The idea that there is a left-wing conspiracy - a “New Elite” - that secretly runs Britain is an idiotic one. Here’s the real story I have been to Toryland on extended holidays. I have worked for conservative (really “Conservative”) think tanks in London. I have written for centre-right publications, at times for extended periods of time on a regular basis. I think I have an idea of how it works - at least, as much as any outsider could. And I’m here to tell you that the idea that there is a left-wing cabal that secretly runs Britain has no basis in fact. Generally speaking, the opposite is much closer to being the truth. And not just because the Tories have been in power for 13 years. Even when they are out of government, the massive cultural powers in Britain mostly lean to the right.
Hi Nick, this absolutely spot-on in every respect. And it's why I'm still nervous about the next GE: the Conservatives benefit enormously from a friendly media landscape, almost regardless of what they do. I can easily see a situation where they get in *again* despite massive unpopularity.
Alternatively, the next GE might resemble Oct-1964 rather than May-1997, with a very small.Labour majority. Although anything that oushes them into coalition with the Lib Dems, and increases the push towards changing the voting system, has to be of longer term benefit for our political system as a whole.
Thanks Nick - trenchant as usual. Perhaps it is best to think of the 'gang' as 'absolute oligarchs'. From Brussels in the 1990's their anti-Maastricht stance seemed puzzling - why object to something that allows big corporations to make serious money by providing them with secure continent-sized markets? Then - as Brexit unfolded - it became clear that these folk resembled the oligarchy that backed Il Duce in the 1920's - because his regime promised a version of a 'small state', pandered to 'nationalism - mare nostrum' secured them local monopolies and destroyed their enemies (trade unions). A reflection...history rythms
Brilliant Nick. so true. It is mainstream in the Tory party to assume every Remoaner is "woke", pro every Lockdown that happened, etc.....What about us Remoaners who are Business people, pro Capitalist and very patriotic towards Monarchy and our country succeeding, and also sceptical of Net Zero ?
Also, read Peter Lilley's article in yesterdays Telegraph where he writes about the Gaullist Brexiter Lawson......some actual interesting points in it which unpicks different views of what Brexit was all about.
Hi Nick, this absolutely spot-on in every respect. And it's why I'm still nervous about the next GE: the Conservatives benefit enormously from a friendly media landscape, almost regardless of what they do. I can easily see a situation where they get in *again* despite massive unpopularity.
Alternatively, the next GE might resemble Oct-1964 rather than May-1997, with a very small.Labour majority. Although anything that oushes them into coalition with the Lib Dems, and increases the push towards changing the voting system, has to be of longer term benefit for our political system as a whole.
Thanks Nick - trenchant as usual. Perhaps it is best to think of the 'gang' as 'absolute oligarchs'. From Brussels in the 1990's their anti-Maastricht stance seemed puzzling - why object to something that allows big corporations to make serious money by providing them with secure continent-sized markets? Then - as Brexit unfolded - it became clear that these folk resembled the oligarchy that backed Il Duce in the 1920's - because his regime promised a version of a 'small state', pandered to 'nationalism - mare nostrum' secured them local monopolies and destroyed their enemies (trade unions). A reflection...history rythms
Thanks Nick; a master polemic, with important insights.
Brilliant Nick. so true. It is mainstream in the Tory party to assume every Remoaner is "woke", pro every Lockdown that happened, etc.....What about us Remoaners who are Business people, pro Capitalist and very patriotic towards Monarchy and our country succeeding, and also sceptical of Net Zero ?
Also, read Peter Lilley's article in yesterdays Telegraph where he writes about the Gaullist Brexiter Lawson......some actual interesting points in it which unpicks different views of what Brexit was all about.