Independent Media | Campaigning Journalism
People are hijacking Theresa May’s campaign in the most British way possible [TWEETS]
The Conservative Party’s very obvious tagline in its general election campaign is “strong and stable”. Tory politicians, including Theresa May, repeat it verbatim in the appearances they make.
But now, someone’s found a way to challenge the assertion that the Tories are “strong and stable”. And they’re doing so in the most British way possible.
My arse, May
The tagline itself is not new. It’s a rehash of ex-Prime Minister David Cameron’s motto in 2015. But what’s appearing around London certainly is a new phenomena, as someone is seeking to challenge May’s claim to that phrase on the streets:
London, I love you. pic.twitter.com/poCPVVqLw3
— James Brian (@iamjamesbrian) May 19, 2017
Read on...
Massive props to whoevers behind these #strongandstablemyarse pic.twitter.com/eMYCS2f19y
— Take Back The City (@TBTCLondon) May 20, 2017
There is a hero in our midst… this in Kentish Town this morning pic.twitter.com/bttSM6yurr
— Katie Roden (@KatRoden) May 19, 2017
— Trumpton (@Trump_ton) May 20, 2017
The posters appeared in Camden, Soho, Southwark, Kennington, Kentish Town and Peckham, according to onlookers. That’s a fair amount of ground for one person to cover. So perhaps it’s not the work of one lone individual; but the beginning of a “strong and stable my arse” craze that’s about to sweep through the capital and beyond.
Look out for these and share on twitter or make your own #StrongAndStablemyarse pic.twitter.com/NxvqboYYKJ
— PorkPieProtester #StopBrexit #SODEM #FBPE (@RemainingKind) May 21, 2017
Pull the other one
Whoever’s delighted Londoners with these posters obviously doesn’t agree that the phrase adequately sums up May’s government. And they certainly have evidence to back up that rebuttal. On 22 May, for example, May backtracked on her party’s unpopular social care proposal. Just four days after the Tories launched it. In fact, as The Mirror details, May has performed at least 10 embarrassing U-turns so far. That amounts to one U-turn a month, as she’s only been Prime Minister since last July.
Furthermore, she won’t debate head-to-head with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. She insisted this decision wasn’t a sign that she was “running scared”. But Corbyn said a debate is “what democracy needs and what the British people deserve”.
These reasons (among others) are why many people raise an eyebrow when May repeats her “strong and stable” mantra. And they’re almost certainly why some anonymous heroes have stuck #StrongAndStableMyArse posters up across London.
Get Involved!
– Register to vote in the 8 June general election. 11.59pm on 22 May is the deadline.
– Discuss the key policy issues with family members, colleagues and neighbours. And organise! Join (and participate in the activities of) a union, an activist group, and/or a political party.
– Also read more Canary articles on the 2017 general election.
– Check out The Canary Podcast.
Featured image via Jim Mattis/Flickr
We need your help to keep speaking the truth
Every story that you have come to us with; each injustice you have asked us to investigate; every campaign we have fought; each of your unheard voices we amplified; we do this for you. We are making a difference on your behalf.
Our fight is your fight. You’ve supported our collective struggle every time you gave us a like; and every time you shared our work across social media. Now we need you to support us with a monthly donation.
We have published nearly 2,000 articles and over 50 films in 2021. And we want to do this and more in 2022 but we don’t have enough money to go on at this pace. So, if you value our work and want us to continue then please join us and be part of The Canary family.
In return, you get:
* Advert free reading experience
* Quarterly group video call with the Editor-in-Chief
* Behind the scenes monthly e-newsletter
* 20% discount in our shop
Almost all of our spending goes to the people who make The Canary’s content. So your contribution directly supports our writers and enables us to continue to do what we do: speaking truth, powered by you. We have weathered many attempts to shut us down and silence our vital opposition to an increasingly fascist government and right-wing mainstream media.
With your help we can continue:
* Holding political and state power to account
* Advocating for the people the system marginalises
* Being a media outlet that upholds the highest standards
* Campaigning on the issues others won’t
* Putting your lives central to everything we do
We are a drop of truth in an ocean of deceit. But we can’t do this without your support. So please, can you help us continue the fight?
Support us 
