[Boiler]

"Abstract flim-flam" is all they have.

It's been a long time since I holidayed in Paris but I used to love bringing food back.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Our friend Stephen Bush is getting stuck in again.

In this case it is George Robertson on defence, but what he is saying is really just the public version of what I hear so often from former New Labour leading lights about their contact with the government – that when it comes to actually matching rhetoric with policy commitment, Starmer never really delivers. (For its part, the government said it is “delivering” on its strategic defence review and increasing defence spending).
Will Robertson going public cause a chain reaction? What helps Starmer is that many people who will nod along to what Robertson says today fear that after him things will get worse, not better.
But one sign that this government is really starting to circle the drain will be if Labour grandees and power brokers who have had a similar journey – seeking constructive engagement before becoming frustrated – take a leaf out of Robertson’s book and say on the record that this is a government that writes cheques it doesn’t even try to cash.

Or as I always put it, a load of people with their own particular priorities want those fixed, while taking little account that everything is in the shit, not just their thing. The Government has already raised taxes to a level way higher than any of them had to demand of the electorate.

What are George Robertson (who I like and has a point about Defence, in isolation) going to do about it? Call for Andy Burnham or Nigel Farage to take over?

[Abernathy]

Trying to understand this George Robertson thing. Robertson’s speech, and the key criticisms contained therein of Starmer and his government, has been heavily trailed and debated on speech radio news channels all day. And he hasn’t even delivered the speech yet. Robertson is apparently going to criticise Starmer for spending too much on providing people with benefits instead of spending money on defence, seeming to play politically into Badenoch’s hands.

Here’s what I don’t get. Robertson is a Labour peer and a former Labour defence secretary. An ally of the government, surely ? He must have spoken to Starmer in advance of making his speech/attack (as it will inevitably be called by right wing media) tonight.
Starmer knows what’s coming, and must therefore also know what his response will be.

It’s all a bit of a pantomime, is it not ? What the fuck is going on?

[Tubby Isaacs]

The only major changes of policy on benefits that have happened are a return to the position on child poverty that existed when Robertson was in government, and to make fairly harsh changes to new incapacity claims (the system already being less generous than Robertson's day). Kendal's policy on trying work without losing benefits is very good, and may make a difference over time, same with the real terms increase in job seekers (which may mean people stick on that and don't go for incapacity benefit). What else does Robertson suggest?

I wonder if Starmer will have a word with Robertson before the speech because this does seem well out of order. If he lines up with Kemi, whose party left this for Labour because they knew that sorting it out would upset their base, then he should resign the whip.

[Malcolm Armsteen]

I believe he is also in the employ of an American military intelligence and logistics outfit, the Cohen Group:

The Cohen Group is headed by former US Secretary of Defense, William S. Cohen.

The firm's Vice Chairmen are retired Air Force General Joseph Ralston, the former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Ambassador Marc Grossman, former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs and U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Cohen Group opened its doors in January 2001 with the objective of helping multinational clients explore opportunities overseas as well as solve problems that may develop. The Cohen Group has the unique ability to provide our clients with truly comprehensive tools for understanding and shaping their business, political, legal, regulatory, and media environments. A strategic alliance with DLA Piper, a global law firm specializing in business, real estate, and technology, enhances our capabilities.

Mastering the complex and often veiled dynamic where government, politics, media, and business intersect requires a rare combination of knowledge, skills, and experience. Our Principals bring centuries of experience at the White House, the State Department, the Defense Department, and Congress. This experience encompasses decision making and deal making with government and industry officials in the US and around the world. In addition, our Principals led and managed the Defense Department, the largest and most complex enterprise in the world.

[Tubby Isaacs]

I don't particularly mind that, I think he's genuine about Defence. If he does the Badenoch line on benefits, that will really grate with me.

[Tubby Isaacs]

More advice for the Government,

Group of Labour MPs proposes new policies to beat rightwing populism
Policies include a Swiss-style EU deal, lower electricity prices and reduced dependence on the US

A Swiss style deal is a nightmare of mucking around with lots of bilateral deals. Why would the EU want to do that with another country? It's also a political nightmare too, with every chancer and self-publicist taking the opportunity to take potshots with daft expectations that the UK can just hardball everything.

Reduced dependance on the US, I think they've thought of that already (though I accept the latest speech may have come too late for consideration). It also means higher taxes, most likely. Not an obvious ace v rightwing populism.

Reduced electricity prices would be nice. I'm, sure Rachel Reeves is all ears.

I don't want to be too unkind, I'm sure they want the Government to do well.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... g-populism

[Boiler]

He is indeed a member of the Cohen Group:

https://www.cohengroup.net/lord-george- ... ohen-group

[The Weeping Angel]

I don't particularly mind that, I think he's genuine about Defence. If he does the Badenoch line on benefits, that will really grate with me.

That's what he's going to do.