Category Archives: Politics

The Lady And The Trump

Kate Burrows-Jones, North America Editor .

 

Distinguished as the first world leader to make an official visit to the new   American president, Prime Minister Theresa May stood out as something else,    an articulate and persuasive, Twenty First Century Iron Lady. She reminded her Republican audience of the best of Britain and America’s grand mutual historic past through world war and cold war, “It is the relationship between us that has defined the modern world.” She touched down on the common ground of British conservatism and Republican ideals of liberty, representative government, the dignity of work, the principle of nationhood, fiscal responsibility.

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Command Papers: What is a White paper?, MPs Demand One On Article 50

Although most Members of parliament MPs who ( I’d say 90%) asking for a government white paper are a die-hard remainers/remoaners who’s aim is to delay and frustrate plans to trigger Article 50  hoping for a second referendum a handful are genuine in holding gov to account. But parties are standing in different position on the issue, only one Tory MP  is with remain for example on triggering the article by end of March as the Prime Minister stated.

In reaction to the Supreme Court Ruling which went against the government, the latter is preparing a bill before parliament within days as secretary of State for Leaving the European Union David Dvis MP told the commons yesterday in a heated debate that helped flush out those who want reverse the result of the EU referendum.

During today’s Prime Minster’s questions the leaders of the opposition and one Tory backbenchers repeated the demand for a White paper. The white paper will be more or less the PM Lancaster House announced plan. This speech, unlike a ministerial statement, or a green/white paper, didn’t give MPs the chance to have a debate,  the kind of ” dancing on a pinhead” pedantically structured arguments, duel of wits on the floor of the house etc. A white-paper will give this self-indulging chance. For the benefit of those unfamiliar with the different types of command papers, read the details below on the difference between Green and White paper:
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Britain First as Trump Trades-in Trading Partners

By Kate Burrows-Jones North America Editor

British Prime Minister Theresa May will meet with President Donald Trump in the US on Friday. Trade is set to be at the top of their agenda, as his spokesman, Sean Spicer, said in a press briefing on Monday, adding that the American leader was looking forward to a positive and warm meeting.  “We always had a close and special relationship, but we can also be closer,” the White House Press Secretary told reporters.  The Prime Minister will be the first world leader to meet with the US President indicating a resounding reinforcement of the special bond between the US and UK. The Prime Minister is expected to talk about free trade and NATO.

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Mr Trump Goes to Washington-And Takes It Out To The Woodshed.

By Kate Burrows-Jones, North America Editor

Sworn into office, the keys to power transferred, former President Obama thanked and acknowledged for a ‘magnificent’ transition, President Donald J. Trump brandished a rhetorical cane and set about delivering a verbal spanking to the Washington, DC establishment — much of which was arrayed on the stage behind him, including four of the five living former presidents.

The United States is in an unusual position having so many living former presidents that the booming smack was louder than it might have been. Powerful presidents and leaders who shaped generations sat behind him. President Jimmy Carter, President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush (President George H W Bush was ill and could not attend) Their expressions could not be held back for all the years of practice and became a news topic. Michelle Obama’s shocked look was most prominent.

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Syria Peace Talks Start in Astana Next week: Minefields Ahead?

 Adel Darwish

Talks due to start 23 January  in  the Kazan capital Astana between Syrian government and many opposition, armed and civilian groups, and their backers in a settlement process sponsored by Russia  and participation  of Turkey, Iran and possible  Gulf Arab states raising  hopes to end to a  five year blood civil war; but there are several dangerous mines on the road The talks were part of a comprehensive plan  started with a Russian Turkish imposed  ceasefire on December 30.

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Prospect for US Trade Deal Gives May Timely Brexit Leverage.

In about 11 hours Prime Minister Theresa May will give a speech at Lancaster House, London to outline her strategy for leaving the European Union 

by Kate Burrows-Jones
WorldMedia North America Editor
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In a keenly anticipated speech this morning, Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to formally announce that the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union and will present a strategy to do so. May will respond to critics, who have accused her of lacking a clear strategy for Brexit, by providing more detail than ever before regarding the Government’s plan. This comes as the Chancellor of the Exchequer , Philip Hammond, pledged that the country would do whatever it has to do if the EU attempts to impose tariffs and trade restrictions on the UK when it has left the EU.

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DEFID Secretary Patel Should be Supported for Using Aid to Promote UK Interest

Now we hear that Department for  International Development DEFID  will “leverage” its £11 billion foreign aid budget to build a series of new trade deals as it leaves the European Union.  Priti Patel, Secretary of State for DEFID efforts should be applauded and supported not sneered at as the British left is trying to do

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Understanding the Escalating Saudi Iranian Row

Our media led by BBC try to simplify the latest diplomatic crisis in the Middle East – which led to severing of diplomatic relations between Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran ( with two other countries following the Saudis action)- into Shia-Sunni sectarian rivalry resulting from the execution of Iran backed Shia cleric. This is a load of nonsense which leads to misunderstanding and misleading public opinion. It is far more complicated as many forces who adhere to the Shia faith (Morocco shia sects and those in North Africa nd Sudan) back KSA, while trends and forces who are devote Sunnis are backing Iran against the Saudis (Turkey for example is Sunni, so are Hamas and many Palestinian factions as well as the Muslim Brotherhood are all Sunni hardliners but are against Saudi Arabia especially in Yemen but are also against Assad in Syria.
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