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He will do nothing for the people of Rochdale.
They'll never see him again, once the cameras have gone today
When it comes to the general election, the first thing on everyones list of priorities won't be the NHS, education, inflation, government corruption, housing, immigration or the cost of living crisis, it'll definitely be Palestine. Without a doubt.
Won’t be long before the politburo censors close this thread, but before they do it’s not absolutely mental to suggest Netanyahu was complicit in the murder of his own citizens. He may not have had any hand in the Hamas attack, or known much about it, but the conditions which led to the attack were a direct result of his policy of enabling the Hamas govt in Gaza because it was useful to undermine the power of Fatah in the West Bank, and ultimately prevent the two state solution which he has always opposed. He has done everything in his power to prevent a solution to the “Palestinian Problem” and everything that’s happened is a result of that.
Whilst what you say looks quite clearly true, that's not what the conspiracy theory that got the labour candidate de-selected believed in and publicised. It's believing in that theory that Binners thought absolutely mental - and he's right.
It'll put the spotlight on Bow and Bethnal Green where a credible pro-Palestinian (solicitor) is standing against the present incumbent. GG did it there in the past, anything's possible, I imagine Streeting's got to watch his back too. Blimey, Labour MPs losing their seats over supporting apartheid, who'd a thunk it?
I don’t know why people voted for Galloway
I think we often underestimate the "shits and giggles" component of the electorate, especially as there's going to be a GE in a few months, so installing a serial bellend via a rather flawed by-election is just a bit of a diversion rather than anything that meaningful.
it’ll definitely be Palestine.
For millions of muslim voters in this country it absolutely will be the number one issue. It probably should be for the rest of us too, because our govt and politicians are enabling and turning a blind eye to genocide. The deliberate murder and starvation of an entire population is an issue that is far more important than whether you can get a doctor's appointment.
When it comes to the general election, the first thing on everyones list of priorities won’t be the NHS, education, inflation, government corruption, housing, immigration or the cost of living crisis, it’ll definitely be Palestine. Without a doubt
Agreed, shame there's no real push for any of those things.
The deliberate murder and starvation of an entire population is an issue that is far more important than whether you can get a doctor’s appointment.
You forgot the "should be". For many people who need a doctors appointment that trumps their immediate concern on anything Israel is doing. We are in a privileged enough position to have it as a priority, lot of people really are not.
Will it make a difference if there is some kind of ceasefire by the time of the GE I wonder?
He will do nothing for the people of Rochdale.
He will, because as demonstrated by the vote a good proportion of the people of Rochdale clearly want their voice heard on the Gaza issue. They know perfectly well voting in GG is a temporary deal, and no MP would have the chance to make any real headway on anything with long lasting local impact, so better (for the people voting for GG) to have this one single issue aired time and time again in parliament for 6 months, than a local MP who might be out on their arse in 6 months anyway.
Completely understandable outcome in Rochdale, hence why I think it would have been close/still GG even if Labour was in the race.
I think we often underestimate the “shits and giggles” component of the electorate, especially as there’s going to be a GE in a few months, so installing a serial bellend via a rather flawed by-election is just a bit of a diversion rather than anything that meaningful.
Unfortunately, that's also the thinking that got us Brexit - a significant minority of folk going "yeah whatever, WTF, it's all a bit of a laugh and we just want to be a bit contrary for the sake of it".
See also the Boaty McBoatFace vote.
The deliberate murder and starvation of an entire population is an issue that is far more important than whether you can get a doctor’s appointment.
You forgot the “should be”. For many people who need a doctors appointment that trumps their immediate concern on anything Israel is doing. We are in a privileged enough position to have it as a priority, lot of people really are not.
Agree - whilst politicians views on global issues is something that goes towards the charachter of our elected officials, its just self-indulgent words, its not like they can actually do anything about things like Palestine.
This one issue is not something I'd be basing my vote on.
Theres also the tiny issue that maybe at a general election most voters would like their elected representatives to concentrate their efforts into issues they can actually effect, rather than throwing their shoes at the clouds to protest against rain.
George Galloway is only interested in one thing - which is promoting George Galloway.
He's a self serving narcissist who has no place in British politics.
Theres also the tiny issue that maybe at a general election most voters would like their elected representatives to concentrate their efforts into issues they can actually effect, rather than throwing their shoes at the clouds to protest against rain.
If Keir Starmer doesn't end the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, etc, end world hunger and reverse global warming then what the hell is the point in voting for him!
George Galloway is only interested in one thing – which is promoting George Galloway.
He’s a self serving narcissist who has no place in British politics.
There will be a lot of 'everybody look at me' Grandstanding in parliament at every available opportunity for the next couple of months, but if anyone is expecting anything more than that then prepare for dissapointment
I'd imagine this represents the feeling of most voters in Rochdale over the last miserable few weeks
‘We don’t deserve this’: Rochdale voters left cold by byelection chaos
My vote will have nothing to do with the situation in Palestine or the rest of the Middle East.
There's not a lot any UK government could do to effect it.
its not like they can actually do anything about things like Palestine.
If Netanyahu didn't have the support of western states he wouldn't be doing what he is now. It's that simple. Funny how there's nothing we can do about Israel but loads we can do about other international situations. It's very easy to shrug our shoulders and pretend we're powerless but doing so just makes us willingly ignorant apologists for it.
loads we can do about other international situations.
Like what?
It’s very easy to shrug our shoulders and pretend we’re powerless but doing so just makes us willingly ignorant apologists for it.
Well thankfully dazh, we have people like you that have really been the drivers of change in global politics over the last few years.
If Netanyahu didn’t have the support of western states he wouldn’t be doing what he is now.
Who's supporting him, pretty much the entire west have pushed for ceasefires, and continue to push the two state solution, which Netanyahu is opposed too, i can't think of any country who are supporting Israel in their current war in Gaza, yes they have been supported after the terrorist attack, and the right to defend themselves, but not for what they're doing now.
I don't know why people voted for Galloway
Celebrity. It should have no place in politics, but increasingly does. By elections are all too often about sending a message/making a stand. And disinterest/disengagement.
Long term support Argee leading Netanyahu to believe and indeed know he can get away with this.
Where is the blockade on arms sales?: Where are the sanctions?
Long term they've been working on the peace agreement and two state solution, hence why David Cameron was using the threat of the UK formally recognising Palestine.
As for sanctions, i've said that many times, why all the dancing around about a ceasefire bill that does nothing, when sanctions would show the UK physically doing something.
When it comes to the general election, the first thing on everyones list of priorities won’t be the NHS, education, inflation, government corruption, housing, immigration or the cost of living crisis, it’ll definitely be Palestine. Without a doubt.
This would be a reason people would have voted for the Labour Party in other circumstances but the current leadership‘s positions on health, education, housing and the economy are such that it risks handing voters on a platter to the likes of Galloway. I see Reform as a likely beneficiaries in many constituencies.
Where is the blockade on arms sales?:
What would that achieve?
Israeli have quite a substantial arms industry of their own.
They export more than they import.
They build their own MBT's, drones, missiles etc.
I don’t know why people voted for Galloway
Celebrity.
I think it's probably a combination of this and Gaza, but honestly I'm still a bit depressed and baffled by the size of his win.
Anyway, putting aside my dislike for him, if this does move Gaza up the agenda a bit - then that's positive.
Like what?
Eh? You have a very short memory.
South Africa
Iraq/Kuwait
Yugoslavia
Kosovo
Syria
Ukraine
All situations where the west has used it's unparalleled economic, political and military power to intervene in the interests of people who were being oppressed or murdered by an aggressor nation or government.
George Galloway is only interested in one thing – which is promoting George Galloway.
He’s a self serving narcissist who has no place in British politics.
+ 1. GG is a good orator and disruptor but he's just another farage-like grifter. G.G enjoys the limelight and whoever gives him that platform. Didn't he enjoy a regular slot on Putins Russia Today until quite recently?
Like farage, Gorgeous George has never had to take responsibility for what he shouts or deliver for his constituents. He has demonstrated that he'd rather appear on a TV reality jungle/ice/dance show rather than work hard for the people that voted for him.
Sadly, Galloway is just another Dorries, Hancock & farage. It's a shame that some folk are suckered in by his populist rhetoric.
P.S - Unsurprising, it appears that certain regular STW contributors to these types of threads are doing their best to get yet another political discussion stopped by the Mods.
Completely understandable outcome in Rochdale, hence why I think it would have been close/still GG even if Labour was in the race.
It'd very much depend on who the labour candidate was. There's plenty of traditional labour supporters who wouldn't vote for a Muslim candidate, especially considering Rochdales history. It's the same reason the Lib Dems have no chance. It's telling that an independent came second.
Unsurprising, it appears that certain regular STW contributors to these types of threads are doing their best to get yet another political discussion stopped by the Mods.
LOL, you want to talk about George Galloway's win in Rochdale and not talk about Israel and Gaza?
Whilst a self serving egomaniac, he’s got more gravitas and savvy than most and, if the Speaker lets him, he’ll be handing out arses on plates for the next few months.
This is true imo. It is truly tragic that Galloway's obvious talents and powers of persuasive should be overshadowed by his even greater ego.
But yeah we can only hope that he wakes up the House of Commons and stale British politics, in a good way obviously.
So, galloway has said 'his party' will stand 59 candidates in the GE, all in the greater manchester area.; if this happens, they will be focussed on hoovering up the muslim vote.
Reform have stated their intention to stand candidates in every constituency.
I have doubts about galloway's claim but am certain that Reform will do as they have said.
The GE was lining up to be really ugly - now it's about to get significantly worse.
Maybe you should be asking if certain contributors can discuss Israel & Palestine (you do know the current issues are more than just Gaza right?) in a mature, balanced way and without squabbling about what side said what first or what side did that last..... Oh, and LOL straight back at ya.
So, galloway has said ‘his party’ will stand 59 candidates in the GE, all in the greater manchester area
There are not 59 constituencies in the Greater Manchester area.
For millions of muslim voters in this country it absolutely will be the number one issue.
1. The election is months and months away, and anything could happen between now and then. 2. Saying this is the most important thing for a "muslim vote" is pretty dismissive of a huge swathe of individual voters.
convert
"Galloway told GB News earlier this morning his Workers Party of Britain has got "59 parliamentary candidates ready to go, and will stand therefore in three-score Labour seats" in the general election.
He wants to "either defeat them ourselves or cause their defeat".
The political maverick also flagged backing independent candidates, "many of whom are energised by what happened tonight".
The Workers Party will be targeting seats around Rochdale including Oldham, Bolton, Blackburn, Bury and Tameside in greater Manchester, according to Galloway."
Hope that clarifies.
Maybe you should be asking if certain contributors can discuss Israel & Palestine (you do know the current issues are more than just Gaza right?) in a mature, balanced way
I've seen very little discussion of the issue which isn't mature. The vast majority of posters are very careful not to cross any lines. Not sure what you mean by balanced though. This isn't the BBC, we are allowed to have opinions on one side or the other. The problem with this whole issue though is that the opinions on one side are repeatedly cancelled by the other with offensive and unfounded accusations of anti-semitism.
He will, because as demonstrated by the vote a good proportion of the people of Rochdale clearly want their voice heard on the Gaza issue
I'm sure they do, but what they will get instead is George Galloway promoting himself.
But yeah we can only hope that he wakes up the House of Commons and stale British politics, in a good way obviously.
Like being unhappy with the flavour of the soup of the day, hearing that someone has done a shit in it, and hoping for something positive to come from that.
1. The election is months and months away, and anything could happen between now and then.
Probably two months away. What do we think might happen in that time? If nothing changes on the aid front then almost certainly mass starvation and the complete breakdown of whatever social order is still left in Gaza. They'll be killing each other for a loaf of bread. Also the potential attack on Rafah and all the horror that will entail. In the runup to the election I reckon it's highly likely muslim voters will be even more outraged and disgusted with the Gaza situation and Labour's lack of opposition to it than they are now.
Galloway is balls deep in conspiracy theories
he spent ages saying Putin would never invade Ukraine, then blamed Ukraine when he did
Hes made tons of insane claims about the hammas attacks in October - that the rapes & dead babies were faked, that the IDF infact killed many of the victims etc
not to mention his previous charity that raised £1m for Gaza, yet mysteriously never delivered any aid...
it is worrying that he was elected
I’ve seen very little discussion of the issue which isn’t mature.
That's great and long may it continue and I guess the discussion will stay open. Unlike so many previous discussions regarding the subject.
The vast majority of posters are very careful not to cross any lines.
Let's hope the usual overly combative posters continue to be careful and the Mods continue to see it that way.....
Not sure what you mean by balanced though. This isn’t the BBC, we are allowed to have opinions on one side or the other.
I'm not sure I said or insinuated we aren't allowed opinions!!!!! Apologies if I gave you that impression.
The problem with this whole issue though is that the opinions on one side are repeatedly cancelled by the other with offensive and unfounded accusations of anti-semitism.
I guess some folk are allowed opinions even if they differ from our own, after all this isn't the BBC right? Or the Mods can shut the discussion down again.
I'm sure Gorgeous George will be working tirelessly to bring together all the opposing sides in the Middle East to bring around a lasting peace that all sides can work with. Like a modern day Mo Mowlem I guess......