Former Chair & now Distinguished Fellow @rusi_org. President @conseurope, UK chair #Königswinter & #AuroraForum Ex Cabinet & MP [email protected]
Princes Risborough, England
Joined February 2012
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David Lidington retweeted
Virtually all of the slopulist right "influencers" in Canada were on Team One BC, which won 1% of the vote.
They set their hair on fire when the BC Conservatives decided to stabilize themselves as a mainstream centre-right party at the beginning of the campaign.
As with the Alberta referendum, this is yet more evidence that these so-called influencers have no influence, and should be broadly ignored by sensible, principled Canadian conservatives.
A lot of the recent drama on the right in BC came from a crazy right populist splinter party, @One_BCHQ.
Made up of self styled “real conservatives” with the usual assortment of weird obsessions & conspiracy theories: vaccines, ostrich farms, chem trails, xenophobia, MAGA North, all communicated with the volume nob stuck on 10.
Basically the BC counterpart of hard core Alberta separatist activists, or Bernier’s @peoplespca.
Tonight they’re at 1.4% of the vote, after two years of being a hugely divisive distraction on the right of BC politics.
Yet another reminder to Conservative parties: ignore the crazy fringe of the hard populist right. Don’t let the tail wag the dog. Let them stay in their little fringe parties.
Being a principled conservative party does not mean pandering to incoherent, perennially angry populism. Instead, propose bold, thoughtful policy reforms rooted in conservative principles that appeal to the broad mainstream. Just like the @Conservative_BC did in this winning campaign.
David Lidington retweeted
Lorne Doerkson delivered a gracious, unifying, and forward-looking address as British Columbia’s incoming premier. He opened by sincerely thanking Premier David Eby for his years of public service and the personal sacrifices of his family, then extended appreciation to every candidate across all parties for putting themselves forward
He struck a note of inclusion toward voters who supported other parties: “To the British Columbians who voted for another party yesterday, I heard you. Starting today, I am your premier as much as anyone else’s. You will have a government that listens to you, works for you and respects you.”
Doerkson framed the result as a clear mandate for change after nearly a decade of NDP government, noting that people are “paying more and getting less.” He committed to an independent financial review of the nearly $14-billion deficit and eight credit downgrades, launching an expert commission within 100 days to keep emergency rooms open and cut wait times, and raising the basic personal exemption to $32,000—putting roughly $1,000 a year back in the pockets of nearly every working British Columbian. He reaffirmed the promise not to raise taxes: “When I make a promise to British Columbians, I will keep it.”
On the economy and trade, he pledged early outreach to the Prime Minister and Alberta’s Premier Smith to advance the Pacific Link working group, supercharge growth through LNG and new Asian markets, and make B.C. “the most attractive place in the world to invest”—the best way to protect jobs in a trade conflict with the United States
He particularly addressed rural and northern communities, noting he lives in Williams Lake and understands mill closures, nighttime ER shutdowns, and wildfires: “Under this government, you will never be an afterthought to the public service.” He closed on a note of seriousness and determination: “People are stretched. The economy has stalled and too many British Columbians have stopped believing government can get anything done. My job is to prove them wrong. … Strong leadership for serious times. That’s what British Columbians voted for and that is what they are going to get.”
Overall, the respectful speech emphasized listening, fiscal realism, practical healthcare and affordability measures, economic growth through resources, respect for rural voices, and high standards of conduct—positioning the new government as ready to deliver results on day one @LDoerkson
David Lidington retweeted
For the international crowd, the Conservative Party of British Columbia won because it purged the more MAGA wing of the party in a civil war.
David Lidington retweeted
A lot of the recent drama on the right in BC came from a crazy right populist splinter party, @One_BCHQ.
Made up of self styled “real conservatives” with the usual assortment of weird obsessions & conspiracy theories: vaccines, ostrich farms, chem trails, xenophobia, MAGA North, all communicated with the volume nob stuck on 10.
Basically the BC counterpart of hard core Alberta separatist activists, or Bernier’s @peoplespca.
Tonight they’re at 1.4% of the vote, after two years of being a hugely divisive distraction on the right of BC politics.
Yet another reminder to Conservative parties: ignore the crazy fringe of the hard populist right. Don’t let the tail wag the dog. Let them stay in their little fringe parties.
Being a principled conservative party does not mean pandering to incoherent, perennially angry populism. Instead, propose bold, thoughtful policy reforms rooted in conservative principles that appeal to the broad mainstream. Just like the @Conservative_BC did in this winning campaign.
David Lidington retweeted
“Russia invaded Ukraine, committed atrocities in the territories it occupied, and when it failed to force the government to fall or achieve its aims on the battlefield, began targeting civilians, seeking to terrorize the population into accepting Russian domination. The first Trump Administration shook off the Obama Administration’s reticence to assist and admirably sent both weapons and military trainers to help Ukraine. After the full-scale invasion in 2022, the Biden Administration orchestrated a herculean international effort to assist Ukraine, which the Trump Administration has abandoned.”-@KoriSchake @AEI aei.org/foreign-and-defense-…
David Lidington retweeted
Let’s take a look at the figures.
“More than 60% of Ukrainians consider handing Moscow all of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region in exchange for security guarantees completely unacceptable, according to a new poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).
The survey, conducted Oct. 8-16, found that 61% rejected the proposed concession, while 35% were prepared to accept it, most of them describing it as a difficult condition. Another 4% were undecided.”
David Lidington retweeted
There is a very simple way to nip this historical nonsense in the bud:
Russia recognised Ukraine within its existing borders in 1991. It reaffirmed that recognition in one international legal instrument after another.
End of story.
Путин считает, что оккупированные Россией регионы Украины — «это территория исторически России», а россияне и украинцы — «один народ на самом деле»
Об этом он заявил в интервью ведущему передачи «Москва. Кремль. Путин» Павлу Зарубину.
«У меня, во-первых, отношение к этому делу такое, что это не их территория, это территория исторически России», — заявил Владимир Путин.
Он утверждает, что «люди, проживающие на этих территориях, проголосовали, первое — за независимость государственную, а в качестве второго шага проголосовали за воссоединение с Российской Федерацией».
«Мы и сейчас готовы договариваться и искать развязки этой тяжелой, непростой ситуации. В том смысле, что это (украинцы — прим. ред.) — очень близкий нам народ, понимаете, что там говорить. Последние генетические исследования показывают, что это — один народ на самом деле», — считает Путин.
По его словам, Россия сообщила США, что готова возобновить переговоры в трехстороннем формате, их целью будет «выход на окончательный мир и обеспечение безопасности России».
«Мы готовы возобновить эти контакты для достижения этой цели», — сказал Путин.
David Lidington retweeted
Andy Burnham's spokeswoman had this strongly-worded response to questions about Steve Witkoff calling Vladimir Putin a "humanitarian":
No 10 said: "We certainly do not recognise that characterisation.
"President Putin has killed thousands of people - both innocent Ukrainians and his own Russian people who he has sent to their deaths on the frontline.
"He is starving children and the elderly of heat and warmth - and systematically targeting critical national infrastructure.
"Ukraine's foreign minister summed it up well this morning when he said: 'This night, the residents of Kyiv heard what Russian humanitarianism really sounds like.'"
David Lidington retweeted
Good to see broad condemnation of Witkoff’s appalling obsequiousness. If Kissinger’s peace prize was the death of satire this is a disgrace beyond words
David Lidington retweeted
Glad to see you say this in public @TomTugendhat.
Only one update from Reagan’s time. Evil in search of a lost Empire. As Ukraine shows. And the rest of Europe is waking up to.
David Lidington retweeted
'You are a humanitarian also, sir, and i salute that.' Trump's personal envoy and golfing partner paying tribute to a homicidal former KGB chief who has ordered the murder of Russian opponents, and launched a war which has killed more than 130,000 Ukrainians.
David Lidington retweeted
Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian “humanitarians” since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles. Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged: ordinary residential buildings, energy facilities, infrastructure at one of the railway stations and the metro, shopping malls, and businesses. Even a monastery is among the damaged sites. Our emergency services are working at all the affected locations. Twelve of our regions came under Russian attack overnight. In Kyiv and across the regions, 34 people were injured, including five children. As of now, two people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones.
Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack. This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening. It is important to keep trying to find the right solutions to end this war. But when Russia responds to negotiations with ballistic missiles, real pressure on Russia is needed to bring about different steps – steps toward ending the killing. Stronger air defenses and the rapid delivery of missiles, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers, sanctions over the war – all of this must be in place. I am grateful to everyone who sees the situation for what it is and acknowledges the reality. The aggressor deserves to be treated accordingly. Ukraine deserves support. People's lives deserve protection. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!
David Lidington retweeted
I have read dozens of outraged posts because the US special envoy Witkoff called Putin a "humanist." But no one is writing about the fact that the American negotiators are simply not doing their job. Let me explain.
Peace negotiations are important in their own right. Even if they do not lead to a lasting peace, the process itself is an opportunity to resolve urgent humanitarian issues. If, of course, the human dimension is a priority for the negotiators. But it is entirely obvious that neither Witkoff nor Kushner cares about people's fates in this war.
The Pope calls on Putin to save thousands of people from starvation in occupied Oleshky and the surrounding villages. The UN speaks about a humanitarian catastrophe and asks Russia to allow the evacuation of the civilian population. European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno goes on a hunger strike to draw attention to this tragedy unfolding before the eyes of the whole world.
And what are Witkoff and Kushner doing?
That's right, almost nothing.
Except for passing along greetings from Putin’s aide to the First Lady.
Thousands of people are already eating grass to survive and begging to save their lives. The Ukrainian side raises the issue of Oleshky at every meeting. And I can name dozens of such urgent humanitarian issues off the top of my head where American negotiators must be proactive.
Trump’s peace negotiations have already gone down in history as the deadliest years for Ukraine’s civilian population since the start of the full-scale invasion.
I don’t know if anyone will remember the names of Witkoff and Kushner.
But history will certainly record how American negotiators, who had the opportunity to save a huge number of people, refused to raise uncomfortable questions before "humanist Putin."
David Lidington retweeted
I suppose someone responsible for sending hundreds of thousands of human beings to their death gives a particular meaning to the concept of a "humanitarian".
David Lidington retweeted
Anthropic will be very surprised to learn that the US government can’t direct a private company to make or not make particular decisions.
David Lidington retweeted
I make my living with words, but I cannot begin to describe how disgusting and degrading this is.
