Planned at the highest level as a distraction – certainly very surreal. Perhaps we promised the Americans we’d send in the destroyer(s) at the G8. ‘Well I couldn’t ask you to do it, but if you were to we’d be very grateful…’
I was going to say “it’s hidden at the top of the news agenda” but actually it’s plummeted out of sight faster than, er, a submarine in the last 24, suggesting that the non-BBC and Mail news outlets know they’ve been sold a pup.
It went from “Russian planes dropped bombs in the path of the Royal Navy” to “which the Russians deny” to “hang on, Number 10 have sold us some hokum” over the course of my breakfast.
A bit of very public snook-cocking/provocation. Supposedly asserting the right of free navigation in international waters. Also some money to be made, of course, helping Ukraine build warships and a couple of naval bases.
Next on the agenda is, allegedly, a similar snook-cocking exercise towards the Chinese, when the fleet that the destroyer left in order to visit Odessa continues onward toward the South China Seas.
If this was a distraction from a negative story about to break, you’d image the story would have broken by now. Seems it hasn’t.
It’s just a bit of diplomatic willy-waving. “Come on then if you think you’re hard enough.”
The Russians may not like having their imperial fantasies denied and pissing them off in that respect is probably quite a good thing, but they aren’t so stupid that they’d rise to the bait and actually attack a British warship.
Nothing to see here this time. Watch out for the next cyber attack.
Yes indeed, funny about the timing from Johnson’s pet newspaper, given that the journos probably knew about the alleged relationship for months. Now Hancock has admitted breaking social distancing rules, thus giving Johnson a handy excuse to sack him without being seen to do so at the behest of Cummings. These people are all utter turds.
But BoJo has accepted his apology and considers the matter closed. Just as he did with Cummings. The backlash in MPs’ inboxes from vexed voters was pretty strong. If the same happens again now, Hancock is unlikely to survive. I doubt it will make enough difference in the upcoming by-election with the latest polls showing a 14% Tory lead.
Let’s all email our MP and complain about one rule for them and another for the rest of us.
I’ve always thought the same about Johnson, that he was appointed to carry the can for Brexit. Then it turned out that even though he hates the job and the job hates him he’s mysteriously popular with the voting public, so rather than being sacked he’s being held hostage in Downing Street.
moseleymoles says
Planned at the highest level as a distraction – certainly very surreal. Perhaps we promised the Americans we’d send in the destroyer(s) at the G8. ‘Well I couldn’t ask you to do it, but if you were to we’d be very grateful…’
Moose the Mooche says
The BBC camera crew though…. I know they’re shit-scared of the government at the moment but it was all a bit “raiding Cliff’s house”, wasn’t it?
attackdog says
People are desperate for some sun and sea, and particularly cruises. I congratulate their ingenuity in circumventing the current travel restrictions.
Moose the Mooche says
Arf!
Or should I say…
Arrrrrrrf!
……I’ll get me bell-bottoms
dai says
What are you talking about?
A link might be useful!
nigelthebald says
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57593411
craig42blue says
or try https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-57587777
dai says
Thanks both
Moose the Mooche says
I was going to say “it’s hidden at the top of the news agenda” but actually it’s plummeted out of sight faster than, er, a submarine in the last 24, suggesting that the non-BBC and Mail news outlets know they’ve been sold a pup.
fentonsteve says
It went from “Russian planes dropped bombs in the path of the Royal Navy” to “which the Russians deny” to “hang on, Number 10 have sold us some hokum” over the course of my breakfast.
Mike_H says
A bit of very public snook-cocking/provocation. Supposedly asserting the right of free navigation in international waters. Also some money to be made, of course, helping Ukraine build warships and a couple of naval bases.
Next on the agenda is, allegedly, a similar snook-cocking exercise towards the Chinese, when the fleet that the destroyer left in order to visit Odessa continues onward toward the South China Seas.
Moose the Mooche says
Where’s Florence Nightingale when you need her?
Sniffity says
Crimea River…
Moose the Mooche says
Balaclava man where, can you be?
…yours was much better
deramdaze says
Anyone involved know there’s a pandemic?
I can’t be bothered to work this all out because… erm… I can’t be bothered.
The phrase “60s-dodging-pieces-of-puss” does, however, spring to mind.
Reminds me of the Falklands, when, funnily enough, the phrase … yadda yadda…
Mike_H says
If this was a distraction from a negative story about to break, you’d image the story would have broken by now. Seems it hasn’t.
It’s just a bit of diplomatic willy-waving. “Come on then if you think you’re hard enough.”
The Russians may not like having their imperial fantasies denied and pissing them off in that respect is probably quite a good thing, but they aren’t so stupid that they’d rise to the bait and actually attack a British warship.
Nothing to see here this time. Watch out for the next cyber attack.
retropath2 says
Seen the Sun today?
fortuneight says
This is what happens when Dido is asked to set up the distraction.
Moose the Mooche says
Well it worked for Word magazine…
Simpering wreck says
Yes indeed, funny about the timing from Johnson’s pet newspaper, given that the journos probably knew about the alleged relationship for months. Now Hancock has admitted breaking social distancing rules, thus giving Johnson a handy excuse to sack him without being seen to do so at the behest of Cummings. These people are all utter turds.
Tiggerlion says
But BoJo has accepted his apology and considers the matter closed. Just as he did with Cummings. The backlash in MPs’ inboxes from vexed voters was pretty strong. If the same happens again now, Hancock is unlikely to survive. I doubt it will make enough difference in the upcoming by-election with the latest polls showing a 14% Tory lead.
Let’s all email our MP and complain about one rule for them and another for the rest of us.
Moose the Mooche says
Boris sacks someone for this kind of impropriety ? – glass houses/stones.
Mike_H says
Hancock was only given the job so that he could be sacked and blamed later.
The right time has not come yet, but it certainly will do.
Rigid Digit says
According to News stories, that might be soon.
But … glass houses and stones
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57612441
fentonsteve says
Looking at that photo, I’ve just realised… if you cut off Hancock’s ‘Tin-Tin’-esque quiff and clip round the sides, he looks just like my mate Keith.
He’s got the same look as Keith gives me, just before he asks me “What the f*** are you on about now?”
Gatz says
I’ve always thought the same about Johnson, that he was appointed to carry the can for Brexit. Then it turned out that even though he hates the job and the job hates him he’s mysteriously popular with the voting public, so rather than being sacked he’s being held hostage in Downing Street.
dwightstrut says
I take an interest in these matters and I think this is as good a summary as I’ve read as to what is actually going on in the Black Sea:
https://www.greatpower.us/p/hms-defender-goes-for-a-pleasure
Moose the Mooche says
Well thanks for that. That article constitutes the most comprehensive answer to an ATM in the history of the Afterword.
PS I do like the description of the news agenda as the “doomscroll” which is both accurate and decidedly metal.
dwightstrut says
If there isn’t already a metal band called Doomscroll, I say we form one.