MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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If he wants us out of the EU then why is he an MEP?
I ask this because I don't really know how it works but if Britain was no longer part of the EU then presumably we won't have MEPs?
Seems like turkeys voting for xmas etc.
For the money and to boost his ego.
It comes with a big salary and pension and there's little obligation on him to do anything. (arguably given his platform, there's every reason he should do nothing but behave like a stropy two year old.)
It's no surprise of course that the EU has its problems when a significant number of MEPs are committed to seeing it fail, but turkeys for Christmas no, he'll do perfectly well out of being an MEP.
It's a bit like giving amnesty a freehand to run your chemical weapons company though.
Because he's a hypocrite.
The monthly pre-tax salary of MEPs is €8,484 which is the equivalent of an annual gross salary of €101,808 (since July 2016).
Members are entitled to an old-age pension from the age of 63. The pension equals 3.5% of the salary for each full year’s exercise of a mandate but not more than 70% in total. The cost of these pensions is met from the European Union budget.
If you wonder why the cost of leaving the EU runs into billions it is to pay Nigel and the other 69 MEPs pension.
Office Costs
For 2016 this allowance was €4,299 per month and for 2017 it increased to €4,342 per month.
The election system is by PR from party lists.
Nigle runs his own party and guess who is top of the list?
Bet you wish you put your name forward now.
Because he’s a hypocrite.
I would use a stronger word to descri6 him.
Because he's looking to serve his own needs rather than those of any other person or country.
I'm no fan of Farage but it's not entirely fair to say that it's an unprincipled position that because you think something like the EU parliament is a mistake, it's hypocritical to be a member. It's perfectly principled to attempt to limit (what you may perceive) as the negative impact by taking part. See also SNP MPs at Westminster- is Ian Blackford guilty of all of the above?
OK thanks.
See also SNP MPs at Westminster- is Ian Blackford guilty of all of the above?
A quick look at his voting record shows he bothers to turn up and vote. Hansard also shows he makes a fair few contributions.
So him and his fellow SNP MPs cant really be compared to Farage since they seem to do their jobs.
As opposed to taking the money and then not bothering to turn up at, ohhh, the fisheries committee and then whine about how the UK is hard done by in fishing policy.
mrchrist
Subscriber
If he wants us out of the EU then why is he an MEP?I ask this because I don’t really know how it works but if Britain was no longer part of the EU then presumably we won’t have MEPs?
Seems like turkeys voting for xmas etc.
Cause he canny get an MP gig. Though that'll come at some point at this rate..
Can no deal Brexit means he losses his pension please.
His one policy for the Brexit Party seems to be that he wants a seat at the negotiation table to negotiate a No Deal Brexit............ which would mean there would be no negotiations
Fair play to him, hes a consomethinge snakeoil salesman & he gets his followers to vote for his BS time & again, theyre even pumping money into his new party/PLC
this tweet made me chuckle today
https://twitter.com/LukewSavage/status/1133121398833057794
Can no deal Brexit means he losses his pension please.
Nope, it's already been published that in that circumstance all pensions will be honoured, and all existing directly employed staff who are UK citizens will be kept in their posts. Because, well, some people act with honour. There are now loads of documents published by the EU setting out what they will do in the result of a no deal Brexit… because they have been preparing.
It is a perfectly sensible strategy to ask people who are opposed to the EU to vote for him.
Why wouldn't it be?
Although the only circumstances I would ever consider voting for him would be if the other candidate was BNP. Or EDL or something similar.
He’s narcissistic creep.
because he's a celebrity, and the UK loves celebrities.
Because he failed to get elected as an MP
Because he’s a hypocrite.
I would use a stronger word to descri6 him.
Heaposhit?
Money grabbing old school scammer.
Look, be fair.
He’s a public school boy and commodities trader, part of the elite. Career politician was the next logical step.
Stop being so mean to him.
I’m no fan of Farage but it’s not entirely fair to say that it’s an unprincipled position that because you think something like the EU parliament is a mistake, it’s hypocritical to be a member. It’s perfectly principled to attempt to limit (what you may perceive) as the negative impact by taking part. See also SNP MPs at Westminster- is Ian Blackford guilty of all of the above?
Yes - I agree with roughly what you're saying, but he doesn't take part. When he does turn up he doesn't do anything useful.
Oh, man, I'm so glad someone else asked this! I've been wondering ever since the I wiped my arse on the Brexit party leaflet that came through my letterbox.
I mean, the worrying thing is that the voters didn't see through this and VOTED for it in their droves...
Whilst my wishes for him can’t be published you can’t deny that he’s a career MP.
Simply put, at the time pre-brexit and it’s rise of popularity NF was a leader of a UK party with both supporters/sponsors and followers.
He spotted a way into politics that would give his party a voice, because at that time his parties voice wasn’t being listened to in the UK. He became an MP in the EU parliament (just like other UK MP’s from other parties did) and voiced his bile to a wider audience. If you want transcripts and attendance records it’s all held in Brussels and every European Citizen is free to view them, just like the British Parliament has Hansard here.
Then the lead upto Brexit happened and LyingBloHard and the rest of the Tory retards got involved and because NF is a canny character he hopped upon the Brexit Bus Of Truth.
It coincided with the majority of UK citizens hearing that he was a EU MP via various media outputs and his tirade at Yunkers where he was told “why are you here actually?”
Most UK citizens didn’t understand that the UK had MPs sitting in EU Parliament, most assumed we had no voice or opinions but that we were “told what to do and how to do it” by some faceless EU Eurocrats when in fact just like the UK Parliament, every motion is read and voted upon.
Far from the UK having no voice, the UK has always had a voice and it’s own views in the EU Parliament. It’s a forum wide coverage of all members of the EU.
Well, we can go on about the merits of his own political stance and how he represents the voice of the far right politics of the UK but that’s another story well documented in both Hansard and the Media and the EU Parliament records.
You will find, that far from spewing his vile opinions and doctrine in the EU Parliament when he attends that his opinions and actions are somewhat muted and rarely expanded upon. He simply attends, marks his attendance and files expenses claim forms like all the other UK EMPs do. In effect, he’s a very similar attitude and aptitude to all the other EMPs.
I think the media reaction to him and the fact that he’s an EMP is a simple one:
No-one remembers voting for him
No-one even knew we had EMPs
The majority of UK citizens don’t want him there as a voice for the UK - when in truth he has a voice just like all the other UK MPs who sit as EMPs.
Thats fine, he’s every right to voice his and his members views in forum that represents his party views.
Just so happens that the irony is lost on many.
Money. Power. Hero worship.
@kimbers - is that really genuine? Surely it can't be? If it is all the sadder that he has duped so many of the proles that his type so shamelessly exploit into voting for him as well. Depressing.
Because lots of people are stupid.
Loads of reasons.
1) like a lot of lot of politicians he’s craves power and influence, but mostly the sound of his own voice when he’s grandstanding. He’s after exposure, just like an Insta influencer.
2) Its the only seat he could get, he’s had 7, maybe 8 goes at running for MP and failed every time.
3) the above really highlights one of the problems that got us in this mess in the first place - Labour and The Tories have both used the EU as a catch-all excuse for decades, they always make sure to label any unpopular new rule as an EU one with a pithy “were bound at part of the EU to...” but don’t mention the veto and controlling vote etc. The EU can’t impose a single bit of legislation in the UK unless the UK government want them to, but they’ve been a useful whipping boy for decades. The main parties have also largely ignored EU elections to keep the budget for national elections. For years the only people who cared about the EU were the ones who were told to hate it. Even now 40% turn outs.
4) The money, it’s a lucrative business throw in a couple of massive payouts from ‘backers’ and Farage has made millions over the years. You think Yaxley-Lenon takes the piss out of his fans for money!
He’s not the only eurosceptic mep. But is it not healthy to have some eurosceptic mep’s? Who is the official opposition of the EU? Who is there to challenge the collective and hold to account? No organisation is effective or healthy or good if there is no spectrum of opinion and forum to openly challenge and criticise.
It’s perfectly principled to attempt to limit (what you may perceive) as the negative impact by taking part.
Farage bleats on about defending the UK. He didn't turn up for 41 out of 42 fishery committee meetings while he was an MEP.
He's a hypocrite. His MEP role is just a way to scam a lot of money while not doing his job, and to provide a platform for his anti EU rants in the Parliament, which are then edited to create YouTube soundbites to promote himself to his supporters.
@kimbers – is that really genuine? Surely it can’t be?
It seems utterly implausible, but see https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=NFm1AwAAQBAJ&lpg=PT39&pg=PT39#v=onepage&q&f=false
<h1 class="post-title">Why is Nigel an MEP?</h1>
Because a vast swath of the voting population are pig shit stupid piss pot racists.
Edit : that does a disservice to pig shit, given the arguments and reasoning i have heard for leaving the eu i'd rather give voting rights to a bucket of pig shit.
Who is the official opposition of the EU?
Why do you think the EU would have an "official opposition"?
It's not a government.
Nigel is an MEP because he is clever and cunning
Nigel is an MEP because I voted for him to send him over to oppose the EU bureaucrats.
Nigel is an MEP because I voted for him to send him over to oppose the EU bureaucrats.
No you didn’t.
How does one oppose oneself?
X 29 MEPs and that Brexit party office allowance is more than 125k euros per month.
wobbliscott
Member
Who is there to challenge the collective and hold to account?
Not bloody Nigel Farage, that's half the point. He rarely bothers to turn up and when he does, he uses it just to make grandstanding speeches.
Nigel is an MEP because I voted for him to send him over to oppose the EU bureaucrats.
Now stop lying you live in the NE so couldn't vote for him.
Because a vast swath of the voting population are pig shit stupid piss pot racists.
Edit : that does a disservice to pig shit, given the arguments and reasoning i have heard for leaving the eu i’d rather give voting rights to a bucket of pig shit.
The inability of some remain supporters to make their point in a calm, reasonable, and measured way, simply re-enforces the belief that it's best to switch off and not bother listening.
There's plenty of other examples on here but I've yet to see a similar rant from a leave supporter. Although presumably they are all too thick to ride bikes.
Now stop lying you live in the NE so couldn’t vote for him.
I have voted for the Brexit Party so if he is amongst those in the party that are sent over so be it.
Nothing you have done has had any effect on what NF is doing. He didn’t stand in the area you voted. Had he lost in the area he did stand, the south east, he would not be going, regardless of what you think. If you need help understanding how it all works, ask...
Btw that level of hatred and anger is something I associate with the EDL. Ironically.
I have voted for the Brexit Party
You may find this an interesting read.
https://twitter.com/Turloughc/status/1125805034015477760
TL;DR - the Brexit party was set up three years ago, two months after the referendum, as UKIP wasn't alt-right enough for Farage and Banks.
... and this, though it was mentioned earlier in the Big Thread.
I have voted for the Brexit Party so if he is amongst those in the party that are sent over so be it.
Yeah I'm not sure you understand how democracy works.
Yeah I’m not sure you understand how democracy works.
On the ballot paper it says Brexit Party so I voted for that party.
How does democracy work then?
Still, his supporters all seem a reasonable bunch.
I reckon that even if I thought brexit was a great idea, I'd be looking at the people I was getting into bed with and taking a long, hard look at my life choices.
On the ballot paper it says Brexit Party so I voted for that party.
How does democracy work then?
You voted for the candidate in your region on behalf of the Brexit party, it had zero effect on Farage being voted in. They take separate seats at the EU it's not to vote a party in to lead the UK.
The man often mentions that he is a businessman and not a politician. He has seen an opportunity to many lots of money and is exploiting the system to its fullest.
Why is Nigel an MEP?
Because Vladimir told him to.
Ah Chewkw not understanding but arguing till the end, he is amusing.
Ernielynch : seeing as brexit has directly led to the cancellation of a medical trial for secondary progressive ms (no current treatment available) which I was due to participate in then I think I’m entirely justified in calling out pig thick ****ing racists whenever the opportunity arises
Yep its shutting us out of several major EU wide cancer trials as well
deeply frustrating for researchers & the NHS who have spent millions on the process so far, not to mention patients who could be missing out on life saving treatments & certainly helping pave the way for better treatments
(the issue is with data confidentiality, as ECJ ids final arbiter of enforcing it)
theres a stunning silence from those that support brexit when stuff like this gets raised , chewy?
theres a stunning silence from those that support brexit when stuff like this gets raised
‘You’ll be fine. ‘They’ will sort something out.’ Is the general response I get.
I imagine it'll involve privatising the NHS, so not only will you not be able to get the treatment but you won't be able to afford it if it is available. Problem solved, now about those technological solutions to the Irish border....
You voted for the candidate in your region on behalf of the Brexit party, it had zero effect on Farage being voted in. They take separate seats at the EU it’s not to vote a party in to lead the UK.
That I know I just want to vote Brexit Party as it is on the ballot paper.
In the Far East we tend to vote for party first than the person.
Ah Chewkw not understanding but arguing till the end, he is amusing.
I understand that I can vote for whoever is on the ballot paper.
Isn't Nigel Farage now an MEP?
Isn’t Nigel Farage now an MEP?
Well yes but not because of your vote.
Care to give kimbers and somafunk your opinion on the cancer drug trial cancellations chewkw??
Chewkw, if 100% or 0% of the people in your EU voting area had voted for the Brexit Party it would still have had no effect on Farage being an MEP. Also comment on the tricky stuff instead of not understanding the simple stuff.
In the Far East we tend to vote for party first than the person.
In the UK, you vote for the person (for council and general elections)
Yes, NF is an MEP. This is because he was the first choice from a panel put forward by the brexit party in the south east constituency (is that the right word?). You did not vote in that constituency. You voted for John Tennant and Brian Monteith (who, incidentally lives in the south of France).
Well yes but not because of your vote.
Yes, that I know.
He is the leader of Brexit Party so when I vote for Brexit Party I naturally see him also winning albeit not in the NE.
Care to give kimbers and somafunk your opinion on the cancer drug trial cancellations chewkw??
That question is for NHS and the Govt to answer is it not?
In the UK, you vote for the person (for council and general elections)
Not me.
You voted for John Tennant and Brian Monteith (who, incidentally lives in the south of France).
I voted for the Brexit Party ...
chewkw
That question is for NHS and the Govt to answer is it not?
There you go guys. Confirmation if you needed it. I'll let you lot decide what it confirms to you personally but I know what it confirms to me about chewy and his assertions...
So no comment on a serious issue caused by Brexit affecting an actual forum member? Poor show, new low.
I have deleted this post too ...
Not me
Doesn’t matter what you think you voted for, you put a cross next to the name of a person.
OK I have deleted this post.
Funky old boy, delete that before you get a ban. BTW I'll hold your coat.
Hmmmm...
The interesting thing about mod tools is we can see when I posted has been edited or just someone saying a post was deleted.
Just to add to the doublethink of farage et al, I was particularly tickled by discussion in the news today* of anti EU, right wing MEPs from all across the continent mulling the idea of forming a bloc or some sort of coalition.
I guess it’s occured to some of them that they could be stronger together. Perhaps unite under a common purpose and a common goal, for the greater good and all that. Cracking idea. Brilliant!!!!
*aware Farage hasn’t proposed himself, appears to be an idea raised by Italian right wingers.
Perhaps unite under a common purpose and a common goal, for the greater good and all that. Cracking idea. Brilliant!!!!
Union of Europe.
Splitters!
Well somafunk the context of your anger, which obviously I didn't know about, is hugely relevant. I can indeed understand your anger. I am not of course going to make excuses or argue in favour of clearly inhumane and callous decisions. I shudder to think what chewkw might have deleted (I didn't see it before it was deleted but I did read your response, also now deleted) I do hope despite what has happened that decisions are reversed and that medical needs and common humanity prevails.
Nevertheless there are widely held beliefs on here that anyone opposed to EU membership is stupid, worthless, and racist. To dismiss roughly half the population as such does supporters of the EU no favours. I too can get angry about the EU, an institution which I intense dislike. I don't however translate anger against the EU and all its failings into hatred directed towards EU supporters.
In very much a reverse role I see the supporters of the EU as blind, ill-informed, and in denial. I have no wish to attempt to convince you, anyone attempting to do so on STW is pissing in the wind, as far as I'm concerned. The only thing that I am prepared to even attempt to do is to try to convince you that not all opponents of the EU are stupid racists. Although in reality I accept that this is almost certainly futile. Especially as the media's sole attention for a long time has been focused on the small-minded bigots who shout the most.
I was going to give you an insight of where I'm coming from but on reflection I won't bother. Ultimately it doesn't matter if you consider me to be stupid and racist. And really looking at it from a purely practical point of view that attitude, imo, seriously undermines remainers and their cause.
N.B. FYI one of my strongest criticism of the EU is that I see it as inherently racist.
I guess it’s occured to some of them that they could be stronger together. Perhaps unite under a common purpose and a common goal, for the greater good and all that. Cracking idea. Brilliant!!!!
Cracking idea? What it certainly isn't, is a new idea.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Movement
"Europe a Nation
Mosley perceived a linear growth within British history and he saw Europe a Nation as the culmination of this destiny. Therefore, he argued that it was "part of an organic process of British history", as Britain had united into one nation, and that it was Britain's national destiny to unite the whole continent"
BTW if you read the above link you'll see that the only fascists who had any sort of electoral success at that time was the Italian fascists. Today it is the Italian neo-Fascists who are mainly behind this :
I don't think all the people who voted for Brexit are racist, what I do have an issue with is that the majority of them seem to be either unable to give good reasons for leaving or the reasons they give are based on misinformation. The EU might not be perfect but the alternative seems pretty bleak.
I can't think of any good reason why anyone should vote Tory. Should I therefore assume that there are no valid reasons for voting Tory?
I think you might confusing your opinions with other people's opinions and being surprised when they don't turn out to be the same.
I know people who can give me lots of good reasons why they voted to remain, I don't however necessarily agree with them.
Nigel is an MEP because I voted for him to send him over to oppose the EU bureaucrats.
The "EU bureaucrats" you want to oppose are working for you. Like the UK civil service.
If you would like to see the EU bureaucracy work in a different way (which is a perfectly reasonable aim) why would you vote for the party of a man who doesn't turn up to do his job? Farage is not going to effect any useful changes in the EU, because to put it bluntly, he's a skiver, who is busy promoting his personal brand.
@ernielynch I just want a brexit supporter to tell me some reasonable reasons for leaving Europe.