the polls as the main opposition because everyone hates the ruling party, but you do actually have to get voters to put the cross next to your party’s name. Which means he has to set out why people should vote for Labour.
I am shocked. I thought those right wing populists would hang onto power as long as it was legal to do so.
You are still not wrong. It is thought Rishi announced the election because his party were about to instigate a vote of no confidence against him.
Or it might be because inflation and possibly interest rates are on a favourable slope.
Very possibly, but why not wait for people to feel the benefit of that?
“The next United Kingdom general election must be held no later than 28 January 2025.”
I mostly agree except I thought they might hold it a couple weeks or so before Christmas.
I think you’re assessment of the motivation for the government calling the general election is flawed. I explained why in another post.
I think Labour will probably win the 04 July election, but it will be because the electorate is ready for a change in government, not because of hostility towards Sunak’s administration.
Has the UK typically held elections on the 4th of July? Because, seriously, the US has dibs on that day of the calendar.
If this is a new thing for the UK, it had better feature countless American flags, parades and fireworks.
Damn, and we in the States think Biden’s favorable/unfavorable ratings are bad. . .
Joe Biden is actually the most popular leader in the G7 group of rich countries. But that’s with 39% approval. Rich countries just seem to dislike their leaders for some reason.
Hmm. July 4 is not exactly the most auspicious day in British history.
Meant for other thread on same subject - removed.
Yeah, these approval ratings are starting to be meaningless.
4 July isn’t any sort of date in UK history. Why all these weird comments that it has some sort of special significance? It’s a Thursday, and that’s all that’s required to be an election day.
On Day 2 of the election:
Sunak does a couple of televised “meet the ordinary people” events. At the first, it’s proven that not one but two fo the people who asked him questions - both softballs as it happens - were not mere ordinary joes but in fact elected local Conservative councillors. Questioners at Sunak warehouse speech turn out to be Tory councillors | Rishi Sunak | The Guardian
In the second, he went to a brewery in Wales and asked the workers there if they were looking forward to “all the football” as it would get customers in. “The football” in this case being a reference to the upcoming Men’s Euros, a major international competition which will indeed be a major focus of sporting interest. Except in Wales, who didn’t qualify.
These are relatively minor gaffes in the big scheme, but coupled with yesterday’s shambles do drive home the point that whatever Sunak’s qualities, being a campaign front man simply isn’t one of them. Which is perfectly fine, until you try to run a campaign with him as your front man.
Trying to doge independence days would take 56(ish) dates out of contention.