Independent Media | Campaigning Journalism
PMQs is back and Jeremy Corbyn returned with the mother of all one-liners
On 5 September, Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) returned after the summer break. And Jeremy Corbyn used the opportunity to deliver the mother of all one-liners.
Speaking about Theresa May’s plans for Brexit, Corbyn stated:
She can’t keep dancing around all the issues.
The PM can't "keep dancing around the issues" over #Brexit, says Jeremy Corbyn #PMQs https://t.co/MTFXGTc1B9 pic.twitter.com/4WOUXQxZX6
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) September 5, 2018
Read on...
Get down and boogie
Corbyn was, of course, referring to the excruciating footage of May dancing during her trip to Africa:
Dancing around the issues …. ?#PMQs pic.twitter.com/BkpC3h0XTr
— Frances Lilley (@frances_lilley) September 5, 2018
Although one Twitter user pointed out:
#PMQs The gurning expressions on May's face as Corbyn made his 'dancing round the issues' comment were almost as painful as the original crime against dance itself (speaking as an ex professional dancer)
— Lindsay (@lindsay_hibbs) September 5, 2018
Others agreed his comment was a knock-out blow:
GOTCHA!#PMQs pic.twitter.com/vysG4ENrL8
— Sketchaganda (@sketchaganda) September 5, 2018
A zinger from Corbyn: May “can’t keep dancing round all the issues”. #PMQs
— George Eaton (@georgeeaton) September 5, 2018
Words without meaning
It was clear from May’s answers on Brexit that she still has no coherent plan for Brexit. In an earlier question, Corbyn asked:
The prime minister says no deal is better than a bad deal. The chancellor says no deal would cause a catastrophic collapse of our economy. And yesterday, the Brexit secretary waded in to say there were countervailing opportunities to a no-deal Brexit. Could the prime minister enlighten us as to what these countervailing opportunities actually are?”
The answer appears to be she can’t. May responded:
This government is working to ensure that whatever the outcome of the negotiations, this… country makes a success of coming out of the European Union – we see that global Britain and a brighter future for people here in this country.
You can watch the full exchange here:
#PMQs
Jeremy Corbyn: "A majority of people might have voted to leave, but they expected the negotiations to be handled competently, and they certainly are not!"
"I say to the PM, she can't keep dancing around all the issues."
"Panasonic are already relocating out of this country" pic.twitter.com/E24bKc0o1y— C0RBYNAT0R (@Corbynator2) September 5, 2018
A second referendum?
Corbyn also commented:
A majority of people might have voted to leave. But they expected the negotiations to be handled competently and they certainly are not.
He also refused to rule out calling for a second referendum on the terms of the UK’s proposed exit from Europe. This led people to speculate that the Labour Party might be moving to support a People’s Vote:
Most notable #PMQs line from Corbyn: "A majority of people voted Leave but they expected the negotiations to be handled competently" – potential case for a second referendum. https://t.co/3NxmCaPM0o
— George Eaton (@georgeeaton) September 5, 2018
“A majority voted Leave but they expected the negotiations to be handled competently” – Jeremy Corbyn at #PMQs
Corbyn has never ruled out a second referendum. This would be a good month to announce his support for one
— Tom London (@TomLondon6) September 5, 2018
With the official date for leaving the EU just over six months away, Corbyn is right. May has not handled the negotiations competently and is still unable to provide a coherent and meaningful strategy of what Brexit will actually mean.
The country needs more than just soundbites. It needs the government to present a clear plan. That plan then needs putting to the people. We need to have a final say on whether we want the actual deal or the idea of Brexit based on lies and election fraud presented during the initial referendum. Then we can truly say whether the Brexit “negotiated” by May is really the will of the people.
Get Involved!
– Support the campaign for a People’s Vote.
Featured images via screengrab
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