What a reply
🇪🇺 @nialloconghaile from the other place. Views my own; RT = interest, not endorsement.
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And even for cheap holidays, the point isn't the low cost: the point is the damage to local society, and the associated bad behaviour. It's a great country for family hols, but I don't think I'd take the kids to Ibiza town. Ends
Here's another one. Spain probably has the most full-spectrum tourism offer of any country, maybe even ahead of France. I stayed in a place a few years ago and it had three professional cycling teams doing training. There's boutique, or very high end, cities and city breaks, skiing, food, etc. 1
It's hard, because you can't blame the government because a) they needed the money in the 60s and 70s desperately, and b) they can't ban foreign themed bars because they're foreign. I just don't understand the point of going to Valencia to drink Boddingtons and watch the Premier League all day.
Exactly. The reality is very different
Agreed, the narrative fed by the media that championed Brexit in the first place.
We need good laws and courts.
Where this leads can be tracked in real-time where the #GoldenDiseaseGangsterFascist lets his #ICEGestapo randomly abduct #UnitedStatiens in broad daylight on the open street using #RacialProfiling. www.epsu.org/article/nine...
We are “experts” at saying International organisations and treaties need reforming Less “expert” at reforming our own institutions to make them fit for the 21st century
Northern Ireland World - worst amusement/theme park ever...
The point is people who say "Spain needs us, needs our money, they should allow us to go and go when we want". That's really against the current of the day, and reality.
“ECHR withdrawal is now at the centre of national debate after comments from the Reform UK leader last week.” Is it? Or is it just more pandering to farage?
An epiphany, maybe!
Where's that from?
It has been strangely quiet in València this summer, fewer stag/hen groups than we have seen in recent years Spanish stag/hens tend to come in Spring & Autumn while the summer used to be full of other nationalities Fewer banana boats too, but lots of jet skies
I never suggested that. The issue is people who don't accept that Spain has a right, an obligation, and a need to limit non-Europeans distorting the market. That Spain doesn't belong to them The problems of mass tourism, and the specific problems caused by booze, are not just British
And bad behaviour on the Balearics is certainly not limited to any nationality. My experiences with Britons in Spain have often been very positive.
No, package holidays are not the issue. The problem is a group of exceptionalists who don't accept that Spain is not theirs, that it's a society, it's not dependant on their money, and they can't ignore the law and come and go as they please beyond 90 days. They treat it as their playground.
The problem in a nutshell for NI unionists. At least they seem to be aware of the implications of leaving the ECHR; they absolutely walked blindly into Brexit and all that entailed for them. (also, the "leading reform" rhetoric...) www.northernirelandworld.com/news/politic...
It is to be commended that Spain is standing up to overtourism, showing it's a society, not a package holiday, as some of our exceptionalist friends seem to think. Ends www.bbc.com/news/article...
Surprised that these measures worked as well as they did. While we should worry about a new puritanism, this really is a question of bad behaviour that had become unbearable for residents. 1 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
What is that?
It's beyond me why the PM doesn't want to put out this simple message. It's not hard. Hold a reception for prominent non-white British sportspeople, actors, etc to point out the kinds of well known and well liked people this kind of ugly nationalism is attacking. It's really not rocket science. 5/5
Could happen. Easiest way for the right to get majorités is to dump Scotland.
Pathetic idiocy. But worse, craven pandering to the absolute worst people in the country.
Very powerful piece of writing about what it is like to experience racism in Ireland. We are far from the multi-racial utopia many people often suggest. Indian people, in particular, have to deal with v distressing incidents on a regular basis. A wake up call. www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
This was confirmed by Putin's man in Downing St/Fleet St, PM Johnson, who blamed Europe for having offered Ukraine a chance to realise a European destiny. He is a Putin apologist. As for Rob**t Fi*o, again forgive my language, what a gowl. No words. Ends
Pandering is the word. They play all the time to the far-right's fetishes, and give this too much power and let them co-opt symbols that belong to everyone "Of course I have a George Cross, a symbol of how we welcome and borrow from foreigners" bsky.app/profile/nial...
Your last line is it 100% The worst crime Ukraine could commit was showing Russians a better form of government, and a government that did not loot them blind, was possible. It is why both Latvia and Estonia are a threat, they are richer, freer, and far to close to St Petersburg.
Today though, newly elected Zach Polanski of the Green Party said exactly what needed to be said about both Farage & Starmer. The UK sorely needs so much more of this.
I have some inner knowledge re the Tory Party and it would work in a selection/deselection of candidates in some constituencies if CPHQ don't parachute a candidate in. Would work v well in leadership contest but who's left who isn't a lunatic and willing to stand. Policy - no chance, v top-down.
Fico is still such a nasty, corrupt jerk. bsky.app/profile/rena...
Thanks
Tout à fait
And, if you read what DAG said few weeks ago, being part of EU is not very far to be part of NATO. There are some links for countries inside the EU in front of an agression from an external country.
He also didn't want to lose the chance of billions in minerals and farming, in the end it's all about the wealth and power, any nationalism is purely incidental and merely a means to an end i.e. he's emperor over all for life.
This was confirmed by Putin's man in Downing St/Fleet St, PM Johnson, who blamed Europe for having offered Ukraine a chance to realise a European destiny. He is a Putin apologist. As for Rob**t Fi*o, again forgive my language, what a gowl. No words. Ends
This is, forgive my language, utter bollocks from Putin. He invaded in 2014 *because* of Ukraine's sovereign choice to associate with Europe. Indeed, that is practically what this war is about. Putin couldn't stand the thought of Russians seeing Russophones in Ukraine freer and better off. 1
Yes it is. Has been spamming, trolling and trying to cause problems since a spat with Niall - which he never got over. So keeps opening alias accounts to get round being blocked each time. So he can carry on the stupidity.
Because they will be left in the positon of defending Brexit, which they're not forced to now, and that will cost them.
Anyone who could have led Conservatives back to the centre ground & a positive policy towards EU was bundled out of the door by Johnson....... He's the one that killed UK Conservatism ably abetted by Graham Brady & Co!
Pro-European hopes in the UK are virtually as extinguished as those who used to be pro-EU in the Tory party. All the UK has left is three variations on Reform and the Lib Dems/Greens in England who cannot get a look-in.
There are no Tories left (actual moderate & pro-European Tories). The last of them disappeared c/o crook Johnson at the 'get Brexit done' election.
You don't need to. The point isn't to win votes. It's to force the other parties to reconsider their position.
The Tory brand is too toxic, primarily because of the last wave of entryism from Ukip. No point in taking over a party no-one will vote for unless you have a cunning plan to turn it around. How would you make it acceptable?
If they do to constituency meetings and are told by members, or they have votes, that they want more access to Europe's markets, then they will listen.
Agree on this. Everyone who is interested in Europe should join a political party to have influence. More than one even. But there is an opportunity here to use the Tories dead body for its history and standing
Whilst it’s probably relatively easy to do, if nobody notices what you are doing initially I can’t see it producing the desired results anytime soon and definitely not quickly enough to make any difference during the current Parliament
No they're not. They've all.left the Tories for Reform. That's the point.
Ha!
But who could stand the stigma?
Correct. Many of us are currently working on this. It is not easy and we may not succeed. But we are doing our best.
Exactly. Someone has to do it, and it's best to start now.
Once Tory backbenchers are criticising Labour at PMQs for cutting British business off from its natural Hinterland in the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, and so on, you'll see change in Labour. And indeed the Tories. Ends
It worked for Brexit, after all, as Ukippers entered the Tories and pushes them steadily rightwards. Those people have left for Reform, leaving a carcass of the main opposition party. Make Tory MPs worry about de selection or recall if they don't get onboard with Europe. 2
The pro-European tactic nobody is talking about to shift the UK debate? The Tories are dying. Among the membership, literally. Most are old, and many are oddly actually dead. It is carriom. Why not entryism? It wouldn't take many people to take over the party, cell by cell. 1
That's where the fight is at
Looks good, bon app
Estonians in the Antarctic. Fancy! 😉 Yes, exactly though, all our histories intertwine in old and unexpected ways. That is Europe.
Thanks Niall. And thanks to the Estonians I met in Antarctica, who told me the Bellingshausen Sea was named after a Baltic German captain in the Russian Imperial navy - who came from what is now Estonia. All our histories entwine.
An Estonian colleague told me that this is the best time to be born an Estonian ever. That's mainly down to Nato and to 🇪🇺 This super podcast will let you know why, on the Baltic States from the 20th century to today, especially the threat from Russia. 1
The GE replaced Tory MPs who have no solutions to anything apart from blaming the EU / migrants and wanting single market and customs access to the EU as a 3rd country within their red lines. with... Labour MPs who want and do exactly the same, with the same red lines and the same limitations. 🤷♂️
Bram for the writer of Dracula.
Marty for Whelan ór McFly?
I hesitate to right this, but these are in response to my post that Europe is not responsible for negotiation delays, and it is best to correct the message. Mr Draghi is right, Europe must move quicker on existential issues. We have been too passive in the face of internal+external threats 🧵
Absolutely the case. Partisan tribal/cultist irrationality & stupidity took over rational thought. Yet these are the same people who claim it is somehow everyone else who is out of step & they preach sanctimoniously about 'not understanding politics' BfB are very much driven by Labour sentiment.
I’m making the case for rejoin as it is hugely beneficial for Britain from every angle you look. It’s simply incredible the British society is so weak it allows the corruption and cowardice in their political class.
It is also the case that Britain has a responsibility to the wider community, and that Britons should want and be able to be part of that community.
If the EU construct is good for 20+ nations, including Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, etc, why should Brits be any exceptions? Every new EU member will have its own Treaty of Accession with some specifics, but the big picture should be the same.
I can remember a night in the early 90’s, when we were in a Pub in Marylebone having a few beers, there was a group having a grand time, we started talking to them and asked what they were celebrating and they told us they were from the Lithuanian embassy and they celebrated independence every day
Exactly - and because of this progress, it would be impossible for the UK to re-join on the old terms (or anything near it). That ship has sailed.
It was very interesting and entertaining, and your passion comes through. These histories are quite unknown in Western Europe, so it was quite a treat for me. Thanks. I'll check out your books.
The EU is a group of countries, and the members of the EU decide together about membership of other countries which made an application for membership. Btw. The UK is also an union of countries. So what's your point?
Where has this ludicrous ECHR "debate" even come from. I've never once met an ordinary member of the public who's said to me, "Do you know what? We REALLY need to leave the ECHR." It's just a new right wing talking point because every other shit idea they've foisted on us has run out of steam.
Agree with this. The easiest way for UKG to make fundamental changes would be the constitution, security of elections, and voting reform. Clamping down on disinformation would also be useful.
It's fascinating watching the same cycle of f%¥£ing around and finding out happening. Some anti-ECHR lawyers in Britain might say this, but Irish and EU politicians think differently, and politics will determine their reaction, not law alone. archive.ph/BpWNN
That is a fair comment. The issue is the exceptionalism and sense of superiority in Britain. And is difficult to change as the propaganda works like clockwork and is being fed from birth.
Yes, in the round. But we would still be better-off with a committed and pro-European UK
May I say a few nuances? We have strategically progressed in the EU thanks to Brexit : we have set up policies in pharmaceuticals, arm industries, common debt, strategic autonomy, digital rules … EU citizens have massively benefited from Brexit.
It looks to me their approach was to get as many people to trust them during the People’s Vote campaign and then convince them that only by voting Labour at every opportunity would help the rejoin goal. This may take several generations, but we need to be patient. And also the EU is to be blamed
@snellarthur.bsky.social puts batteries in @dankaszeta.bsky.social and off he goes, with Arthur giving knowledgeable nudges along the way. 🇪🇪 and 🇫🇮 know the alternative history where they're not free. They see the lives of Finno-Ugric peoples in Russia - repression and cultural death Ends
An Estonian colleague told me that this is the best time to be born an Estonian ever. That's mainly down to Nato and to 🇪🇺 This super podcast will let you know why, on the Baltic States from the 20th century to today, especially the threat from Russia. 1
Thanks
Very true
They Stuart, thank you. Now question, the May-Johnson redlines are killing Labour in gov.
Interesting and informative thread The UK is stuck due to political tribalism of Starmer supporters everywhere, including Best For Britain. If it wasn't for this the UK could drop the red lines and progress things like touring for musicians (a manifesto commitment) or even an A49 EU application.
That’s exactly what they’ve done. Best for Britain were among the most trenchant critics of Brexit when it could be blamed (mostly) on the Tories. When Labour willingly adopted it, I seem to recall the pro-EU side suddenly being lectured on the need to accept the limits of what was possible.
NI Unionists should be nervous, because there is a break-glass solution a UKG can reach for to painlessly not need to enforce the treaty in NI anymore
Their role during the GE campaign was 100% in support of Labour. They came up with voting advice for every seat. In Scotland they never suggested the SNP as first choice: always Labour even if Labour wasn't able to challenge the SNP. When challenged they simply said they made that choice.....
What do Jenrick, Farage, Goodwin, the Telegraph etc think will be the consequences of their actions? And what does Starmer think will be the consequence of his inaction?
It's crazy. I can't really understand their position, other than they've chosen Labour over Europe
Political tribalism Alex blocked me after the GE when I replied to him that Starmer should drop his red lines in order to deliver on his manifesto pledges such as touring musicians. I didn't think the BfB would be like this but they are and now the UK is stuck without anyone informing the public.
Thanks Qasim!
Forensic analysis and astute observations from @nialloconghaile.bsky.social - hits the mark.
Essentially yes, and there isn't the space to think strategically with so many immediate issues too.
Reminds me of the Cameron phase of bashing the EU and asking for reform from a third and multilateral party before losing the referendum.
Douglas Carswell has skirted the line and now he's crossed it. This is disgusting racism from a former MP who now demonstrates who and what he is.
Veyr much so. Alex simply Was unable to rebut any of the points made. Poor, in truth.
Yeah. Undermines the "let's all stick together" message too, when sticking together actually means "shut up and do what you're told, whilst we mischaracterise your arguments"
