Forum Topic

Priti Patel

I’m very pleased that she gave a very strong message to the perpetrators of DV. A well thought out and delivered speech.

Georgina Flint ● 2398d67 Comments

Shame she was so very poor when she tried to deliver the COVID-19 update. She is so very sorry that health workers feel that they’ve not received enough PPE. She is sorry they feel that. Clearly she thinks it’s their error. They need educated. Otherwise they wouldn’t feel that and she wouldn’t need to be sorry about their feelings.

Alan Clark ● 2398d

Agreed. It was a classic "sorry if" statement, rather than a genuine admission of remorse.

Chris Jenkins ● 2398d

A little humility would have gone a very long way.

N V Brooks ● 2398d

I agree with her lack of saying “sorry” etc., but I was referring to her statement about domestic violence. It’s gone up 120%.

Georgina Flint ● 2398d

Well your opening post placed emphasis on your view that Priti Patel was great. The issue you claim you were highlighting (and as an issue it is worthy of highlighting) was relegated to a two letter acronym. You also titled the thread around the person and not the issue. So please do not complain if subsequent posts focus on the person and the terrible job she is doing.

Alan Clark ● 2398d

I didn’t complain Alan

Georgina Flint ● 2398d

Every government announcement now is about window dressing, rather than substance. Trying to distort perception to hide the reality. And what the hell is "three hundred thousand, thirty four, nine hundred and seventy four thousand" tests? How many tests is that?  Yet another example of the mediocrity of our ministers. And if I hear another government minister saying "ramping up" again, I'll throw a brick at the television. It's been the "mot du jour" for a month now, and now we are told that it is the health workers' fault that they don't have enough PPE.We are being led (or not) but a bunch of second rate scoundrels.

T P Howell ● 2398d

I was talking about domestic violence. Please could we stick to this very important subject?

Georgina Flint ● 2398d

I agree, it is very important. But you headed your post "Priti Patel", and praised her for a "A well thought out and delivered speech".  It was not.  It was mostly nonsenses.What is important is that this government will do nothing, or insufficient, about domestic violence, in the same way that it has done nothing, or insufficient, about other important issues including the pandemic that had already killed more than 10,000 people in this country (and by some accounts more than 20,000 if non-hospital deaths are included - yet more smoke and mirrors), heading to probably at least double that figure.So my post was very much about this very important subject.  As I said: - "Every government announcement now is about window dressing, rather than substance. Trying to distort perception to hide the reality."

T P Howell ● 2398d

I think Ms. Patel always seems akin to some sort of Cruella De Ville, her delivery is wooden and it never comes across that she has any feeling or genuine concern for her fellow humans, she just reads from the prepared script. It was only yesterday that her hitherto absence from the front line was being remarked upon, perhaps the powers that be thought she was due for an airing in case she was in danger of being overlooked. I suspect the cabinet are going to start fighting like cats in a sack shortly, especially as Chief Stirrer Cummings is out of sight.

Vanessa Smith ● 2398d

Splitting hairs

Alan Clark ● 2398d

Most of us have probably worked for or with a bully at sometime.They are universally second rate, substituting aggression and dominance for leadership and evaluation.Their resistance to allowing themselves to be challenged highlights their awareness (even if subconsciously) that they are just not up to the job.Unpleasant if a branch manager of a non-critical business or organisation. A disaster for a government minister.

T P Howell ● 2398d

This was one of the worst prepared and delivered briefings so far and that’s saying something after Matt Hancock. I agree domestic violence is worrying, but this bullying woman is way out of her depth as a government minister. She doesn’t even care enough to have read her notes beforehand. Awful

Tim English ● 2398d

And that's before we note that Priti Patel has slipped the new immigration rules through at this time of national crisis. These are the rules that pretty much bar "low skilled" workers from coming to the UK for work. That would be "low skilled" workers that we so deeply depend on in hospitals, care homes, etc. How Patel can stand there extolling the virtues of the NHS whilst shafting it at the same time is beyond me. Dreadful woman, hopelessly out of her depth.

Alan Clark ● 2398d

Agree, agree - where this country would be without these 'low skilled workers' is beyond me, it's something that's been remarked on in nearly every newspaper. People are even volunteering to go out to farms to pick the veg and fruit, simply because this fixated government made EU agricultural workers feel so unwelcome they went home, really clever, brilliant move. What this crisis has shown is that this Tory majority is pretty much a one man show, in spite of all the guff about collective cabinet responsibility.

Vanessa Smith ● 2398d

By "low skilled", what she means of course is "low paid".Which comes from a philosophy where her only metric is to value people according to their "price".A perfect example of knowing the price of everything, but the value of nothing.

T P Howell ● 2398d

'Come on Pritti, it's must be your turn to do the press conference by now!''But what do I know about hospitals, masks and testing kits? All I know about is cutting the police, the probation service and prison officers, and how to stop low skilled immigrants coming into the country'.'I think you mean 'vital public servants' and 'key workers', Pritti, so maybe you'd better steer clear of that. Haven't you got some hastily worked up, headline catching initiative you could launch?''I suppose I could get one of my team to come up with something on, er, domestic violence, if I lean on them a bit.''Just the ticket, Pritti. And throw in a few million pounds to compensate for some of the cuts you imposed last year.''OK, but how do I deal with tricky questions from the press pack?''You'll be fine, but whatever you do, never explain and never apologise!'

Peter Evans ● 2397d

I honestly wish I’d never started this thread. I was referring to domestic violence.

Georgina Flint ● 2397d

I am with Georgina shut up everybody, could any one of you do a better job NO. They should stop daily briefings because idiots on this thread think that something incredible can happen in 24 hrs it can’t, so window dressing it is! Just shut up....you lot are clearly manic depressives that feed off negativity and criticising other!

Jayne Thorburn ● 2397d

Shut up?First, to address a perception that some have taken over a thread about domestic violence and made this into a political thread. Please look again at the opening post. It was political and was primarily a voice of praise for Priti Patel. It even hid the supposed main topic as merely “DV”. I’d no idea what that might be until I looked it up. So you get what you sow. Second, has this been a series of posts decrying Patel’s performance on the Covid-19 update? No. One did. The rest were primarily a criticism of Patel’s wider performance. Which fair given the opening post.

Alan Clark ● 2397d

On a day this country hit 10k deaths, and we've seen serious reports suggesting the UK may end up being the worst hit country in Europe, are you seriously suggesting we meekly shut up and accept this incompetence?

Chris Jenkins ● 2397d

Alan different ministers are responsible for different aspects of society and DV is an important issue that has long been ignored by mainstream ministers so it’s brilliant that we have a Home Secretary who is placing a lot more importance on this issue. I think that was the point. Then everyone highjacked the discussion to broader issues. That’s why I wrote shut up!

Jayne Thorburn ● 2397d

No-one has suggested that domestic violence is not important. Surely you agree that the opening post itself steered the discussion away from this important issue? Please, stop the pathetic moaning about serious criticism of this failing minister. Also, expect the criticism to widen. We find that the NHS emergency supplies have been wound down over the last 6 years. Not a Patel failing but very much a Tory government failing.

Alan Clark ● 2397d

"shut up everybody" is not a meaningful contribution to a very serious issue, i.e. the consistent failure of our Government to address the current crises (or any other important issues, including domestic violence, treatment of people born in other countries, or how the economy will fare if we crash out of the EU at the end of the year, etc. etc.)."could any one of you do a better job NO" - maybe, maybe not.  But it's the Governments' role (not my role, nor anyone else contributing to this forum) is to plan, manage and protect the population - things it has abjectly failed to do.We have a government of the mediocre, driven by self-interest and ideology, not principle or the good of the nation. And that blames everyone else (e.g. NHS workers) rather than accept responsibility and address its own failings."Shut up" is exactly what they want us to do. It is a fascistic response, a wish to crush any questioning or challange rather than dealing with the real issues. 

T P Howell ● 2397d

The lack of a serious opposition to hold the government to account since Labour chose Corbyn as leader has revealed weaknesses in our democratic system. While not wanting to see them in power, let us at least hope that Starmer can properly fulfill the role of Leader of the Opposition.

Richard Greenhough ● 2397d

Priceless! So the shameful shambles of the government's handling of the Covid-19 crisis is down to the ineffectiveness of the labour opposition? What excuse can you come up with next?

Robert Fish ● 2397d

Sir, you are commended for your post.

Alan Clark ● 2397d

Cant help wishing John Berkow  was still Speaker.

Micki Hawkes ● 2397d

Agree, Richard.  And hopefully the new shadow chancellor will mangle her figures less than Abbott did.  After Patel's appalling error in the figures she mentioned in her appearance yesterday = on a par with anything Ms Abbott ever did - doubt if she'll be allowed out in public again for a very long time.

Claire Moran ● 2397d

She'll keep her job. She's a Johnson toady, and will never look like a viable alternative for PM. The only two qualifications needed for a place in this cabinet.

T P Howell ● 2397d

Unfortunately on this one, I fear you may be right. Raab too. But the new chancellor surely a threat, although still green?  He is confident, impressive and charismatic.

Claire Moran ● 2397d

Going back to the original subject, isn't the government still dithering about getting the Domestic Abuse Bill though Parliament? It's been on the books since the end of last year but got tangled up with the Brexit proroguing nonsense.

Peter Evans ● 2397d

Thank you Jayne x

Georgina Flint ● 2397d

'Priceless! So the shameful shambles of the government's handling of the Covid-19 crisis is down to the ineffectiveness of the labour opposition? What excuse can you come up with next?'You took the words right out of my mouth! Same old Tories it's never their fault - always someone else's - see Patel/Sharma.

Vanessa Smith ● 2397d

Agree Richard.

Janice Evans ● 2397d

“ I think Ms. Patel always seems akin to some sort of Cruella De Ville, her delivery is wooden and it never comes across that she has any feeling or genuine concern for her fellow humans”Spot on!

Steve Taylor ● 2397d

“ The lack of a serious opposition to hold the government to account since Labour chose Corbyn as leader has revealed weaknesses in our democratic system”Good grief, what a stupid statement.

Steve Taylor ● 2397d

"Good grief, what a stupid statement."From whence it comes !;-)

Richard Greenhough ● 2396d

I know they're not sitting at the moment but here's a chance to have a look at the bills and where they are in the process:https://services.parliament.uk/bills/

Philippa Bond ● 2396d

“The lack of a serious opposition to hold the government to account since Labour chose Corbyn as leader “How thick can one be to blame the opposition because the government has an incompetent fool as Home Secretary.

Steve Taylor ● 2396d

But that is just a reflection of government policy.It's always someone else's fault. Blaming the last Labour government has worn a bit thin 13 years on.  So now they have to blame the Labour opposition for their own failures.Bit like (well maybe not quite as bad) as blaming the NHS staff for the shortage of PPE, because they keep using it.

T P Howell ● 2396d

Sometimes it is someone else's fault. Yes, even your sacred Labour.

Claire Moran ● 2396d

Micki NOOOOOO

Claire Moran ● 2396d

Claire - at the very least, please give examples relevant to the matter in hand.

Anne England ● 2396d

Err - no. Busy earning money as a sole trader.  Find them yourself.

Claire Moran ● 2396d

What? You make a sweeping and utterly unsubstantiated claim and then, when challenged, you say ‘no, too busy to justify’. You do know how pathetic that is? Either support your claims or take them back. Now, we all sympathise with your need to continue to earn. You are busy (so don’t make empty claims you do not have time to justify). But I want to help you here, you being so very busy and all that. You need an example of where the Labour Party in opposition has directly contributed to the current mess the government is making of this virus crisis. Here is a big example:In 2016 there was a mock run of how the NHS would cope with a pandemic crisis. We know this and we know the outcome and recommendations. These were ignored by the government. That is shocking, irresponsible and damning of the Tory government. However if, in 2016, Corbyn’s useless leadership had mounted a more effective (or indeed any sort of) robust campaign to remain in the EU then we’d have nipped this idiotic Brexit in the bud back then. Labour’s weakness in 2016 has directly led to the biggest, most costly and most unnecessary distraction. Obviously since that referendum all sides have contributed fulsomely to this distraction but it’s labours failure in 2016 that is the root of it.

Alan Clark ● 2396d

It will never be damaging to the Tory Government while Labour drag their heels.

Janice Evans ● 2396d

One thing we do need is a good opposition party.

Janice Evans ● 2396d

Ye Gods woman! Keir Starmer only got the job of official Leader of the Opposition a few days ago and parliament has been in recess as well. I daresay once they've sorted out the tech. stuff to attempt the HoC being able to meet fairly 'normal service' will resume.

Vanessa Smith ● 2396d

Well let's hope so.

Janice Evans ● 2396d

"Sometimes it is someone else's fault. Yes, even your sacred Labour."Labour isn't sacred at all. But only a fool like Priti Patel would try to blame them and insult everyone's intelligence and only a bigger fool like Trump idol, Dickie Greentrough,  would endorse her.

Steve Taylor ● 2395d

"From whence it comes !"Yes, the stupid statement came from Trump worshipper, Dickie Greentrough, the Forum clown.

Steve Taylor ● 2395d

Nice that you think I am Trump's idol, but as far as I know Dumbass Donald is unaware of my existence, and I hope it will stay that way. Otherwise, your recent posts are almost outdoing your normal level of silliness. Perhaps you could try and follow the example of John Cleese, who said that after the death of his old friend Tim Brooke-Taylor he didn't feel silly any more. The height of the pandemic ought to be a reason for you to follow suit.

Richard Greenhough ● 2395d

Why didn't you tell us you had your own website ? https://www.sillysteve.co.uk/

Richard Greenhough ● 2395d

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA1atZbMvFg

Steve Taylor ● 2395d

That is a link to a song called Killer Klowns (From Outer Space) by a band called The Dickies. You really are cerebrally challenged, aren't you ?

Richard Greenhough ● 2395d

Keep up Dickie - try not to show just how thick you are. It's very silly.

Steve Taylor ● 2395d

"MATTHIAS: Me? No. I'm just a poor old man. I have no time for law-breakers. My legs are grey. My ears are gnarled. My eyes are old and bent.CENTURION: Quiet! Silly person."If only Silly Steve would follow the Centurion's advice. Sigh.

Richard Greenhough ● 2395d

Well done little Dickie - now go away and tweet your hero Don Trump and your super hero Priti Patal.

Steve Taylor ● 2395d

What was it David Cameron said ? Tweeting is for twats, wasn't it ? I don't tweet myself, but I'm sure if I did I would find numerous tweets from Silly Steve.

Richard Greenhough ● 2395d

Hello Britons. If you want to see the dimmest spat ever on the internet, just read this thread.

Carl Wynne ● 2395d

I agree Carl. Pathetic

Georgina Flint ● 2395d

I was going to post asking when one thinks the kids will return to school. Now i have > ?

Julian Pavey ● 2395d

Julian Pavey ● 2395d

And I must apologise. I hijacked your thread. It came to this. I thought my topic re-directing was justified. I knew not where it would lead. For the result, I say sorry. Domestic violence is not just forgotten, it’s been peed out the window.

Alan Clark ● 2395d

Thank you Alan

Georgina Flint ● 2395d

Back to the point.The OP praised Patel "for a "A well thought out and delivered speech".  It was not.  It was mostly nonsense" So it seems that Wynne and Greenborough support Georgina's praise for Ms Patel and most others agree that it was extremely disrespectful to the NHS. Speaks volumes .

Steve Taylor ● 2395d