world

Johnson set for PM job beset by Brexit, Iran crisis

53 Comments
By Robin MILLARD

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2019 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


53 Comments
Login to comment

The whole leadership race was contrived to be a Johnson victory. Which is nuts

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Don't trust him. He won't deliver Brexit. He'll talk tough, but he'll end up trying to resell May's capitulation treaty.

Here's hoping the Tories make it categorically clear that they will never allow a WTO Brexit, then have a no confidence vote in Johnson. If that happens, those who want Brexit will have no doubt whatsoever that the Conservative party are never going to let Brexit happen, and that if the public wants it, it needs to look elsewhere.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

This is going to be fun to watch..

The Boris clown show.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Issue Bojo the Clown a red putty nose and orange fright wig and he'll be ready to perform.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

It’s almost a comedy at this point. America won’t help with the Iran situation so Britain are now asking EU members for help... despite wanting to leave them!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The leader of the UK decided by a tiny minority of the country comprised to a large extent of right wing, English rural geriatrics.

That’s how you end up with this travesty.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

This is going to be fun to watch..

Not so much for the people of Ireland, a chara. Let's hope the GFA isn't sacrificed for this eejit's vanity project.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Trump and Johnson, what a great pair. Johnson will be totally under Washington's heel and a war is brewing.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I should stress that Johnson is also a staunch racist (made comments about flag-waving picaninnies, insulted the Maori, compared Burkas to letter-boxes) and a thug (agreed to help his friend beat up a journalist, but never followed through).

Johnson is, simply, what happens when the public value charisma more than policies. And is what happens when you create a class system where someone with a posh accent and expensive schooling can be afforded every privilege throughout their entire life with no consequences.

He could be sat in prison as a conspirator to commit ABH/GBH, but instead will become Prime Minister.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Johnson will be totally under Washington's heel and a war is brewing.

As ever. This echoes the Blair/Bush relationship when Blair was seen as Bush's poodle. The so-called "special relationship" is a myth.

It will be interesting to see the dynamic in play. Remember, this is the former mayor of London who said very disparaging things about Trump.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The leader of the UK decided by a tiny minority of the country comprised to a large extent of right wing, English rural geriatrics.

That poll of them, by the Tory pollsters yougov, was hilarious. Brexit is worth losing Scotland and N. Ireland, significant economic damage, and the end of the Tory Party. That's what members of the "Conservative and Unionist Party" say. The only thing it's not worth is a Corbyn government.

https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2019/06/18/most-conservative-members-would-see-party-destroye

Johnson's only option may be a second referendum. Since he was on the Leave side, it would be more palatable coming from him than most others. Johnson can sell it as a mandate to force Parliament forward. Everyone else would be accused of doing it to throw Brexit out.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Boris Johnson has made some good judgments though. In 2016, for example, he made a very sound judgment about who should lead the party:

Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me

It's just a shame he didn't maintain this position.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

@Jimizo

I can see where you are coming from, but if it were Labour or the Lib Dems in power, choosing a new leader under these circumstances, it would also be only 0.2% (or even less) of the country choosing the next PM. Nobody really likes it, but that is the system that is in place, and unless Parliament chooses to have another election before the end of the current term, it is the way forward, democratically.

But, I have no doubt that they'll be a GE before the end of the year. In which case, I'm more interested to see if Labour will tolerate Corbyn as leader.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

British politics has collapsed. Johnson will lead us into such a mess. The alternative is the non-committal union sympathiser who prefers to forever be shadow opposition.

The tories have surprised me. Usually they are on the ball in choosing a leader of their party. Much more so than Labour.

British politics needs rebuilding.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Issue Bojo the Clown a red putty nose and orange fright wig and he'll be ready to perform.

Already got the frightful wig, and he seems keen to perform even without the nose.

Johnson is, simply, what happens when the public value charisma more than policies

Charisma? What charisma? All I see is an upper-class twit with a penchant for quoting Latin badly. My old Classics teacher would have wiped the floor with him.

Nihil sapientiae odiosius acumine nimio

See, Bozo, you're not the only one who can do it.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@Toasted

Johnson will be totally under Washington's heel and a war is brewing.

Tony Blair redux! That would be a disaster.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The unsightly display of Britain's Johnson spaffing over his full-English Brexit will just be a momentary distraction until an up-coming election puts him back where he belongs in the oubliette of history.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

May!! come back, May. All is forgiven

No, it isn’t.

Terrible leader.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Unfortunately, the truthseeker has a rather unsavory history, so I'd take it with a pinch of salt.

If Johnson is a friend of Israel, that's fine. It would be nice, though, if he could also be a friend of Palestine, too.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

In future can Jnews stop referring to the UK or Great Britain and just call it Britain from now on, thank you.

It has been alleged that a few world TV program makers want to film the UK as it has become the biggest comedy act in the world,

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Unfortunately, the truthseeker has a rather unsavory history, so I'd take it with a pinch of salt.

Is that so? Can you tell us why? Here's the origin of the article I linked to - https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/boris-johnson-zionist/

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Nope I and others have called you out for spreading false accusations and lies and the moderators dealt with that in a correct manner.

Yep. The terms used were anti-Semitic and are often used in tropes to smear the media and it's alleged "owners". Now, of course, you may have been unaware of that - which is fine. But it was explained to you & you just doubled down.

You've only been here 5 minutes, so not sure where you're getting this others have called you out for spreading false accusations and lies stuff.

If I was desperate, I could claim that you're stalking me but that would look like I'm trying to silence your right to comment. Whether it's right or wrong.

If you're actually referring to the Muslim cancer comment, I've already apologized for misquoting you on that. Twice. Would a third time help?

I apologize.

I got it wrong. At least I can admit to my mistake.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Is that so? Can you tell us why? 

The Truth Seeker was edited by Charles Lee Smith who was a white supremacist and anti-Semite. Now, the online version may be far removed from his time and outlook but is still often referred to by CTs as a source for their information.

I feel the same way if someone uses the Daily Mail as a source. Not having a pop, just a reaction.

jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/boris-johnson-zionist/

Well, it's good to see that Johnson is distancing himself from the terrible actions of Israel, at least.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Bozo is an upper class twat.

A boor, a bully and a bigot. And lest we forget...

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/boris-johnson-liverpool-tory-leadership-16353256

5 ( +9 / -4 )

2 people support the hatchet job on the good people of Liverpool, it seems. I guess it irks somewhat, finding out that a tory toff isn't suitable for the job. Who'd a thought it?

To be fair, you shouldn't have been fooled by the tomfoolery of HIGNFY. His awfulness has been there for all to see, for a long time.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

The Truth Seeker was edited by Charles Lee Smith who was a white supremacist and anti-Semite. Now, the online version may be far removed from his time and outlook but is still often referred to by CTs as a source for their information.

CTs? Ah yes conspiracy theorists. The very use of the term indicates an unwillingness to check out facts for yourself. I pass by the truthseeker website daily ... it only takes one visit to determine the accuracy of the articles on there.

Well, it's good to see that Johnson is distancing himself from the terrible actions of Israel, at least.

He may have done that then but he can't distance himself from their influence over him now.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

it only takes one visit to determine the accuracy of the articles on there.

Agreed. It carries articles denying the holocaust. It carries article denying the moon landing. It's a trash website for racists and the easily duped (though those are one and the same).

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The very use of the term indicates an unwillingness to check out facts for yourself. I pass by the truthseeker website daily ... it only takes one visit to determine the accuracy of the articles on there.

I'm very willing to check facts, having done it for decades, even before the internet.

I just tend to be wary of publications and sites that have a disreputable reputation/history.

CTs are always convinced that their truth is the real truth and the rest of us are mere sheeple. Which is fine, up until a point, I suppose. All those unpleasant rumors about who was really behind 9/11, who really runs the media, NWO, globalist, the protocols and so on ad infinitum.

He may have done that then but he can't distance himself from their influence over him now.

I'm literally quoting the link you gave me. He distanced himself from Israel's actions - the other day.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

All bets are on barking Johnson, but the befuddled Berkshire Hunt could still pip him at the post if at the last moment enough Tory voters get cold feet at the hair-raising, nightmarish prospect of electing a shambolic, upper-class slob who will only lead them into putting on an unseemly parliamentary Punch and Judy show ending in tears, electoral defeat and no Brexit to show for it. It's an unenviable Hobson's choice but a well-deserved dilemma for the Tory spivs who devised the electoral wheeze of Brexit that has made Britain the laughingstock of Europe. Tee-hee!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

More Johnson nonsense here

The British-Iranian dual citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is still in an Iranian prison despite Johnson promising her family that he would do everything he could to secure her release. Zaghari-Ratcliffe was subjected to a second court case after Johnson erroneously told the foreign affairs select committee that she had been “teaching people journalism” in Iran. In reality, she was on holiday visiting relatives. 

https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/06/boris-johnson-s-racist-insults-dog-whistles-and-slurs

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

2 people support the hatchet job on the good people of Liverpool

I’m from Liverpool and Tory trash trying to make a headline out of bashing the place is a badge of honour for me. Thatcher tried this on as well.

Liverpool was voted remain by the way.

Johnson is too much of a liar and an opportunist to be taken seriously whether he’s kissing your backside or slagging you off.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Liverpool voted remain

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

So Boris Johnson is officialy appointed Prime Minister, let's see if he can make good on his promise that Britain will be better of being outside of the European Union.

At the moment nobody can say for certain that the Brexit will be good or a bad thing for Britain, let's make that evaluation after 5 years.

Everybody knows that the European Union will allow Britain to come back if they really want to and besides its not like everything is roses and peaches at the European Union neither.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

At this point... bring on King Chuck and Crown Prince Willie. They at least have some brain cells to rub together.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Good luck, British Trump, good luck! As Trump himself tweeted, he will be a great PM. The UK is on her knees, the country is doing terrible. Boris Johnston will get the country going again!

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

The Tory turkeys voted for Christmas after all, lol! I'm celebrating with champagne and schadenfreude savoring the thought of the entertainment coming next to our screens: Trump's dog and monkey act with Johnson ( yeah, that ol' special relationship with Amerika shtick), and looking forward to the day when Bozo dares to step foot in Remain Liverpool! If he does go there, the clueless clown will get a frightful reception, like in his worst nightmare.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Johnson will be totally under Washington's heel

No he won't. But even if he would be, it would be a lot better than under Brussel's heel.

Just get Brexit done, Boris.

Johnson will lead us into such a mess.

May already did that.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Johnson will be totally under Washington's heel, it would be a lot better than under Brussel's heel.

It's like choosing between the plague and cholera, in the end it's all the same though.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Give Northern Ireland back to the Irish and execute a hard Exit from the EU. Problem solved.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

But the incoming premier faces exactly the same set of circumstances -- if not worse -- with parliament deadlocked as the Brexit deadline looms.

The new leader will have just three months to attempt to resolve a three-year Brexit crisis that could damage economies on both sides of the Channel and determine the fate of generations of Britons.

Great Britain is still a democracy (isn't it?). A vote, by the people, was held and Brexit won. Instead of following the will of the voters, many elected officials dragged their feet, or deliberately stymied, every attempt to leave the E.U.. As a result of their un-democratic actions, May is out, and Conservative party members get to elect Johnson as PM.

If elected officials chose not to follow the will of the people, what was the point of having a vote in the first place? If elected representative are not going to govern in a democratic manner, you may as well turn the government back over to the royals.

As a result of the Remain/Brexit in-fighting, skullduggery, tomfoolery, and backstabbing, May is out, and Johnson is the new resident of 10 Downing Street. My only concern is whether, or not, Chief Mouser Larry will find this new arrangement acceptable.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

A vote, by the people, was held and Brexit won.

A non-binding referendum was held. That is not equivalent to a vote.

If elected officials chose not to follow the will of the people, what was the point of having a vote in the first place?

A non-binding referendum. Not a vote.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

"Not a vote"? The vote on whether or not the United Kingdom should remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union was not a vote? Didn't the voters cast ballots?

The number of votes cast to Leave was 17,410,742 votes, or 51.89% of the total votes cast.

The number of votes cast to Remain was 16,141,241 votes, or 48.11% of the total votes cast.

The right to vote in the referendum in the United Kingdom is defined by the legislation as limited to residents of the United Kingdom who were either also Commonwealth citizens under the British Nationality Act 1948 (which include British citizens and other British nationals), or those who were also citizens of the Republic of Ireland, or both. Members of the House of Lords, who could not vote in general elections, were able to vote in the referendum. The electorate of 46,500,001 represented 70.8% of the population of 65,678,000 (UK and Gibraltar). Other than the residents of Gibraltar, British Overseas Territories Citizens residing in the British Overseas Territories were unable to vote in the referendum.

Residents of the United Kingdom who were citizens of other EU countries were not allowed to vote unless they were citizens (or were also citizens) of the Republic of Ireland, of Malta, or of the Republic of Cyprus.

The Representation of the People Acts 1983 (1983 c. 2) and 1985 (1985 c. 50), as amended, also permit certain British citizens (but not other British nationals), who had once lived in the United Kingdom, but had since and in the meantime lived outside of the United Kingdom, but for a period of no more than 15 years, to vote.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_Kingdom_European_Union_membership_referendum#Eligibility_to_vote

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The UK is on her knees, the country is doing terrible. Boris Johnston will get the country going again!

Going where?

Do you think continuing austerity policies that result in people taking their own lives will help?

Do you think ignoring the GFA will benefit the peace process?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites