Friday 24 April 2020

No 10 décor.



This, above, is what the UK's daily televised COVID-19 briefings look like. Dominic Raab is standing-in for the recovering Boris.

I'm not here to analyse the content of Raab's words, but simply to look at the theatre.

I have never before seen British politicians addressing the nation in front of two flags. I associate this type of window-dressing with 'Judge Judy', or more nationalistic countries such as France or the USA, where flags are draped over everything imaginable; whenever possible.

So, why has the UK suddenly changed her attitude?  Are they trying to imitate the USA?

Also that dreadful sign in front of the podium reminds me of something you'd find on the back of a lorry, saying 'Wide Load', or 'Motorway Services'. I can appreciate the message, but the medium is a bit tacky. It is perfectly acceptable as a warning behind a pantechnicon, but not in an elegant political drawing room.

The broadcast comes from within No 10 Downing Street, where one can see the beautiful wood panelling in the background. Does one really need all that glitz to accompany a public message? I though we Brits were above that! 

I should add that I am not against the patriotic raising of flags for great events, such as World Cup finals, winning wars in the South Atlantic, or Her Majesty's birthday.

I shall be having a word with Boris.

34 comments:

  1. The sign is tacky but so is the door furniture. It looks to have come from B&Q. I guess it is a set erected for the occasion.
    There was a time I thought that the NHS was to protect us.

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    1. The door furniture looks original Georgian to me. The sign is certainly tacky. I don't remember this room being used previously for such announcements; maybe its use has been altered specifically.

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  2. The flag of England would of been more appropriate on Saint George's Day especially.

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    1. Wash your mouth out. You can get five years for mentioning St George. How many mentions did you see yesterday?

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    2. Non from anyone in authority but then I stay in Scotland.
      Jeremy (I was once nearly important) was congratulating the enrichers on the start of their Ramavanadingdong season.

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    3. He would; I don't suppose he wished anyone a good Passover!

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  3. I’m trying not to be negative during these strange times . Does it really matter about the flags ? There was a time when we sang God Save the Queen in cinemas when the film finished and, when they stopped it, many complained that we weren’t patriotic enough, unlike the Americans who sing the Star Spangled Banner every chance they get. I think there is far more to worry about than a couple of flags and, I guess the ‘ Protect the NHS ‘ sign is there to try and get it into the thick heads of those who are still flouting the rules ! So there !!!! That was rather strong for me before 9.00am 😂🤣 XXXX

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    1. It's just that these things are new for the UK. We've never seen flags behind our politicians before, nor have we seen 'road works' signs on a podium.

      It's only a light-hearted comment.

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    2. There is enough bad feeling without stirring it up Cro. This morning two charming doctors from the ramadamzee are suing the government, I wonder who is funding it, probably the BMA. Easter Sunday was only honoured as a day for picnics and sunshine that would be missed, not that Christ rose again and no sorrow that Christians would not be able to attend Church on the most important Christian day of the year.

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    3. Don't take the above too seriously, I wasn't expecting to start a war.

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  4. I don't like the flags. I think the message sign in front of Raab is not tasteful. The message could be there but with some style. St George's Day, wasn't it?

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    1. It think it was, but the flags are there every day.

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  5. I enjoy the staging of the daily briefings, with the reporters asking questions after, it feels less like a frenzied pack. The messages are simple on their podiums, but some people need it that way. Boris is all about 'we are UK' and not Europe.

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    1. We've almost stopped watching them; we were finding it too depressing. I now get my info by Skype from my son in London.

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  6. Unlike some of your other readers I do think that questions of "style" do matter. Yes, as you say, it all looks a bit garish, vulgar and over the top. A bit like the forecourt of a second hand car sales room. All that's missing are balloons.

    One thing I have realized, not just now but over the years, and maybe you can relate to this, Cro, since you too live "abroad", that certain peculiarities of the country where one chose to pitch the tent don't actually touch you. How often do I shrug my shoulder and think "The British couldn't organize a piss up in a brewery if they tried." I don't take any joy in it. It's part endearing, it's part irritating if and when it impinges on practicalities of life. Depends where you come from. If you originate, say, from Brazil (sorry Brazilians) maybe England is your idea of organized paradise. When you come from where I come from, namely the motherland, you wonder whythe Oktoberfest has been cancelled months in advance but at least it was cancelled in an orderly fashion and for a reason. Plenty of warning. Contingency plans.

    As to Johnson and his leaderSHIP (Titanic more like it) I am touched by some of your readers blind faith, voiced on your blog and their own. Still, where there is a life boat there is a will to push others overboard.

    U

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    1. I am in the Boris camp, for me he's the best person for the job; without question. As for the decor... why not some Union Flag bunting?

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    2. I am not being contrary here, Cro. Nothing could be further from my mind; not least because I do believe that discussing politics is the first path to war.

      However, you mention "the Boris camp". What camp? The guy is largely known by his absence. A lovely English abbreviation does come to mind AWOL (absent without leave - no doubt noted by most our teachers and bosses at one time or another). This ship is rudderless. On top of which the guy is a liar, a cheat and an opportunist. Someone who hangs his flag and doesn't care which way it's blowing as long as it's blowing his way.

      Still, he is YOUR prime minister, not mine.

      U

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    3. Not many 'leaders' aren't liars cheats and opportunists. I don't want a vicar!

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  7. I rather like the flags - surely they are saying 'metaphorically' "come on chaps - let's forget our differences and pull together"

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    1. I'm sure that's the intended spirit, and maybe they'll bring in a Bulldog or two when Boris returns. I find it all rather Gung-ho.

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  8. I agree with you Cro. I thought the 'set' looked very American. Oh and I love seeing our flag and I'm a big fan of Boris. That's me then.

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  9. Well-considered Sir Cro. You are right about the flags - somehow not quite British and I chuckled about your comment on the lectern signage. I am not entirely comfortable with "Stay Home". Shouldn't it be "Stay AT Home"? The set was probably planned by celebrity designer - Jacob Rees-Mogg or possibly The National Front. Remember them?

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    1. I'm sure I saw a credit to 'Celebrity Designer' Laurence Llewelyn-Bullshit. It's very much his post-romantic style.

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  10. We Americans love to fly and display our flag at all times and don’t find it inappropriate at any time or place.

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    1. Exactly. In the UK this hardly ever happens, in fact certain (left wing) councils have banned it altogether.

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  11. God forbid that we would want to emulate the US and their delightful president. The vision of the back of a lorry sign can't be unseen now!

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    1. Come off it Frugal; at least we can say that he keeps us amused in these depressing times!

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  12. Nope, I like the flags. Why the heck not. And indeed I mentioned St. George on my blog yesterday.

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    1. As I mentioned somewhere above, it seems as if England is ashamed of St George (and his day). The nonsense that surrounds St Patrick's Day, even here in France, is totally over the top; but we're hardly allowed to mention St George , in case it gives offence.

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  13. The Cdn. PM comes out the front door of his residence and speaks at an outdoor podium - a couple of times he's had to compete with snow flurries which was interesting.

    He's on his own, usually speaks about one specific topic per day and then answers questions - normally all over with in 30 to 40 minutes max. - and that's in two languages!

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    1. I don't watch them any more, I wait for the news and learn all I need to know from there; usually by radio.

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