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A new National Economic Committee to bring together ministers COBRA-style to deal with the economic crisis.

Tut tut. Forgot to insert the obligatory 'global there' old chap. There is no UK economic crisis. This is all the American's fault.

Do try and keep up.

Gordon is blameless. Not his fault. There is no 'bust'. There has been no 'boom'. But if there is a bust or, it turns out that there was indeed a boom then for sure it's the American's fault.

Would all deck attendants move the deckchairs in an orderly fashion!

I think a Cobra style committee to deal with the financial crisis might be quite effective, just so long as it doesn't have Gordon Brown on it.

Or any bankers.

If only he'd reshuffle himself and his awful cronies into oblivion. None of them serve any useful purpose now, they are simply hanging on to power knowing that they will mostly be out of a job in two years time anyway. No doubt in the little time remaining they will continue to spout the platitudes and downright lies that brought them to power, and will continue with their prime objective of lining their pockets at the expence of the taxpayer.

This cabinet reshuffle will be rather like trying to rearrange the playing cards when they are all jokers and knaves.
It is therefore impossible to seriously consider what Brown will do, I even doubt if he has a spare card up his sleeve. Jack Straw will try and steady his boss's hand whilst Milipede craftily performs the three-card trick.

Re-arranging the deckchairs on the titanic? If only the captain would go down with his ship ...

mandelson is back? wow!
twice forced out as an MP from the government benches so to given a peerage or position and brought in via the house of lords.... excellent work GB

shows that mandelson and reform of the house of lords was just spin

Marvellous,

Despirate move by Brown, Mandy (the Nu Labour answer to Geoffrey Archer), back in.

I suppose it was either him of Dennis Skinner!

Start the stop watch, lets see how long he lasts this time...

Shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic.

So Peter Mandleson will be put back into the cabinet. How desperate is Brown? How pathetically weak is his team if he has to get Mandleson back?

As far as the economics is concerned, only time will tell, but apparently Bernanke, the Fed chief in the USA, told lawmakers that if they do not pass the bail-out plan tonight, that there would be no economy left on Monday.

How can the American economy have collapsed so quick to get to this point? and IF that really is the case, then surely 700 Billion dollars will not be anywhere near enough to prevent a total collapse a bit later on, so what is the point? It seems that total collapse is inevitable at this point and that is due to fundemental fatal flaws designed into the system.

Brown is incapable of preventing recession or thecoming depression. He is the wrong man for the job. We do not need a man who thoiught it was prudent to ransack profitable pension funds and sell gold at it's lowest level. Brown is out of his depth.

Economic crisis.... what crisis?

Titanic. Deck chairs.

For heaven's sake - sink already!

Prize to the first right-wing blogger to talk about chairs on beaches and a famous ship.

I'm probably too late already.

Quote: "Sources say the key to this reshuffle is strengthening the government response to economic issues, and sources confirm the creation of a new National Economic Committee to bring together ministers Cobra-style to deal with the economic crisis. It should be stressed this is a response to the overall economic situation and not just the recent markets crash."

Sorry, call be a bit dim, but, isn't that what the treasury is for?

So there will be two departments dealing with the economy now?

Nick,

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ report that Ruth Kelly will stand down as an MP at the next election seems to be the usual Beeb slackness with accuracy.

Surely ALL MPs stand down but she will not be seeking re-election. May not have been re-elected anyway, with a majority of 2064 she was very vulnerable.

Bob

Nick, you not getting much right these days are you. Mandelson coming back is hardly means a small reshuffle. You need to take a rain check on your contacts or how you rush to conclusions. Rather the same with your views on Cameron's speech.

#2, #6, #9, #11

Well done!

#5 - I like the metaphor. Originality.

If ever there was a "back to the future" moment this is it!

Mandelson is back! As if Crash Gordon thinks he will save his skin he'll be sorely disappointed.

Doesn't Gordon get it? The electorate are weary of the same old faces and the same old policies. They're fed up of the busted New Labout project. It has been a shambles of mounting debt and failed promises.

It's all over for them because they have broken the trust of the people and like Major once that happens they'll just simply get kicked out no matter how Gordon continues to serve up the same old platitudes.

Mandelson.

There must be a new law of nature emerging..........

Have you ever heard of rats mounting a sinking ship?

The lucky rats are called Ruth and Des! They can now go and prepare to enter the real world of economic fear that they've created on "Main Street"! Welcome to the real world guys.................your world.........the one you helped to create!

Nick

The reshuffle would justify your tag "Back to the Future" - looking forward to mandy being given the chance to resign again.

However, we all know that the one person who really needs to be re-shuffled will not be.

Now that you an Brown are a team, and do things together (like visiting Washington) will we be getting more inside info? or just more regurgitated labour spin?

Will the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ be sending an independant reporter to cover your trips together?

#10 - PurpleDogzzz - "Brown is out of his depth"

I agree, and if we want to see what kind of "out of his depth" thinker we have as our leader, we could do worse than to listen carefully to a particular part of his conference speech. In it Gordon Brown said the following:

"And so IT FALLS TO THIS PARTY AND TO THIS GOVERNMENT, with our commitment both to fairness and to business, to propose AND DELIVER what after recent events everybody should now be willing to accept - that we do all it takes to stabilise the still turbulent financial markets and then in the months ahead WE DO NOTHING LESS THAN REBUILD THE WORLD FINANCIAL SYSTEM and around clear principles."

And then he goes on to say that he and Alistair Darling will meet financial and government leaders in America to make five proposals to reform the global system.

He then concludes: "And if we make these changes I believe London will retain its rightful place as the financial centre of the world." (clap, clap, clap...)

Now superficially it all sounds quite sensible. The only trouble is that, if we read it carefully, we see that there is a strong whiff of absurdity about it. I can fully understand that Brown and Darling can make proposals to other world leaders, but that is about as far as their power goes. But this is not what GB has said. He has stated very clearly that it falls to (i.e. is the responsibility of) the British Labour party and government to "deliver" on the task of "rebuilding the world financial system".

Forgive me if I am missing something here, but unless GB knows something about Britain's place in the world that I don't, I didn't think that the British Labour party and government constituted a "world authority" able to deliver on this wholly unrealistic goal. It does not "fall to" our government to sort out all the problems of the world - especially not at my (i.e. the British taxpayer's) expense.

And I suppose other world leaders sitting at the feet of Gordon Brown will be nodding enthusiastically as he proposes to take the lead in reforming the global system, so that London can retain its "rightful" place as the financial centre of the world. I mean, I am sure the whole world is deeply committed to working for Britain's national interest!

Is this a sign that GB is eyeing up some future "global" role for himself? Could he see his role as PM simply as a stepping stone to this? After all he considers himself to be "at the top table" of international affairs, so he could recently tell Russia they were not welcome. Does he consider that he is an important (or THE important) member of what is now a de facto "world government"?

And are we, the British people, just guinea pigs, financing some great international experiment Mr Brown is pursuing, apparently "for our own good"?

16 Balhamu

Why bother being original on this....?

Everyone knows that the reshuffle is a futile exercise.

So they've got a couple of jobs to fill - so what? There are no moves that are going to change the direction of this government.


There doesn't seem to be much 'talent' inside the 'big tent'.

Gordon ain't going to make any exciting moves in this re-shuffle - in case his own party stab him in the back.


Plod, plod, plod, plod, plod....... towards doom....... (Brown could at least go out trying couldn't he and try and do something dramatic??!!!!)

#12

Yes, too late, but the apologists' orchestra is just tuning up for a rousing rendition of "It's all Thatcher's fault!"

Let's hope the ship does sink before we tire of it.

#6 DukeJake

I suspect that it will be the hapless Capt. Darling who goes down with RMS Titanic along with most of the crew but "Duff" Gordon has at least the whit to emulate his namesake, by buying his way into a cosy lifeboat.

23

Fantastic, Apparantly they paid the ships crew on the life boat off to keep silent during the enqurly on the sinking.

Wonder is Brown will do the same....

#14 bobj274

Good point. Kelly is, after all, top of the "Portillo" list in Bolton West, pushing Jacqui Smith's Redditch seat into 2nd place. Pity she's not standing down straightaway.

We should watch her attendance record in the House of Cards to see how faithfully she continues to represent her luckless constituents or whether the spending time with her family starts immediately while she continues to claim the salary and allowances.

Peter Mandelson coming back - wow really scrappig the barrel. Out of interest, who is the current Postmaster General?

"National Economic Committee to bring together ministers Cobra-style to deal with the economic crisis. It should be stressed this is a response to the overall economic situation and not just the recent markets crash. "

Is that shorthand for the Labour Party finances?

Jackie Smith how can you state such things without laughing?

Boris Johnson is using Ian Blair for his own political means?

Who was is after a quick lobbying of MPs to promote 90 day detention - Ian Blair.

Whom did Blair bow to when he pinched poor old Brian Haws anti war posters, certainly the public were not at threat from him.

Who saved him after the Forest Gate nonsense? why his namesake of course.

No sorry he has had his nine lives and Boris wants a new top cop (presumably one who puts police on the streets and takes PCSO's off the streets and doing something they are capable of achieving if needed).

My money is on Mike Fuller, he's done a good job in Kent, and would put a few other whingers in Police News back in thier box.

#24 HarryPFlashman
"Wonder is Brown will do the same...."

We may know more after his cosy week-end in Paris. Just for starters I expect Sarko will award him the Legion d'honneur for ridding Brussels of Mandy. Imagine what the eurocrats will give not to have Hoon amongst their number.

29

I have met Hoon, and he is a good cure for insomnia, however you must be careful as if exposed too long he may put you into a coma.

#28 HarryPFlashman
"Jackie Smith how can you state such things without laughing?"
As with so many NuLab ministers, it's that or cry - there's no "third way".

#30 HarryPFlashman
LOL

But time to move on to the new thread, I think.

Hoon...

As our soldier prepared to go into Iraq Feb 03

He goes on a skiing holiday.

Typical regard the government has for our soldiers..

"The key to this reshuffle is strengthening the government response to economic issues."

But I thought our Glorious Leader already had all the experience the UK needs to get through this tough time.

And if more experience is necessary, could Tony Blair be next?????

I've gone all cold just thinking about it.

So at a time when we are all dealing with the consequences of irresponsible lending and irresponsible borrowing in the housing market, Mr. Brown appoints a man who lied on his mortgage application ...and as business secretary. It beggars belief.

#21

It's just such a cliched response.

It could have been said of any Brown reshuffle and, as such, is a meaningless comment on the changes being made. You could have said it e.g. 6 months ago.

I think the creation of a new cabinet post for climate change and energy security, for example, is more than deckchair shuffling (regardless of if it is a good thing or a bad thing). Indicates to me a serious attempt to shift the priorities of the Government by putting a voice talking about these issues around the Cabinet table.

Another intriguing thing is the return of Mandelson - who (at least in the past) Brown has had an extreme dislike of, and is as Blairite as a Blairite minister could be.

I'm tempted to declare bring back Ruth Kelly. At least she was attractive and usually had something sensible to say!

Just when we all thought things could not get any worse, they did. Everyone's friend Broon has brought "The Phantom of the Opera" Mandelson back into government. This will be worth a few pages in the press.

Mandelson !!!

Again !!!

Has no-one the power to have the Prime Minister sectioned under the mental health act ?

Why oh why does Gordon Brown not realise how totally desperate he looks?At least 2 terms maybe 3 or 4 out of power the way things are going.

If nothing else it suggests theres not much talent in the parliamentary party.

38. impassive

This is a classic example of the lunatics running the asylum!

12 balhamu, well it shows that there's a very bright tory government to follow if they get in, if this lots imagination means anything to go by. post2 was the winner now for goodness sake lets give a £1 prize to all those that dont mention deck chairs at some time on these blogs . I think a fiver will cover it,

17 Northern Thatcherite
"The electorate are weary of the same old faces and the same old policies"

Doesn't that apply to the Tories there are far more new faces on the labour front benches than there are on the Tories, I think the only new face on the Tory front bench is George Osbourne and what a raving success he's turning out to be.
these are exactly the same people that gave us,

"It has been a shambles of mounting debt and failed promises."
And for eighteen long miserable years.

19 the real truth
if thats the way you think why on earth dont you get of this blog.
I think you know that Nick's observations are accurate and you need to stay on here just to attempt to discredit him.

Pheonixarison, can you tell me how the opinion polls are going to day compared to this time last week.I ask you because I trust you to give a honest answer.

44 grandantidote

I appreciate that you trust me to give an honest answer.
Here goes: I've had such a shattering few days that it is difficult to find a rational reply. On the one hand, Boris' decision to fire an unpopular police chief seems generally well received, and thus can only improve the tory camp's fortunes. On the other hand, older citizens, especially socialist ones are dismayed and disgusted at the return of Mandelson. This man represents not socialism, but the very worst of so-called Nu Labour. The youth do not perhaps remember this man's tricks and lack of ethics, or perhaps do not care, so it is difficult to judge how his re-introduction will affect the balance. Brown is not a popular prime minister, but there may also be an element of "better the devil you know" which is helpful to Nu Labour. Again, however, Cameron has been sounding more mature and presenting a more robust image, which enhances tory chances. Sorry, this is so unhelpful, but that's how it seems to me. Now, Grandantidote, what do you think, not what you WANT, but what do you THINK? I too respect your integrity, even if I don't sit on the same side as you.

#44 The opinion polls according to Yougov in today's Telegraph show:

Cons 45%
Lab 31%
Libs 15%

Last week Yougov was

Cons 41%
Lab 31%
Libs 18%


ex 'others'

Personally I don't take much notice of polls since they are not objective.

45 Phenixarison, I actualy did post a reply last night, I am afraid that it must have got lost.post 46 I agree with you entirely polls depend on where the question is asked and how the question is asked.
I never buy newspapers most are absolute rubbish and for one or two thats being nice.
I had missed on TV the state of the polls and was curious to know how they were reacting to the chain of events taken place at the moment, but as you say they mean nothing.
I'm sorry to hear that you've had a torrid few days and I hope your problem has been resolved.
With regard to Blair, I've never been a great fan and his departure bothers me not one bit, what bothers me is that what strings and by whom were pulled to hasten his depature you believe Boris or Blair " you pays your money and you takes your chance "
Your remarks regarding Mandelson as you probably will have guessed are pretty well diametrically opposed to mine, Judging by your opinion of the man which is your right, there would not be much point in expressing my view other than I have.
Your not going to convince me and obviously I'm not going to convince you. So lets you and I agree to disagree on that one.
I am also a little sceptical of Cameron and his offer to co-operate with GB I maybe a old cynic but I tend to think its another band wagon job, he knows that while this recession is on he wont gain any votes by putting the government down and when the situation eases again he will take the moral highground and say look what a good guy I am,when the government were in trouble I went to their aid,and that will be irrespective of the fact that up until the pesent date he has criticised the government for every move they've made.
It will be if it wasn't for our help look at the mess that the country would be in.
If I was GB i would tell him to get on his bike. Vince Cable is a different kettle of fish I think Vince could have some useful input.

I got your message from the other blog sorry that you didn't get my reply its probably floating around in the ether somewhere.

Your having fun on the otherside I see. be careful with ppl you know my opinion of him.

47. grandantidote

Interesting read, we agree to disagree on certain subjects, especially Mandelson.
Thanks for your kind wishes. Regarding yesterday's problems, they have now faded away to be replaced with today's. That's life!

Dear Nick,
I smell a huge rat, if Blair is invovled with Mandelson.Here commeth the hatchet man, i trust Brown is wearing his flak jacket, as Blair and Mandelson with be saying "Hail Ceasar," the knives are out for Brown and Darling, because Europe is acting independantly of one another, proving that the EU states have no economic resolve to solve the crisis.Mandelson will pick off the lame ducks one by one, and the infighting will hopefully put Labour in the wilderness for decades. Their indicision has wrecked Britain , and they failed to act over the last two years as the stockmarket shares index, continually went into a downward spiral.It can be percieved that politicians have no idea how to solve this financial crisis.

I liked the sub headline in one of the papers yesterday.'Mandelson is ready to bury the hatchet but in whose back?'.

every one knows the reshuffle is only for media to make it look as though mr brown knows what he is doing but if you look at it closely its a joke and moraly dodgy, to stay in power and to stave off a coup he has brought in opposition members to up there pay and keep them happy (at taxpayers expence yet again).
neu labour is primarily the blair and brown show and it has derailed proof is blair leaving it when he did, noe brown will run it into the ground and grass roots labour supporters should be ashamed of themselves for allowing such a mob into there once great party.

The recall of Mandleson and the way the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ presented it it the final prove that we have political/current affairs editoral staff and commentators,who are no longer neutral,which we pay for and expect from our license fees,but a bunch metropolitan luvvies who are joined at the hip with NuLabour.
Who in their right mind,would believe that anybody outside the metropolitan SE would be interested in Mandelson entering the DTI to raptourous applause from the staff,where the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ cameras just happened to be there.This nothing more than a publicity staged stunt performed by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ on behalf of NuLabour.
Shame on you ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ.

One really has to gasp at the hypocricy of New Labour. I have just tuned in to the Daily Politics and when questioned about Mandleson and co the Labour MPs just smiled (smirked) and said everything is now ok and moving forward because Mandleson and Brown are changed men. i.e the past is the past and all the mistakes, sleaze, dishonesty, corruption, 10p tax fiasco, the raid on private pensions, an illegal war, selling our Gold reserves etc. has been acknowledged and put to one side for a new start. Hooray!!!

Yet these same people continue to berate all other political organisations, particularly the Tories, by constantly harping back to the Tory years in government . This ongoing brainwashing diatribe (which sadly now seems to be working) is to make us think only New Labour can change and only New Labour deserve to be given a further chance to govern. If we fall for this line a fourth time we will deserve all we get!