Whats Gordon Brown up to?
Discussion
Swanning around Africa, talking about writing off Debts etc. He looks very happy, stress-free and less smug than ever. What is he upto? Change of career on the cards (UN/World Bank/EU)?? Has he quit and waiting till after the elections to announce it? Has a hand-over been agreed with Tony for the summer? There is something about him....
maybe he's realised blair will have to go after the election whether he wants to or not in order to write his memoirs/ do the lecture circuit/etc to pay for his house
am surprised he's quite so happy, though - just think how much he could have stiffed the grinning idiot if he'd kept control over interest rates!
am surprised he's quite so happy, though - just think how much he could have stiffed the grinning idiot if he'd kept control over interest rates!
bruciebabie said:
He's probably getting the FO after the election. The current Foreign Secretary is lightweight to the point of being invisible.
I don't think he'd accept it. Blair has said publicly that he will go before the next election which means within 2 years effectively. I think Brown would rather simmer on the back benches with time free to rally his vote than go to the FCO.
giving our hard earned (tax) money away, to pay off foriegn countries legitimate debts.
(can a kind benifactor come and pay off my debts please, i will recommend you at the next honours list, m'lud, v.v cynical i know)
don't get me wrong i am for addressing the poverty issues in africa, but i really don't think this is the way to do it.
(can a kind benifactor come and pay off my debts please, i will recommend you at the next honours list, m'lud, v.v cynical i know)
don't get me wrong i am for addressing the poverty issues in africa, but i really don't think this is the way to do it.
ian d said:
giving our hard earned (tax) money away, to pay off foriegn countries legitimate debts.
(can a kind benifactor come and pay off my debts please, i will recommend you at the next honours list, m'lud, v.v cynical i know)
don't get me wrong i am for addressing the poverty issues in africa, but i really don't think this is the way to do it.
The biggest problem in poor countries is corruption. If they could get back all the African money stashed in Swiss bank accounts they wouldn't need this help. As to the Indian Ocean tsunami, what percentage of donations will ever reach the victims? It is nose in trough heaven, lots of officials will be building themselves even bigger mansions and buying even better cars.
ian d said:
giving our hard earned (tax) money away, to pay off foriegn countries legitimate debts.
(can a kind benifactor come and pay off my debts please, i will recommend you at the next honours list, m'lud, v.v cynical i know)
don't get me wrong i am for addressing the poverty issues in africa, but i really don't think this is the way to do it.
Agreed.
And I thought it was reported that he is saying he will 'service the debt' - i.e. pay the interest not pay off the debt.
Now that is quite sweet since it means we just keep paying and paying years after year ...
... or does it work some other way in Africa?
What has Tanzania got (it was there wasn't it?) that we need? Is he just stirring things up for Mugabe?
To generalise.... and being slightly contentious.
Gordon Brown should be made to drink the content of his own speeches.
African countries and their officials are corrupt and anybody who doesn't agree is stupid or a liar.
Loans ARE LOANS. That means they should get repaid. To me the goverment should call in the money or take the security in whatever form - oil, diamond mines, whatever.
Helping Africa is throwing good money after bad.
Gordon Brown should be made to drink the content of his own speeches.
African countries and their officials are corrupt and anybody who doesn't agree is stupid or a liar.
Loans ARE LOANS. That means they should get repaid. To me the goverment should call in the money or take the security in whatever form - oil, diamond mines, whatever.
Helping Africa is throwing good money after bad.
I agree, the African situation is a mess and it is pretty beyond hope really. White man still owns the best bits, takes home the cream.
I went down the coast of W Africa and it truly saddened me. But, despite the worst kinds of poverty, I met some of the most genuinely content people. Made me think.
I don't know what Brown is up to, but I have a feeling he might be off to Europe. Conservatives will have a crippling defeat, following propaganda/sleaze. Blair will hold his hands up and say "I'm a
" and retire, making way for a "yet unknown" new prodigy to fill his boots. (He will be there in the sidings). Labour will be the best party ever, we will all vote for them and the new bloke will obscure Browns offing to Europe.
I went down the coast of W Africa and it truly saddened me. But, despite the worst kinds of poverty, I met some of the most genuinely content people. Made me think.
I don't know what Brown is up to, but I have a feeling he might be off to Europe. Conservatives will have a crippling defeat, following propaganda/sleaze. Blair will hold his hands up and say "I'm a
" and retire, making way for a "yet unknown" new prodigy to fill his boots. (He will be there in the sidings). Labour will be the best party ever, we will all vote for them and the new bloke will obscure Browns offing to Europe.
GavinPearson said:
To generalise.... and being slightly contentious.
Gordon Brown should be made to drink the content of his own speeches.
African countries and their officials are corrupt and anybody who doesn't agree is stupid or a liar.
Loans ARE LOANS. That means they should get repaid. To me the goverment should call in the money or take the security in whatever form - oil, diamond mines, whatever.
Helping Africa is throwing good money after bad.
Well said this man, I agree entirely.
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