[jfman]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

You have never claimed to speak for the government. So what did you mean in post #2816?

You said I was speculating against the Government. I'm simply not. Saying you think they should do something, and would be supportive if they did, is a positive move. Back in the day when politics wasn't polarised and compromise was quite natural.

This claim of yours that the government wouldn't trot out a major change to the government's position in the coronavirus scenario is of course correct, probably.

It's absolutely correct.

However, one thing even you cannot deny is that it is the government's position that there will be no extension. I'm not concerned at all by any posts that question whether that is even possible, but your comments state categorically that it will not happen. I think I am perfectly justified to challenge you on that, because it is not based on evidence.

I understand that some of the more right wing on this forum oppose discussion on certain topics, but it's an absolutely dangerous step in the fascist direction if you simply cannot query a Government policy being viable in the midst of what is likely to be the biggest global economic slump since the Great Depression.

Of course I understand that the coronavirus is sapping the resources of politicians and the civil service. However, the government has made clear that the team dealing with trade deals are not involved in the coronavirus issues.

You simply don't understand it at all.

Governments will always trot out such lines because they provide reassurance when the public requires it. Tens of thousands of people are working on both in the background. Again, implementing a trade deal is much wider than negotiating one - one that will affect almost every Civil Service department.