17/01/2019
Yesterday, senior Labour politicians were complaining that Theresa May hadn't picked up the phone to ask them to join the discussions about structuring a new deal to present to parliament and the EU. Clearly, with a vote of no confidence being debated in the House of Commons yesterday, there was little chance of the dialogue starting yesterday.
He lost the vote yesterday and then today he is saying that he won't join talks unless his pre-conditions are met.
His stupid posturing is no doubt what was being held in mind, when commentators were saying yesterday that there is little point trying to engage with Corbyn or his ultra-left (anti-EU) shadow cabinet members.
So, let us have a look at the options and Corbyn's stance:
he wanted to force a general election, but has failed;
he refuses to support the idea of a second vote, even though 80% of Labour Party members have shown support for that idea;
he refuses to even acknowledge the fact that his core support base, the young members of Momentum, are actually in favour of remaining in the EU; and
now he refuses to join discussions about the way forward.
Can this man really be trusted with anything?
He certainly isn't fulfilling he important role of Leader of the Opposition.
As I write this, he is on BBC News at a live event at Hastings. During his announcement, he said:
"Last night's offer of talks with party leaders turned out to be simply a stunt, not a serious attempt to engage with a new reality that is needed. No sooner had she said the words in parliament, than the government confirmed that she would not take 'no deal' off the table. So I say to the Prime Minister again, 'I'm quite happy to talk, but the starting point for any talks about Brexit must be that the threat of a disastrous 'no deal' outcome is ruled out, taken off the table and we can talk about the future, of the plans that we will put forward and the future relationship with Europe.' But take 'no deal off the table, now, please Prime Minister."
I find it quite staggering that this rabble rousing Labour politician believes that it is appropriate to make demands before getting to the table. The very point of talks, is to discuss the issues being faced and the options available. Anyone, in any negotiation, who refuses to join talks unless their pre-conditions have been met, are clearly not interested in striking a deal or finding compromise.
He continued to say: "If she won't accept the will of parliament to take 'no deal off the table, it will show that she simply isn't serious about reaching a deal."
This is a bit like Trump shouting about 'fake news', suggesting that news of his collusion with Russia, sleeping with prostitutes and criminal activity have been made up, when he cannot speak for more than a minute without a lie tripping off his lips.
It is Corbyn who is clearly not interested in helping the government to reach a deal that might be acceptable to parliament and the EU.
It is time he stopped spouting nonsense, and got on with the job of being the Leader of the Opposition.
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