Comments
Tongues slipping all over the place
2009-10-08 09:00:07
Did Nick Robinson really refer to David Cameron as the Prime Minister? And should any of us be terribly surprised?
Now of course it is possible to excuse the BBC political editor's mistake as a slip of the tongue. The Conference season has been going for some weeks. That is an awful lot of day to night two-ways, the staple diet of current broadcast journalism, and a lot of early mornings and late nights. And when tiredness creeps in, mistakes can be made.
But I would say it is less a mistake, more a symbol of the mindset much of the media now has.
The bulk of them seem to have decided some time ago that Labour has lost, the Tories have won, and can we get the damned thing over with?
It is this frustration which in part explains the contrast between the soft and supine coverage of the Tories in large parts of the media and the relentlessly negative coverage of the government.
But this is one of those weeks where I have been in different parts of the country every day and there is a definite gulf between the mood inside the Westminster village and the mood in the country.
Yes, you meet people who have had it with Labour. You meet people whose general view of politics is not high. But you (or at least I) meet very few people who express a positive desire to see Cameron and Co elected. And I have met a fair few people for whom the week so far has not been the success the Tories and the media seem to think. They are wrong on so many of the big arguments, as I said to my first dinner last night, and therefore they remain beatable, as I said to the second, a Labour fundraiser.
We also had a glimpse of their basic incompetence yesterday with the bungled announcement of General Richard Dannatt's support and possible ministerial role in a Cameron government. I found the announcement both unsurprising and shocking.
Unsurprising because he has been making persistent noises off which have been undermining of the PM in a way that goes beyond the inevitable military lobbying. But shocking because the political impartiality of soldiers is something most Prime Ministers have been able to take for granted.
The news puts into some perspective the constant sniping.
In the current media climate, a military man taking pot shots at GB is not going to have to work too hard to get himself a good press. But the impact on public support for the war in Afghanistan, and on morale, can hardly be positive.
It is true that Labour has its own military man in government, former defence intelligence chief Alan West. I had many dealings with him when I worked for TB and had no idea as to his politics. Indeed, as he used to wear a bowler hat which he plonked in front of himself at meetings, I can remember Robin Cook being convinced he must be a Tory.
The point is we should not know the party politics of the military, and they should not let party politics affect their words and actions, knowing as they do that they can always make their case privately.
General Dannatt, had he found Gordon as bad as the press coverage seems to suggest, could surely have resigned.
He has done a pretty good job undermining GB. Yesterday he undermined himself, even if the press focus mainly on the undermining of GB.
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A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Sylvia
2009-10-10 21:07:41The Tories under Cameron are the same old Tories,
'wolves in sheep's clothing'. Since when did the Tories stand up and clap when someone talked about the 'poor'? Only at a Tory conference with all the media watching, this was sheer stage management. This includes Cameron's shallow, dangerous and hypocritical comments with no real substance.Using the sad death of his son to turn suddenly be concerned about all of the poor unemployed etc, was unforgivable. God help the voters who vote them in if they do win the next GE, as the Tories will have done a good job on brain washing so many ordinary people. Shame that people have forgotten how Thatcher ruined this country, dismantled the unions, broke the power of local 'small government' to continue building council housing, stopped investment in NHS and public services, privatised all the nationalised industries and hoped that all those people who bought their council homes would vote Tory each time to be grateful. No help from them when it comes to getting us out of a world recession, which somehow Gordon Brown is to blame.
People are afraid to speak up when conditions are bad at work and so this is how the 'ruling class' want to dominate the 'working class' - make life as bad as possible so that we go 'cap in hand' to ask for their generosity. The Tory Toffs still want to rule and nothing has changed. Labour has done so well in turning around public investment, and helping people with training, and education and our health sadly we took our eyes off the ball and let the bankers do their worst and we all must pay.
So dont blame Labour but think carefully when you make your cross on that ballot paper.
The Tories here in Sandhurst are actually allowing the ppc candidates put literature through the doors of the electorate bout how they would like to take over from Andrew Mackay. A 'public' meeting is arranged, but you must register first. However, what a clever way to canvass you once they have your details then they will target you for the GE next year which has given them an edge in contacting potential voters. I think it stinks.
Well there is more but blogging for the first time takes it out of you.
Alan Smith
2009-10-08 18:52:25The General is an honest man,this adjective cannot be applied to you.
He has risked his life for the country you and Blair risked other peoples lives and then lied about it.
Jack Dooley
2009-10-08 16:41:47Just listened to Cameron's speech. Did he actually just say Labour have failed the poor? How can he say that with a straight face?
Frankie
2009-10-08 14:44:57I wish someone would clock watch how much airtime the commentators get ... too much
Paul Mallon
2009-10-08 14:43:49Any high ranking officer is entitled to air opinions and to press the government of the day. But ultimately once all the advice has been given, Prime ministers and ministers have to make decisions bearing in mind all the other pressures on resources. It was interesting that the American defence secretary Robert Gates put down his senior officer the other day. It does suggest something of a breakdown between ministers and military when that happens and this kind of public spat cannot help anyone
Simon Gittins
2009-10-08 14:02:55Do you ever take the time to read what you write ?
Your comments abour Richard Dannatt are unbelievable. Does it not occur to you that Richard Dannat actually cares about the troops in Afghanistan, unlike this Labour governement, which is why he is critical of Gordon Brown.
You find it shocking do you ?, it's not as shocking as British soldiers losing their lives as a result of being under resourced and ill-equipped.
No wonder the country can't wait to see the back of you and your cronies.
Jane
2009-10-08 12:19:41My husband is a retired officer and one of the very few who supported the Labour Party. If one reads the military web sites then it is apparent that since GB became PM the relationship between the military and government has not been good. It was reported in the Observer sometime ago that when GB was Chancellor he never accepted invitations from the military to attend briefings. It was also reported that previous Chiefs of Staff went directly to Tony Blair if the Chancellor blocked any financial request.
The days of the Military not speaking out against the government of the day are gone forever now. Communication from the battlefield has changed as to has expectations. It must be awfully difficult for our troops to work beside our American colleagues and to see how better equipped they are. We have had analysis in the papers over equipment and how it can save lives. Similarly, we have families on television condemning equipment, strategy and government. We have Coroners criticising the government as well. We have read about the poor compensation awarded to injured soldiers. All of this has led the public to question the commitment to our military and whatever government in power would have had this bad press. Changing Defence Secretaries does not help either. I do wish John Hutton had remained as he was able to articulate the government's position very well. Add to this, I have always been aware of the appalling state of Defence Procurement. No person has ever been held accountable for the dreadful errors in this field.
I listened to General Dannett's interview on the BBC News Channel yesterday. I thought he was fair in his comment. He stated that he had excellent relationships with Ministers and met the PM this year on three occasions and he had listened. It appeared that meeting the PM was new. He clarified the request for troops and Downing Street later issued a rebuttal. It seems they were able to do on the matter of numbers. The press reported 2000 requested by the General when in fact it was slightly under this. Does the anomaly warrant a rebuttal - I don't know but I do now that I believe the General's account of events and not the ghastly team at No 10.
I am not happy that General Dannatt will become a member of the Tory team. Neither was I happy when Admiral West joined the Labour team. I feel the precedent was set with Admiral West as this has been my first experience of any senior military figure not being a cross bencher.
Yes of course it is always better to speak privately about matters of concern particularly when one holds a senior position. However, what does one do if one is not listened to? Somehow, I feel that this has occurred. And I ask myself what would I do in circumstances were those under my command did not have necessary equipment to protect their lives and I was not permitted to have the number of troops I needed. If I felt morally right - General Dannett is a devout Christian - and was unconcerned about extending my career (he was not permitted to do so)then I would strongly defend those soldiers under me. The military covenant requires all parties to respect each other. When six former Chief of Defence Staff rebuffed a statement by a Defence Secretary in 2007 regarding spending plans then it was broken.
Finally, this man is looking after his own interests. Do we not all do the same? He remains committed to the armed services and will be enobled. He sees himself being able to continue with his career by accepting the invitation from the Tories. Sorry, despite the mess of the announcement, General Dannett is repected by the public and this has not been diminished.
PhilG
2009-10-08 12:13:00Another case of these freudian slips was made by Paxman in an interview with Boris. He only just caught himself from saying "in the event of a likely Tory victory" leaving out the likely. Boris guessed what Paxman was going to say.
The problem is the media acting in this way does have the effect on creating a foregone conclusion impression of the next election. As you said before Alastair the key is to turn that round and get people to rebel against the suggestion that their vote doesn't matter
Maddie Grigg
2009-10-08 11:56:30More importantly, are you attending the MGN trainees reunion in Plymouth?
Lou Coatney
2009-10-08 11:39:48General Dananatt's criticisms of NuLabour's incompetent, unconstitutional, and probably criminal misuse of Britain's services have been those of a morally conscientious military professional, Alastair, and you do yourself no credit by attacking him.
And why should he resign probably to let a NuLabouir sycophant take over and wreck your services even more?
Wyrdtimes
2009-10-08 10:24:29Gordon Brown doesn't need undermining - his feet of clay crumbled some time ago. Only a die hard propagandist like yourself could still, even now blame Brown's standing on the media.
True there is no love for Cameron but everyone I talk to wants rid of Brown and Labour. That's why Labour will get annihilated at the next election - we can't stand another day of Brown Labour's arrogance, spin and incompetence.
Colin Paterson
2009-10-08 10:09:38Robinson has got wore and worse. But also the ome who fancies himself om itv said yesterday that Osborne was the chancellor. Mindset like you say
Malcolm H
2009-10-08 10:07:39Interesting remarks from Lord Guthrie, former chief of defence, who I know from your diaries you liked and respected. Listening to him over recent months it is clear he has concerns aboht the government but he is clear people in his position should avoid party politics, That is surely right
redrag1
2009-10-08 09:56:17Senior Tories have said the general has been working for them for years, not shocking really. However, should a general of the army be working for a political party?
Charlie
2009-10-08 09:30:44@AC"But shocking because the political impartiality of soldiers is something most Prime Ministers have been able to take for granted."
Opinion is of course divided on the subject. General Dannatt had the right to expect a less disingenuous Prime Minister than Gordon Brown.
@jlocke13
2009-10-08 09:14:37Come on Alastair lets get this thing in perspective...I love how you condemn the General for being a Tory and not GB for letting down the troops, why should the general have resigned and not the Prime Minister?.....Which do you think is the more important, a Tory general or a failed prime minister??
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