The Trump Book that has been waited for - Bob Woodward - Trump Era

Daily Mail: Reports " Woodward takes aim at Trump: Legendary Watergate journalist announces excoriating new book that will lift the lid on the 'harrowing life' inside the White House and how the president uses 'fear' to command respect  "

Lets Get Real:

It is the book we have been waiting for, Bob Woodward's inside account of the Trump White House.  It comes out on September 11, this blogger wil place an order at its local book store. One wonders what juicy information the famed Watergate reporter has found, how loyal have the White House staff been to Trump.  POTUS might find not all PR is good, Woodward is a respected reporter, part of the old press elite.  When news was news. 

POTUS on Collusion - Trump Era

Sky News: Reports " Donald Trump says 'collusion is not a crime' ahead of first Russia investigation trial..Donald Trump's former campaign manager is due to face trial on fraud charges brought in the investigation into election meddling.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Trump OVAL is trying to change the rules of the game, the Oval must be concerned that the Special Prosecutor has damaging info on the Trump Campaign in 2016 and is trying to get in front of BAD News.  Even if collusion is not a crime, it looks bad and the Democrats can run on the issue in 2018 and 2020.   The Elite Establishment is out to get Trump, they will use any method, in this case they are right, Trump with his policy on North Korea and Iran are weak, it has been reported in the US press that North Korea is trying to build a new missile, what about the success of the US and North Korean Summit, also with Iran the Oval is blowing hot and cold, one minute with threats of War then agreeing to a Summit without conditions, the US Secretary of State had to clean up the mess, stating that the US had conditions.   The Trump Oval could get the US into a War in Asia and the Middle East. 

The Brexit Holiday Season - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Prime Minister Theresa May is to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, Downing Street says.  "

Lets Get Real:

The talking about Brexit goes on even during the holiday season, let's hope the UK can get France and Germany on side as to place pressure on the EU.   The time for getting a deal is narrowing, the EU is hoping the UK will blink or that there will be a 2nd vote on the EU, that is not going to happen.   The project fear 2 is on the March, the hotbeds are, BBC News, Guardian and Sky News. Time for the Hard Brexit supporters to come out and say why BREXIT is good. 

May's EU Plan hits the rocks with the Conservative Party - Post Brexit

Guardian: Reports " Tory ministers face constituency backlash over Chequers deal...Seven Conservative association chairs express dismay at Brexit proposals  "

Lets Get Real:

The May Government has to be tough with the EU, they have to say to the EU that the May plan is it, no more concessions, that either EU agrees to the plan or the UK is crashing out of the EU.    The Conservative Party is not happy with the May plan, it seen as keeping the UK in the EU by another method.   The Hard Brexit supporters have to be tough, they might have to change the PM, it will be hard and interesting few weeks for the PM.  One side has to give, will it be the EU or the UK. 

Trump and the US Government - Trump Era

Mail on Sunday: Reports " Trump threatens to shut down the government if he doesn't get money for his border wall as REPUBLICANS mull putting off the money until after November election "

Lets Get Real:

Let's see if POTUS follows through with the threat, the Trump Oval is all rhetoric and no action.  The North Korean Summit has shown few real achievements, the North Koreans have just handed over the remains of US Soldiers killed during the Korean War, the real prize is to remove North Korea as a nuclear power.   On the Russia relationship the Trump Oval is fawning over President Putin, while the Trump Oval is being investigated over the relationship between Russia and the Trump Campaign in 2016 Election.   One can not wait for the Democrats to take over the Congress, then they can place pressure on the Trump Oval, the US is a melting pot, Trump and his WALL is against the values of the US. 

May's EU plan dead on arrival at the EU - Update - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " Brexit blow for Theresa May as EU negotiator Michel Barnier shoots down Chequers plan...The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier is hostile towards the PM's proposal for Britain to collect tariffs on Brussels' behalf.  "

Lets Get Real:

Thus the heart of the May's plan is shot down by the EU, the next question is WHAT HAPPENS NOW, can the UK and the EU get a deal before October or will the UK crash out of the EU.  The hard remainers want the UK not to get a deal, they want the UK to stay in the Customs Union and the Single Market, thus they are helping the EU with their battle for a 2nd UK vote on the issue.   The Hard Brexit Ministers in the Cabinet will have to make sure that PM May does not grant new concessions to the EU, its going to be a long Summer!!

Iran on Trump Rhetoric - Trump Era

Guardian: Reports " Senior Iran military chief tells Trump: 'We're ready to stand up against you'..Quds commander suggests country may disrupt oil shipments through Red Sea "

Lets Get Real:

The above are the type of comments that could send POTUS over the edge, he needs a distraction, and a war with an old enemy would do the trick for his ratings and force the 24/7 news channel to cover REAL NEWS.  As stated in this blog, a WAR between Iran and the USA could start due to an accident, what if Ships from Iran attack US War ships or make a threat to the traffic of oil.  One should keep eye on the Middle East, something might just happen over the next few weeks. 

Amelia Earhart Mystery Solved

Daily Mail: Reports " Amelia Earhart DID crash on deserted island where 'her skeleton' was found years later, say researchers who claim 50 people heard her haunting distress calls saying 'we can't hold on much longer' "

Lets Get Real:

Some mysteries should never be solved, if the article is correct it seems a sad ending for a heroic pilot.   The question is WHY no one checked the Island before the signals went down.  This blog would like to think that Amelia Earhart in the air, not stuck on some island with a wounded navigator, but thus far no remains, you never know. 

POTUS and the Press - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " A CNN reporter has been barred from a White House event for asking Donald Trump "inappropriate" questions.  "

Lets Get Real:

POTUS sees CNN as fake news, and as the article notes will not take their questions. It can be argued that POTUS is right, CNN has gone well off the reservation when it comes to the White House and the press.   On CNN it's anti Trump 24/7, even with the non story of the tape that was released, it was nothing as far as this blogger could see.  The once mighty CNN is in the bin, it's a wing of the Democratic Party. 

Brexit Betrayed ? - Update 3 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " The government's White Paper revealed that key parts of the 1972 European Communities Act - a totemic piece of legislation for Eurosceptics - will need to be kept after the UK's former departure date next March.  "

Lets Get Real:

It can be argued with the above that the UK Brexit is in name only, what is the point of leaving if we have to accept EU law.   The Hard Brexit supporters should place 48 votes to the 1922 Committee to have a vote of confidence in the PM, it is better to fight that just to surrender to the EU.   PM May has let down the UK voter and the Cabinet, time for a new leader in the shape of Boris Johnson, the former Foreign Secretary.  

A Coup in Whitehall ? - Brexit Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " 'Coup' claims as Theresa May sidelines Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and boosts top official..The Brexit department will no longer be responsible for negotiating Brexit as the PM and her top official take charge of talks.  "

Lets Get Real:

It can be argued that the PM has been taken prisoner by the Civil Service, only a non politician would suggest the move.   The PM has to be careful, it only takes 48 letters for her to face a confidence vote by Conservative MPs.   The general view is that the PM has enough votes with Conservative MPs to get through, but a day is a long time in politics.  The Hard Brexit supporters will smell a rat, and decide enough is enough, and the soft Brexit supporters might think this there only chance of preventing a Brexit at all.   INTERESTING HOURS ahead for the PM.

UK PM takes charge of Brexit - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Theresa May is taking personal control of Brexit talks with the EU, with Dominic Raab deputising for her.  "

Lets Get Real:

This is a risky move by the PM, if there is no deal then she can only blame herself, the press will also blame her, the reason for having a Cabinet is that allows the PM to have some distance from day to day operations.   The PM can hardly fire her Deputy if there is no deal.   The hard Brexit supporters will see this move as another attempt to to have a SOFT Brexit.  In the next few weeks the job of the PM will be on the line, she better enjoy her holidays, there are tense weeks to go. 

Brexit - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Guardian: Reports " UK public will blame EU for no-deal Brexit, says Jeremy Hunt..New foreign secretary visits Berlin on his first overseas trip since replacing Boris Johnson  "

Lets Get Real:

It is good to see that the new Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is tough with the EU, the former Remainer has become a Brexit supporter.   The EU has to understand, well Germany and France that the UK will not blink, we will walk away if there is no Brexit Deal.   The UK will keep its billions and invest that in the NHS and British trade.   The EU has to understand that they will be worse off, that the UK has gone through difficult times before, and will recover from any down turn in the economy.  The UK never gives up, ask the Germans and the French who have thought differently at different times that they were strong and better than the UK. 

Iran on President Trump and his threat - Update 2 - Middle East Crisis

Daily Mail: Reports " 'You wouldn't dare attack': Tehran goads 'passive' Trump and says he 'can't do a damn thing to Iran' after his all-caps warning to president Rouhani "

Lets Get Real:

Iran has to be very careful, they are not dealing with President Obama, the Iran nuclear deal was broken by President Trump and he has no time for any of Obama's policies, they are seen as appeasing Iran.   If the US did go to WAR with Iran it would be popular with the Trump base and would have the support of ISRAEL and SAUDI ARABIA, it would be a way for Trump to divert attention, a good War is always good for ratings, and the 24/7 news networks would have to cover it.   This blog has been very dismayed by how CNN covers POTUS, they are so anti Trump they are off the chart.  This could be a slow developing story or an accident that could set the sides at WAR. 

Trump WARNS Iran - Middle East Crisis

Sky News: Reports " Trump to Iran: 'Never, ever threaten' US again...Iran faces looming sanctions after Mr Trump's decision to pull out of a deal meant to stop Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.  "

Lets Get Real:

The above could be a tricky move by POTUS, he is under pressure over North Korea,  Russia and his personal life, so he wishes to divert attention to something else, thus this threat to Iran.  Of course the Trump White House has been building pressure on Iran, it's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and sanctions on Iran has showed that the Trump Oval is totally different to the Obama Oval.   Of course the question is there a chance of an accidental War between the two sides, that is always possible, Israel and Saudi Arabia would approve, the oil markets would go in to crazy mode. Time will tell. 

UK Foreign Secretary WARNS of Brexit by Accident - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Jeremy Hunt has warned that without a "change in approach from the EU negotiators", there is now a "very real risk of a Brexit no deal by accident". "

Lets Get Real:

It is about time the UK got tough with the EU, the UK has to make it clear that it is ready for a HARD BREXIT.  As the article notes the EU might think if it waits long enough then the UK will blink and make more concessions, the UK Foreign Secretary has made it clear that will not happen.   The May Government should warn business and the people that if the EU plays silly games then the UK will walk away with its money and fall on World Trade Rules.   This blog is supporting the UK staying in the Customs Union and Single Market, as long as it's on our terms, nothing less is acceptable to the UK voter. 

EU on May's Brexit Plan - Update 4 - Post Brexit

Guardian: Reports " Barnier questions May's Brexit demands in white paper response..EU’s Brexit negotiator evokes concerns over smuggling, red-tape and putting European companies at a competitive disadvantage  "

Lets Get Real:

The EU is playing politics, it wants more concessions out of the UK, they watch the UK media, print and TV and understand how there are deep divisions with the Conservative Party and the rest of the political parties, with the exception of the Liberal Democrats, they do not turn up for important votes.   The UK PM has to be firm, she must convince the EU that they are dealing with another Margaret Thatcher, a new Iron Lady.   The clock is ticking for Brexit, the PM might have to walk away, the UK voter should be told the results of such a development, then they are ready. 

EU on May's Brexit Plan - Update 3 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Barnier takes an axe to May's Chequers blueprint just hours after she pleads for the EU to drop its 'unworkable' demands on the Irish border "

Lets Get Real:

The EU is hoping that the UK makes further concessions, they see the weakness of the PM at home and hope to force the UK to take the EU offer when it comes to the UK leaving the EU.  There plan would mean the UK leaving the EU in name only, the UK would be stuck in the Customs and the Single Market ( this blog supports that, but only if it benefits the UK, and can get through the House of Commons ).   PM May has to be tough, she has to give the impression that the UK will walk and walk away with our money.   Time for the PM to show that she is the new Iron Lady. 

UK Foreign Secretary on Brexit Deal - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News - Live Reporting: Reports in its 3.0pm post the following remarks by the new Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on a No Deal with the EU, " "It's very important that the Europeans that we are negotiating with know that we are prepared for it, that no deal is better than a bad deal, and that we will only sign up to a deal that is right for Britain. "

Lets Get Real:

Finally the UK is getting tough with the EU, the EU must understand that the PM has one card that can trump them, that is the UK leaving with NO DEAL.    The EU must understand and the UK PM is serious about such a move, then the EU might relax its lines and have prober talks with the UK.   As this blog has stated, it would like to see the UK in the Customs Union and the Single Market, but only on OUR terms, talks are good, surrender is not an option. 

The EU and Brexit - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Michel Barnier has said Theresa May's plan for a future trade relationship with the EU could weaken the single market and create burdens for business.  "

Lets Get Real:

The UK PM has to be firm with the EU, the White Paper based on her Cabinet Agreement is the only way forward, the House of Commons is split in to different factions.   As recent votes have shown it may take Labour votes for any UK - EU agreement to get through the House of Commons.   There is no much time for long discussions, there needs to be an agreement by October before the Agreement can be voted on by the UK Parliament and the 27 that makes up the EU.  The clock is ticking for a NO DEAL BREXIT. 

The Guardian on Boris Johnson Resignation speech - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports in its 3.38pm post the following, " The Brexiters have got the numbers (48) to trigger a no confidence vote, but the conventional wisdom is that May would win such a vote easily and this did not sound like a speech that would change those dynamics. Geoffrey Howe, this wasn’t.  "

Lets Get Real:

The left wing media would get their knickers in a real twist if Boris Johnson become Conservative leader and Prime Minister, they must know that Boris would beat Jeremy Corbyn in any General Election.   Thus they undercut the power of the speech, it will be interesting to see the developments during the day, the House of Commons does not go into recess in till next week, the Brexit supporters could still go for a vote of confidence in the PM, but as the above article states the Brexit supporters might not have the votes to win such a confidence vote. 

Boris Johnson LEADERSHIP Contender ? - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Boris Johnson has said it is "not too late to save Brexit" as he accused Theresa May of "dithering" over the UK's strategy for leaving the EU.  "

Lets Get Real:

This could be the week that former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson declares that he challenges PM May for the keys to No 10.   This resignation speech could be a jump off for Brexit supporters to call a vote of confidence in the PM, if the PM fails to get a majority that could lead to a leadership contest in the middle of the Brexit talks.  Thus far it seems that the 48 letters needed for a confidence vote has not been reached, how long can this political crisis go on, will there be more Cabinet resignations, one never knows, interesting few weeks ahead for PM May and the UK. 

Hard Remainers lose Customs Union Vote - Update 5 - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " The government has survived an attempt by pro-EU Conservative MPs to change its post-Brexit trade strategy. "

Lets Get Real:

The Government defeated the hard remainers by six votes, at the end of the day the result was 307 to 301 in against the Customs Union.   It has been reported on the news and in the article that four Labour MPs supported the Government, there is also speculation that Labour MPs did not vote, it will be interesting to see a breakdown of the figures.   The next battle stage is the House of Lords, will the Lords try to reverse the Government wins, Brexit is NEVER OVER. 

A remainer WIN on the Customs Union ? - Update 4 - Post Brexit

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports in its 5.13pm post the following, " Tory rebels optimistic they can defeat government on customs union ahead of key Brexit vote "

Lets Get Real:

If as expected the Hard remainers win with their idea to stay in the Customs Union, it causes problems for the May Government, they are in on going talks with the EU, if the EU think that they just have to wait for the new year then they will be stubborn in talks.   Thus one can only hope that UK Diplomats are good at diplomacy and find a way out of this mess for the May Government and the UK.  The back stop of a Customs Union is a good idea, a single market would be better, but the Labour Party is opposed to that, interesting few hours ahead from the Government. 

Remainers to THWART PM's EU plan - Update 3 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " May braces for ANOTHER Brexit humiliation in the House of Commons as Tory Remainers bid to force the UK to stay in EU customs union "

Lets Get Real:

IF the PM loses the Customs Union vote it could mean the end of her as PM, the hard Brexit supporters will have a break down, they could decide that PM May is a spent force and a new leader is needed with a new mandate.   Thus we come to the ex Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, the ex Secretary of State has been very quiet, might he throw his hat in to the ring tomorrow, this might be his only chance, if he wins he could call an election and get the UKIP voters to support him and his HARD BREXIT.   There is an old saying, All political Careers end in failure, one way or another.  

The Lighter side of Brexit - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News - Live Reporting: Reports in its 4.37pm post the following, " Labour's Toby Perkins has raised a cheeky point of order expressing his "concern" about Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable.   It comes after ardent Remainer Sir Vince missed last night's Brexit votes, despite the chance his presence for the narrow votes could have prompted a government defeat on Brexit legislation.  "

Lets Get Real:

The above shows that our Lords and Masters do have a sense of humour, of course it could be argued that the Liberal Democrat leader showed why the LibDems are never trusted, either they do not turn up or they turn up and stab you in the back.   As my prediction for the Customs Vote, it looks like the remainers have the votes, the Government should accept the idea, then it would be up to the Hard Brexit supporters to vote against it, of course that might complicate the life of the PM, politics is not an easy business at the best of times.   One minute your a rebel, then you are supporting the Government then back to being a rebel. 

Customs Union Vote - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Ministers have warned pro-European Tory MPs not to "refight the referendum" as the government faces a further test of its Brexit authority in the Commons.  "

Lets Get Real:

The important amendment vote will come just before 6pm, the Amendment calls for the UK as a back stop to joint in a Customs Union if there is no deal early in the new year.   As reported on Sky News, the pro remain MPs have the votes, of course it could be a bluff or true, one does not quite know.   This blog supports the UK staying in a Customs Union and the Single Market, the Labour Party will support the UK staying in a Customs Union but not the single market, that is a blow to the pro remainers.  The problem for the UK Government is that if the House of Commons passes the Customs Amendment the EU could just play out the clock.   The thinking being that they will get a better deal out of the UK in the new year than NOW.  These are tense times for the May Government. 

Latest BBC News Updates on the House of Commons. 

The Moaning Remainers on the Warpath - Update 4 - Post Brexit

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports in its 4.50pm post the following, " Ken Clarke, the Conservative pro-European, says he thinks this non-urgent statement has been scheduled just to reduce the time available for the customs bill debate later. He says the government has accepted amendments that are incompatible with the Brexit white paper published last week.  "

Lets Get Real:

The moaning remainers are on the warpath, they are not happy that the Government has given concessions to the hard Brexit supporters.  The Government is in a real mess over Brexit.  PM May made a choice, but that choice has come under critical review from the hard Brexit supporters and the moaning remainers.   It can be argued that there should be another General Election, make the UK voter make up their minds, a soft Brexit or a hard Brexit. 

Is the PM's EU plan as DEAD as a DODO - Update 3 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Desperate May DENIES her Brexit plan is dead despite humiliating surrender to Tory Eurosceptics on Customs Bill and Remainers condemning the blueprint as 'unworkable' "

Lets Get Real:

Politics is a brutal business, one day your the PM, leader of the Nation, then you are out of power and needing something to do, you open a garden festival, just to be seen to be busy as before.  The above remainder is from the last days of Lady Thatcher as PM.   The May Era might be coming to the end, the former Foreign Secretary and Brexit Secretary have been quite so far, will they put the political knife in to the back of the PM, the next few hours and days should be interesting, keep your eyes on the House of Commons.  The PM's plan looks like it is DEAD, who will do the decent thing and rid the House of Commons of the idea. 

Brexit Latest - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports in its 4.27pm post the following, " Downing Street confirms government accepting Brexiteers' amendments..A Downing Street source says: "We will be accepting these four amendments because we feel they are consistent with the white paper we published last week." "

Lets Get Real:

The UK Government is spinning the above, it faced losing the vote on the Customs Bill, and Labour would not have helped, this seem more interested in defeating the Government that getting Brexit.  The PM has made a mistake with her EU deal, its sole purpose seems to annoy both the hard Brexit supporters and the moaning remainers, neither like the plan, so it is either good or really bad and complicated. No 10 should have another meeting at the PM's retreat and come up with a plan that the Government can sell to the public.

UK Government to Accept 4 Rebel Amendments - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports on the 4 rebel Amendments, " calling or the UK not to collect tariffs on goods bound for the EU unless there are reciprocal arrangements in place across the continent, the amendments would rule out a border in the Irish sea, ensure the UK is out of the EU's VAT regime, and require new legislation if the government wants to form a customs union with the EU. "

Lets Get Real:

The Government had to fold, it was concerned that it would lose the vote later on.  It has not been a good weekend for UK and PM May, at the start POTUS was telling NATO members they had to spend more on defence, then POTUS stated that he had told PM May how to deal with Brexit, that got the press going over the weekend.   Then at the press conference with POTUS and the PM the President stated his views as represented by the press was fake news, even as he was recorded on tape.   The PM has faced daily resignations from the Government at a lower level than the Cabinet over Brexit.  One has doubts that PM May can get to March 2019, she could be overthrown by her own backbenches before the end of the year. 

Hard Brexit supporters on the Warpath - Update - Post Brexit

Guardian: Reports " Hardline Brexiters demand amendments to trade bill..European Research Group wants MPs to kill off facilitated customs arrangement "

Lets Get Real:

It will be an interesting time in the House of Commons, will the Hard Brexit supporters be able to sink the PM's plan for Brexit, and will the PM need the support of Labour MPs to get it through.   The hard Brexit MPs are going to use their votes to make sure that they get some form of HARD BREXIT, even if not the 100% version they want.   Labour votes and other opposition Parties could either help the Government or sink it, interesting weeks ahead.   It must be a nightmare being PM May, she is getting push back from all sides. 

Trump on the UK - Update 3 - Trump Era

Daily Mail: Reports " Awkward! Trump and May smile for the cameras at NATO summit in Brussels after he says Britain is in 'turmoil' over Brexit and demands she pumps more money into defence "

Lets Get Real:

The PM can counter the Trump attack, the UK spends 2% of its GDP on defence, and also sending troops to Afghanistan.   The US needs to aim its critical review at Germany and other states who fail to spend on defence.   The UK and the US should make clear to the rest of NATO that the days when they can spend on welfare and cut defence are over, otherwise the US will cut its spending and force Europe to spend.  The Germans need to get the FACT that they can not spend on welfare at the cost of the US taxpayer.   The good old days are OVER.

Trump and Germany - Update 2 - Trump Era

Sky News: Reports " Donald Trump claims Germany is 'captive' of Russia in fiery row at NATO summit..The US president kicks off a NATO summit by attacking an "inappropriate" gas deal between Berlin and Moscow. "

Lets Get Real:

The Europeans have to GET REAL, the US wallet will get tighter, the good old days of the US spending to protect Europe might be over, the US is trillions in DEBT, one day a US President might pull the plug on NATO and then the Europe will be in BIG trouble.   In the decades after World War 2 the Europeans have spent more on welfare than defence, they day will come when Russia pushes, the US won't be there, will Europeans defend Europe or Appease.  The Germans have a rich country, they can afford to open their wallet, the above statements from Trump is a WARNING, the future always changes, Europe has to wake up from its sleep. 

US vs. Germany over NATO spending - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " Mr Trump said Germany was "totally controlled by Russia" because of the high level of natural gas it imported, and this was a "bad thing for Nato". "

Lets Get Real:

It can be argued that POTUS has a point, the Europeans have allowed the US to carry the majority spending for the protection of Europe and NATO members.   The EU Countries are more interested in welfare than spending on their own defence.   The American tax payers outside of the coasts are fed up with their dollars being spend abroad on defence, while Europe builds up its welfare state on the back of the US.  At least the UK is keeping to its promises on defence spending and sending troops to Afghanistan.

Review of PM May's Day in the House of Commons - Update 4 - Post Brexit

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports 5.44pm post the following, " All things considered, May seemed surprisingly confident. She did not say anything especially new or revealing about the Chequers plan, and Labour MPs were very critical, suggesting that its shelf life may turn out to be very limited. (The EU will not accept it without changes anyway but, even if they were to, Brexiter opposition means May would need opposition support to get it through the Commons - which on the basis of what is being said today, she does not have.) "

Lets Get Real:

In Guardian speak this means that PM May had a good day in the House of Commons.  One would think that a BAD day could have been a disaster, but it seems that there are not enough votes for a no confidence vote in the PM, thus PM has struck some luck.   Also she has bought the Cabinet back in to line, no more leaks or Ministers thinking that they can say what the like and with no reaction.   There is old saying, is better to be lucky than right, PM May might have the prize, just lucky!!

Critics of the Johnson Resignation - Update 3 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Boris Johnson under fire for walking out of Cabinet as even David Davis says he did NOT need to join him in resigning over Brexit "

Lets Get Real:

While the minute by minute Conservative fight is interesting, the real story is that PM May has made her mind up, she is going for a SOFT Brexit, the UK will be a Customs Union and Single Market, even if it is called something else.   It can be expected that PM May will have to make more concessions to the EU.   The main prize is getting out of the EU, once the UK is out and a new Government is formed after the next general election, it can change the structure, one can almost argue that the next election will be ONLY about Brexit.   This is going to go on for the next three months, I need my Prozac. 

Why did Boris Johnson Resign - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News - Live Reporting: Reports in its 4.13pm post the following, " Sky's Beth Rigby says she has been told by an ally of Boris Johnson that he has resigned to try and force May into changing course on Brexit - and NOT to launch a bid for the Conservative leadership. "

Lets Get Real:

The above is the PR action of the Boris Johnson campaign for him to become PM.   The Conservative Party does not approve of political knifes in the back, those that do it never become leader.  It is reported on BBC News that 48 MPs have sent letters asking for a No Confidence vote in the PM. While Sky News reports that it might be true, the Chairman of the 1922 is keeping quiet.  The next few hours will be absorbing, will there be other resignations from the Cabinet or from the Government, how much water can the PM take on before it is over, even Lady Thatcher faced that moment. 

Boris Johnson OUT as Foreign Secretary - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports on the resignation of the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, " He is the second senior cabinet minister to quit within hours following Brexit Secretary David Davis's exit. "

Lets Get Real:

It looks like PM May will face a leadership contest, if Boris Johnson wants to be PM, this might be his only chance.   The May plan for the EU is falling apart, one wonders if other Cabinet Ministers will resign, do they carry on with a ship taking water or do they bring the PM down.   The BBC News reports that the PM is under threat of other resignations if she does not juck her plan.  Interesting few hours and days ahead for the May Government. 

Latest BBC News update of the political crisis faced by PM May - Update - 

The Fury of the Brexit Supporters - Update 3 - Post Brexit

Mail on Sunday: Reports " Furious Brexiteer Tory MPs demand a vote of no confidence in Theresa May over her soft Brexit blueprint - after Boris stunned Chequers summit by branding the deal a 't**d' "

Lets Get Real:

The PM has been lucky, no Cabinet Minister has resigned over the weekend due to Brexit.  On Monday there is an interesting meeting between the PM and her backbench MPs, will they be supportive or will there be political blood on the floor ? The hard Brexit Ministers in the Cabinet have come out in support, the Foreign Secretary has been very quiet, is he toeing the Cabinet line.   If Brexit MPs demand a confidence vote they will lose, it would be much better to wait in till March 2019 and the UK is out of the EU, then they can change the PM. 

Brexit Latest - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " Theresa May battles Brexiteer backlash amid disquiet over Chequers deal...A number of MPs have voiced concerns, sparking speculation some Tories could submit letters calling for a leadership contest.  "

Lets Get Real:

If the leading Brexit supporters in the Cabinet keep to the Cabinet line, and a majority of MPs Support the May plan the PM should be safe from a leadership vote.   There will always be those the extremes who will never be happy, the HARD BREXIT supporters want a HARD BREXIT, no links with the EU, while the moaning remainers want to stay in the EU at all costs.   The interesting votes will be when the customs and trade bill comes to the House of Commons, can the Chief Whips make sure that that the Government is not defeated.  Interesting few days ahead!!

Brexit Latest - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Michael Gove has urged Tory MPs to back a compromise Brexit plan as the best chance of a "proper" exit from the EU.  "

Lets Get Real:

This blog supports the new plan by PM May, it keeps the UK in a kind of Customs Union and Single Market, but also respects the vote of 2016.   The main selling job will not be the EU but the Conservative MPs in the House of Commons.   The Hard Brexit supporters have made their feeling known, the same with the hard remainers.  The PM has to get unity or close to it, the prize is leaving the EU, the next Government can change it after the next election.  The PRIZE is leaving the EU, that is the most important part. 

UK Home Secretary States the UK will have talks with Allies about Nerve Agent Attack - Update 2

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports in its 1.20pm post the following, " Britain will consult with its allies over a possible response to Russia over the latest nerve agent poisonings in Wiltshire, the home secretary, Sajid Javid, has told parliament, saying Moscow must explain “exactly what has gone on”.  "

Lets Get Real:

No 10 should be on the phone to POTUS, get him to cancel his Summit with Putin in till the Russians tell the truth about the last nerve agent attack in the UK.   The UK and the rest of the West should throw out more Russian Diplomats and their friends.  Russian money in the UK should come under FIRM investigation.   Let's make sure the money is clean and is not being washed in London. IF the Russian and England meet in the World Cup, should the Team Captain shake the hand of the Russian Captain?

Novichok contamination - Update

Daily Mail: Reports " 'We can't burn Salisbury down': Fears Novichok contamination could 'exist forever' as authorities face 'serious questions' after Amesbury couple are poisoned despite multi-million pound clean-up in wake of Skripal attack "

Lets Get Real:

The latest nerve attack in the UK can be traced back to Putin's Russia, they failed in their assassination attempt on the Skripals, and it looks like the attempted murders did not do a good clean up job after their failure.   The UK should place more sanctions on Russia, even harder  ones than before, the Russians will deny it was their fault, what else can one expect them to say, the Russian Bear needs his claws cut and slapped down, the Russian Bear has gone wild. 

Brexit Update - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " Davis 'tells May customs plan is unworkable' on eve of crunch Brexit meeting...The Brexit Secretary has reportedly written to the PM and set out his opposition to her so-called "third way" plan for customs. "

Lets Get Real:

PM May on Friday will have to show great skill at her Countryside retreat, the PM needs to keep the hard Brexit members of her Cabinet on board, while also keeping the hard moaning remainers within the Cabinet.   This blog has supported the UK staying in the Customs Union and the Single Market, or some form of that structure, the Friday meeting will be a great test for the PM, will there be any fireworks on Friday?

The Latest on Brexit - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Theresa May has said she hopes her cabinet will be able to "discuss and decide on a substantive way forward" on Brexit at their crucial Friday awayday. "

Lets Get Real:

The Friday meeting at the PM's retreat should be quite  a hot event, the Brexit Secretary has it has been stated told the PM that her new plan would not work.   One will be interesting to see who resigns after the meeting, either the hard Brexit supporters resign or toe the Cabinet line.   Of course the new May plan might get a cold shoulder from the EU, then what, interesting few days ahead.   Interesting weekend coming up, the EU meeting held by the PM and England play at the World Cup, the World Cup will get more viewers. 

Hague Latest - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports more on Lord Hague's critic of those in opposition to PM May, " Lord Hague warned Brexiteers did not have the numbers in parliament to force through a "hard Brexit", urging them to think of the consequences of creating a leadership crisis.  "

Lets Get Real:

This blog has been clear that it supports the UK staying in the Customs Union and Single Market, as long as we leave the EU, and have control of our borders, the last part is the difficult part as the single market requires freedom of movement.   The UK Government needs to come up with a solution that it can sell to the UK Cabinet and MP's and then to the EU.   The devil will be in details, after Friday's meeting of the Cabinet it should be clear on the direction of the Government and who will resign or be sacked.   The PM needs to show her authority, start to sack people, that will bring the Conservative Party together. 

Brexit Latest - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Ex-leader Lord Hague said if Brexiteers pushed Theresa May too hard, it would increase the chance of the Commons voting to stay in the customs union. "

Lets Get Real:

The HARD BREXIT supporters have the prize of the UK leaving the EU in March 2018 in sight, they should accept the new idea by the PM.  Once the UK is out of the EU, the UK after the next election can decide what kind of trade policy it wants with the EU and the rest of the World.  The HARD REMAINERS will try to thwart Brexit, the Brexit supporters should not give them any red meat.   It is time for the Conservative Party to be loyal to the PM.