London Evening Standard « Dr Alf's Blog

Evening Standard logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



Embed from Getty Images

Here’s an excellent read from the London Evening Standard, edited by George Osborne. It reports that Theresa May today faced a Tory rebellion and a stark warning that “thousands” of cancer patients face delays to their treatment as a direct result of Britain’s decision to quit the European nuclear body Euratom. Critically, it points out that the agency, which governs the movement of radioactive material around Europe, is not formally part of the EU but is under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice — leading to the Government’s decision to pull out as part of the Brexit process.

Source: Tory rebellion goes nuclear: nine MPs oppose plan to quit body that would ‘threaten supply of key cancer treatment material’ | London Evening Standard

The article raises a number of important issues. Perhaps, the most important is that this issue seems to be a test of ideology Vs. Best interests – if idealogy prevails, a hard Brexit seems more probable. Secondly, it shines the spotlight on Conservative MPs who are brave enough to stand up for what is right. Thirdly, given the likely deterioration in cancer treatment, which already trails the majority of advanced nations, then the government has no overall strategy – Brexit is about idealogy and damn everything else.

Thoughts?

English: Evening Standard Van Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at Kilburn London (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a brilliant, must-read article by Joe Murphy in the London Evening Standard. It reports that shortly before the general election was called, Sir Lynton Crosby sat down to write a highly confidential memo for Theresa May’s inner circle. It suggests that it boiled down to a simple piece of advice: “Don’t do it.” “Lynton pleaded, ‘Do not do this, do not call the election!’”. Citing a senior figure involved in the Tory campaign “He thought international politics were too unsettled, the risks were too great.”

Source: Revealed: How Theresa May aides seized control of Tory election campaign | London Evening Standard

The article provides an amazing insight into Theresa May’s ineffective leadership and judgement.

It describes how a number of heavy-hitting cabinet ministers were sidelined by May’s aides. But these same ministers are still in place, with May’s aides fired. To be candid, May must have few political friends these days. With a minority government and trying to stitch an unpopular alliance with Northern Iseland’s DUP, May is fire-fighting on a daily basis. Her performance at the scene of the London highrise was disgraceful – Conservatives know that she’s ‘toxic Theresa’. But it’s strange that the shadowy Far-Left supporters of Jeremy Corbyn‘s Labour Party are more focused on taking May down than the Conservatives. Let’s face it, the Conservatives are most afraid of an early election and losing to Labour.

But the Brexit negotiations will also signal the start of campaign for a new Conservative Leader. Philip Hammond now has a chance for his moment in history – against the government’s declared policy, Hammond will champion the case for a softer Brexit. Hammond will have the support of big business, working people, Tory grandees and expert opinion. So we should expect a strong reaction from the three Brexit stooges (Davis, Fox and Johnson) and don’t be surprised when Farage rises from the ashes.

Coming soon, in the UK, ‘Far Left’ Vs. ‘Far Right’ and the emergence of a British Macron?

Thoughts?

Evening Standard logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)