John Major interview | Conservative party | General Election | 1992

[@brydenholley1904]

How different it is to see a politician calmly and honestly talking about actual policies. I agree with most of what he says (except for proportional representation). John Major was an intellectual titan compared to the politicians we have now.

[@liamb8644]

J T All prime ministers are. I don’t think they really care.

[@craw.54]

I mean John Major was decent, you have to acknowledge that he worked extremely hard to become Prime Minister, along with not having a private education or wealthy childhood like Tony Blair or David Cameron.

[@ajb229]

Wasn’t he just.

[@ajb229]

Such a contrast to the wooden and defensive Theresa May, the bumbling clown Boris or Liz Truss ducking the interview.

[@W67w]

an intellectual titan and he did not go to some posh private school or university

[@LordBathtub]

Compared to the shit I'm used to seeing of modern politics John Major looks fuckin bulletproof when he fires back 90% of the time

[@BigBlack81]

In terms of how he conducted himself, I'd take John's style of measured engagement by the TON compared to the garbage we have today.

[@seanstevenson8669]

I've recently listened to a Harris interview when she was asked what she intends to do to improve the economy. She answered by talking about lawns and her usual aspirations and dreams b/s. This is a woman who is running, arguably for the most important position in the Western world. In contrast John Major is inviting questions on policy, his views on Europe, the growth of the economy etc. When these questions arise he answers them eloquently; he even owns up to a mistake he made previously then said what he is going to do to fix it. What in the world happened? Where are our true leaders? I think we are f*****

[@LordBathtub]

@@seanstevenson8669 bit late, 4 years ago lol. And honestly you can't fire shots at Harris without mentioning Trumps lunatic ramblings 😂 She looks like a college professor when he starts raving about eating pets and shit

[@seanstevenson8669]

@@LordBathtub absolutely agree Thrump shouldn't be allowed to run for office. After his disastrous campaign surely he's not in the running? That's why I didn't even bother to mention him, he's not worth it.

[@LordBathtub]

@seanstevenson8669 the world is crazy bud. I was born in 94, almost my entire voting life has been choosing between a turd sandwich and a giant douche trying to scream louder than the other 🙃

[@erniemccracken2429]

Major was a proper PM with proper beliefs. We could do with him now.

[@ajs41]

Certainly could.

[@liamb8644]

1992 one of the most interesting yet simplistic elections in history

[@JV-bh4xg]

"its possible that god may smile upon the labour party" "i think the electorate will smile upon the conservative party"

[@laxeystu8096]

Fascinating. Not the worst recent PM we've had at all.

[@jayd4ever]

better than theresa may, boris johnson, anthony eden. lord home,

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

Boris Johnson's the worst we've ever had. Followed by Elizabeth Truss

[@johnking5174]

Thames Television still producing good political shows in 1992, even though by the end of 1992 they would be gone as a broadcaster channel.

[@johnking5174]

@Henry Discipline Sank?

[@petergriffin3194]

Thatcherite policy…

[@philipb]

I'm trying to find the interview where John Major asked if he could have a break because he "needs to do poos". Does anyone know where that one is? Thanks.

[@karldelavigne8134]

Joining the Exchange Rate Mechanism turned out to be a disaster in the end. He was right about devolution.

[@writeordie5452]

Turkey agrees.

[@alphabetaxenonzzzcat]

Yeah, right about devolution - but the ERM was a disaster. It killed the Tory party - and I think it was effectively what lead us to Brexit.

[@blackjesus9641]

He was well spoken

[@traceymalone824]

Why on earth aren't they like this now ... Major is actually talking.

[@richardsharpe2966]

Sir Robin Day one of the true greats in British Broadcasting

[@splinterbyrd]

In person a bit of a sh*t I hear

[@BRYANGauld]

very relevant policy areas. watching again in May 2023 UK

[@timcomley5948]

Proper interview

[@KloppMichaelBarnes]

My goodness! Politicians were absolute monsters of their brief back then. Major is far more lucid and eloquent than I remember. Thirty years ago, leading MPs could talk freely and intelligently around their subject. Of course, the questions were easier but their command of different subjects was far superior to that of today's hopeless fools. 😠 People are still obsessed by the ERM debacle now but it was clearly felt to be the only way of stabilising inflation and preventing irresponsible splurges in spending.

[@Ysucj743]

@@eightiesmusic1984I think there’s an element of both. The questions just had more actual substance to them instead of being a constant barrage of “gotchas”in a sense they probed and could be difficult but they weren’t just out to get you. I would say that has changed substantially along with the development of the average politician’s propensity to purely spout sound bites.

[@Ysucj743]

@@eightiesmusic1984 I don’t know if you listen to the rest is politics but there is an interesting part of their conversation with the rest is politics where they discuss this whole thing of sticking to a line and the almost caricature level it has reached at this point (and the story of one of Javid’s times breaking that line on the Windrush scandal). I think more politicians than we may actually believe or know about could give intelligent and thoughtful answers but our current politics just doesn’t really permit it.

[@johnking5174]

14:00 - John Major was right on PR - however first past the post is useless too. Ireland has PR and it took over 70 days in 2016 to form a minority government led by Fine Gael and propped up by Fianna Fail. Ireland has not had a proper majority one party government under PR since 1977.

[@edmiliband2806]

Exactly, Ireland last had a majority government when said party, Fianna Fáil, actually got a literal majority of the votes. Much as I agree the system isn't perfect, it's infinitely more representative than FPTP.

[@petergriffin3194]

This is why I like AV

[@daveb3987]

Poms should follow Australia’s lead with ranked/preferential voting. We sorted that out a century ago.

[@johnking5174]

@@daveb3987 Ireland has a similar vote system

[@daveb3987]

@@johnking5174 no, it’s different. Australia has a Westminster style lower house, the House of Representatives(like House of Commons) with single member constituencies. Voting is for the single member seats like UK but is not first past the post but the far more appropriate ranked choice, where the most preferred candidate wins. Rounds of counting are done to eliminate the last ranked from each round and redistribute the ballot until there is a final candidate left with a clear majority. It enables similar candidates to run without spoiling the result. Proportional representation is used in the Upper House, the Senate, which elects an equal number of senators from each state - that’s where some nutters appear.

[@1ns4ne1d10t]

1. Listen to John Major being serious and understand his approach and his policies. 2. Google Spitting image and laugh your head off.

[@jonathanleblanc2140]

Yessss thanks Thames!

[@BossySwan]

Ground control to Major John

[@jaggass]

If John Major borrowed Elton John's wig and learned to play the piano he would have been one hell of an Elton John tribute act.

[@andynixon2820]

He was once described as an honorable man leading a dishonorable party . To answer some of the other comments here I think the same thing could be said about Mrs May .

[@laxeystu8096]

Yes Mrs May wasn't a fluent or convincing campaigner, but she was serious and trustworthy

[@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff]

John Major is the OG RudeBoi

[@BossySwan]

From Brixton

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

This is the first time when I have someone say something bad about proportional representation. We in Pakistan, talk about the need to do away with the first past the post system, but here we have Major talking against the whole idea! Interesting.

[@QOB_LovesRocknRoll]

He was amazing compare to what the tories giving these days

[@williamgriffin61]

Why is Major being interviewed by Gary Oldman ?

[@MrAug80]

In another 8 years Sir Robin would be dead. RIP.😢😢

[@jasonkingshott2971]

John Major?...now we're talking, one of the worst UK prime Ministers ever along with Gordon Brown and Teressa May. His disastrous 'Black Wednesday' resulting in Britain's exit from the ERM almost made the UK bankrupt, had no economic credibility. The word 'sleaze' was coined of his government and became ever synonymous with Major. He refused to give the UK electorate a referendum on the so-called Maastricht Treaty, no vote, no public consultation, no questions asked then started shipping billions to Brussels no questions asked A figure of ridicule, a spitting image character of him and his tawdry affair with Edwina Currie. They UK public doesn't need any lessons from this clown.

[@jamesmacgregor3911]

Just an observation, he looks like Cindy Lou Who's father from The Grinch...

[@Lara-wm9rm]

Oh a leader I see please dear Sir John Major commit yourself with your elegant diplomacy to call other world leaders and help prevent world war three! You are a man of the world and a man of the people don't let anything stop you now that we need you !You always have meant so much to me and to the United Kingdom across the ocean the beautiful sea. Oh life and living candy be costly but may I remind you're a financial genius a former exchequer ! We need you yes you the man now with your wisdom and wealth of knowledge you'll solve the world's problems somehow my deepest wish is that you would stand for election no insult to Rishi Sunak and Great Britain's selection .You still look strong and very handsome at nearly 80 say hello to Dame Norma and please tell were all waiting !

[@Lara-wm9rm]

Candy should read can.

[@Lara-wm9rm]

From Lara V. Grenfell across the Atlantic Ocean and the United States in California ,National city! Don't you remember me ? I visited your home in the early 90s by invitation I was a perfect guest always awake by 7.i loved England and I still do remember I worked at Harrods and other shops for free and for the British economy and for you ! I loved seeing the houses of Parliament weren't you surprised when the house of Lords welcomed me in without appointment I know now you must remember me did you like the movie A Fish called Wanda John Cleese reminds me of YOU or he once did well I must be going always much work to due I'm growing so sentimental sentimental for you ! I'll watch you on c- Span and enjoy your spoken voice you're my favourite Prime Minister aside from in your century Churchill and Eden and Edward Heath by popular choice ! Oh I can't get enough enough of England please for me say hello and my warmest greetings to King Charles I must be dreaming !Sincerely , Lara V. Grenfell of National City !

[@nowseemefly]

Which one is better? Major or May?

[@johnking5174]

Major, because he at least won a general election.

[@trevorrandom]

As bad as each other...

[@rogercliftonville-acton1574]

@@johnking5174 May is hobbled by the fact in 2017 there were around 1 million fewer white British voters than in 1992, and around 3 times as many non-white voters. If demographics were as they were in 1992, May would have got 46% of the vote, and Corbyn 38%, instead of the bare 1% seperating them. Like elections in the US, British elections are becoming little more than a racial head count. Fully 25% of labours 2017 vote came from non-white groups. Tories, virtually all white. Either tories appeal to non-whites, or else they unify the white vote like Trump....its hard to see how else they can win outright given the future voter demographics of the UK. May got more votes than any candidate since Major, and Major only managed such a high vote because turnout was unusually high. I don't like May, but to compare her electoral task with that of Majors...its apples and oranges. Tories were still relevant in London in 1992. Back then, inner London was 70% white, outer 90% white. Now both are minority white. It will never be tory again.

[@emersondownie9955]

Major Although A Lightweight Compared Too Thatcher Comes Way Before Camoron And Tena Lady May.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Isn't that rather like asking me which leg I'd like to have amputated?

[@alphabetaxenonzzzcat]

Utterly out of his depth. He just wasn't a leader. The ERM was a disaster - and don't forget that he pressured Thatcher into accepting it when he was Chancellor - and ultimately that lead to his government's undoing and the Tories being out of power for so long, it also set the scene for Brexit. Let us also remember that both he and Heseltine betrayed the Nottinghamshire miners who had supported the Tories during the 1980s - which ironically, Thatcher on "The Downing Street Years" documentary said she would never do - and they get called "caring Tories".

[@Lara-wm9rm]

Urquhart yes Urquhart bring him back please a smack of firm government he does not tease !

[@richardclarke376]

John Major makes the Ewoks look like Shaft

[@loungejay8555]

3:21 yes male tory MP's at that time knew all about girdles.

[@Smithy67]

What a peculiarly effete accent and manner

[@rogercliftonville-acton1574]

"I rather think" "I must say". He had a very formal way of talking. Quite different to the chumsy, but still effete Bliar.

[@PeggySwan-hv5gv]

In the enternatinol stage are we to over look john major and never question him breznev or Ted nugent

[@vincentjacobsson3981]

I think it should be investigated if the state now and then is legislated with the Bible written as a story. The word immunity (Latin immunitas, freedom from obligations to the state) comes from a religious revelation from the middle ages, most likely from a pope to become lawless, and which has since been rewritten into full immunity to the queen, personal and functional immunity (legally, cannot be prosecuted for criminal act) to the prime minister, government, parliament, cabinet, and Supreme Court for law decisions and actions. I also think it should be investigated if millions of fallen soldiers in the world wars were elected by the people or not. The political exploitation of the vital ecosystem has now led to forest death (force majeure) how will it affect people's economy, etc? I think the Democrat Party can be a consciously misleading party name with all parties belonging to the Conservative Party, as current political democracy and socialism can only be about going more toward the middle, eg. social democrats. The reason may be that the queen (head of state) wants to govern the people with full immunity together with the prime minister, government, parliament, cabinet, and Supreme Court with functional immunity, personal immunity for law decisions and actions, even with the misleading word professional politician. I think the people should consider voting for a real democratic party with an independent state formation to investigate if the queen, prime minister, government, parliament, cabinet, and Supreme Court overall may be guilty of a violation of democratic rights with misleading elections, economic crimes, violation of human rights with class society for adults and children, serious environmental crime (force majeure).

[@MagicNash89]

Major totally lost it on proportional representation, Belgium has problems, yes..because Belgium is especially divided along language, ethnic and ultimatelty political lines. And FPTP wouldnt help them, it would likely deepen division over there. Germany, France, which are also fairly big countries similar to UK dont seem to have quite the same problems as Belgium, not to mention how hard it is to actually form and maintain a strong government in FPTP when a coalition is needed in a hung parliament.

[@catmonarchist8920]

France uses a significantly less proportional system than first past the post in their two round system and Germany is having problems with the populist right and left forcing every government to be of the declining centre and we saw how that ends in Italy.

[@MagicNash89]

@@catmonarchist8920 The UK election of 2024 is over, and it turns our UK also has a problem with the populist right which came in behind Labour in my seats, instead of being in 3rd or whatever places. If Starmer fails on immigration and Tories fail on changing populist right of the Reform Party will benefit come next election and so on, and so on...

[@catmonarchist8920]

​@@MagicNash89 They came tied sixth in seats (seventh if you count independents). That's not a position to be winning any elections anytime soon. Opposition parties get £20,000 a year per seat so they'll be radically outspent and they won't be able to intervene on all policy areas in parliament being so few.

[@SanFran51]

By 1997. "Former Prime Minister and Leader."

[@sourishbanjo5037]

I only found out about his existence last week. Did he do really do anything?

[@johnking5174]

He was Prime Minister was nearly seven years. He along with the Irish Prime Minister forced the IRA into their first ceasefire in 1994. That was a good thing.

[@ajs41]

He's my favourite British PM.

[@dewok2706]

Kid.

[@LiamChase-i7v]

Kilback Alley

[@ricomartinez2869]

Major flaw

[@BrandieFerrand-k3e]

Senger Gardens

[@JonathonJohnson-f9m]

Mertz Unions

[@dianamincher6479]

Nobody new is getting rich in the UK whatever the Conservatives talk about!

[@ChristopherAurora-s5w]

Moore Joseph White Laura Jackson Matthew

[@xblitzx394]

johns hair looks fake

[@roscomeon3965]

A Titan. Probably the best Tory Prime minister in the last 70 years. A man of dignity integrity class principle and intellect . A decent human being.

[@laqueefasteinberg4981]

john major, like all tories, makes a lot of promises but ends up doing the only thing tories do best: raise taxes and go to war

[@orbisrex]

Ever heard of Tony Blair? Wasn't he Labour? He went to war more than any politician in recent British political history.