'Greed' and 'capitalism' helped UK's vaccines success, says PM
24/03/2021
|
news
|
politics
|
3,658
But Boris Johnson immediately retracts the comments made during a Zoom meeting with Tory MPs.
1
ubercurmudgeon
24/03/2021 10:03:23
639
126
bbc
Greed certainly played a part in the procurement of substandard PPE from donors and friends-of-friends.
Uber - how do you manage to get the first post, usually critical of the government, Brexit or the UK in general, so often on these HYS? Some might think you are sitting refreshing your browser every few seconds whilst waiting for the HYS to open. Others might suggest you work for, or are closely linked to someone who works for, the BBC. Please can you clarify?
Removed
You would have had steam coming out of your ears if we actually ran out of PPE, but ensuring it never ran out is still to be criticised?
If we had left it to the usual procurement processes we'd still be waiting for the first shipment to be passed by Quality Control.
If we had left it to the usual procurement processes we'd still be waiting for the first shipment to be passed by Quality Control.
Capitalism and greed also create homelessness, foodbanks, poverty, inequality, etc. Not to mention rich Tory donors.
If it is substandard they don't get paid
Why is he quoting Gordon Gekko .. he award PPE contracts to fellow Tories
Unlike the Labour Liverpool Lord Mayor eh. Labour wouldn't do such things.
EU greed. Had the EU not banned exports of PPE that Italy and UK had ordered, a desperate attempt to get it from anyone might have been avoided. They start a vaccine ban soon to. Lets hope the UK doesn't retaliate, Pfizer pointed out without UK reagent exports their EU vaccines wouldn't be produced. Fortunately we've not done a Biden, lets hope we don't do an 'EU' either.
goodness you have no evidence it was friends of friends.....
making these PPE in the first place is also greed as the companies that made them put the prices up
Yes plenty of greed amongst cabinet ministers looting treasury funds for their pals. £37 billion (eyewatering sum) for a track and trace system that hardly made an impact on the spread of the virus.....
Are certain MP's trying to topple Johnson by dobbing him in to the BBC?
They dobbed him in to The Sun, which you'd know if you'd read the article.
Tell that to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
Whatever are you suggesting? That Gove rnment ministers are briefing against our beloved leader? Boris should be worried, Kuennsberg seems to have turned against him, and bbc news seem to have given her carte blanche to run whatever propaganda she wants to.
Fingers crossed
He won't be left in charge much longer, perhaps till the study about why the pandemic here was so bad. He has achieved Brexit, which was what he was originally put there to do, but nobody else wants the job just now.
There is a long history of backstabbing in politics & the Tory Party are especially adept at this practice.
you mean to the none bias broadcaster ha ha ha
The worse prime minister this country has had, just as he was the worse Foreign Secretary.
if Boris was my boss I would dob him in as he is useless and dangerous
The Sun should name its source
It was The Sun who it was 'dobbed into' .
Try reading the article before commenting and making yourself look a bit silly.
Try reading the article before commenting and making yourself look a bit silly.
Only Bozo knows what he really meant!
As Capitalism collapsed in 2008 and has been bankrolled by Central Government handouts from money imagined into existence it's a little silly to be praising Capitalism; and even dafter to praise greed when it was the greed of the rich which bust the economy.
And it was the billions poured into research by the world's governments that financed the vaccines!
As Capitalism collapsed in 2008 and has been bankrolled by Central Government handouts from money imagined into existence it's a little silly to be praising Capitalism; and even dafter to praise greed when it was the greed of the rich which bust the economy.
And it was the billions poured into research by the world's governments that financed the vaccines!
Well of course this story was going to be opened up for have your say. There’s nothing better than a bit of Boris bashing by the BBC to deflect from the license fee for the over 75’s.
boris deserves every bit of bashing he gets - karma for his institutional lying and power grabbing
Maybe complain about The Sun, if you've got a problem with this, but then for some people there's nothing better than a bit of BBC bashing.
Candles for the Covid dead. Great bit of deflection by Boris as it was his incompetence that killed so many.
The bbc props up the tory government. If you can't see that I despair!
Is this really news worthy?
If you're not greedy to an extent, you get nothing. That applies to everything in life. Deal with it.
If you're not greedy to an extent, you get nothing. That applies to everything in life. Deal with it.
I think you are missing the entire significance of the comment and how it may affect international relations.
Do you know the difference between sufficient and gluttonous ?
Exactly what I expected to hear.
For once, thanks for the honesty PM
For once, thanks for the honesty PM
AKA "tory sleaze".
All too familiar, regrettably.
All too familiar, regrettably.
Incentive makes the world go around, that is a fact of the human condition.
You sound like that well-known lothario 'Slugger' Prescott. He loved that tag. Thanks for the memories.
And what recently has been Tory sleaze, maybe you’ve got your party’s mixed up
They're backing a Swedish/UK company who are producing a vaccines which is cheaper than the US versions and will distribute to developing countries at cost where's the sleaze in the vaccination programme. This is what the article is about!!
and labour are bubbling over with apathy
When people tell you who they are, believe them the first time. Everyone should know by now exactly what Johnson is like, this should be of no surprise.
Capitalism and Free market is not a bad idea as many socialists tend to think.
Capitalism is about competition. Socialism is about co operation. Both have their own role to play in any society . Without competition whole society will become dull and incompetent
And whole natural world and evolution is about competition as well as cooperation
Capitalism is about competition. Socialism is about co operation. Both have their own role to play in any society . Without competition whole society will become dull and incompetent
And whole natural world and evolution is about competition as well as cooperation
It was a joke at his colleague's expense. Giving free access to over 1,000,000,000 Oxford jabs and £500m + to COVAX is not selfish.
and so far he has delivered on TWO major issues, Brexit AND the Vaccine project. His vaccine project such a success that the EU has gone into meltdown & now spends more time attempting to destroy UK success than trying to fix the disaster that is their Vaccine project!
It was a joke
Met him personally have you?
Greed?
I thought it was the selfless work of dedicated scientists dedicating years of their lives in hard working study to help better the health of mankind.
Silly me.
I thought it was the selfless work of dedicated scientists dedicating years of their lives in hard working study to help better the health of mankind.
Silly me.
It was a joke at his colleague's expense. Giving free access to over 1,000,000,000 Oxford jabs and £500m + to COVAX is not selfish.
Capitalism and Free market is not a bad idea as many socialists tend to think.
Capitalism is about competition. Socialism is about co operation. Both have their own role to play in any society . Without competition whole society will become dull and incompetent
And whole natural world and evolution is about competition as well as cooperation
Capitalism is about competition. Socialism is about co operation. Both have their own role to play in any society . Without competition whole society will become dull and incompetent
And whole natural world and evolution is about competition as well as cooperation
To be fair, this is the closest he's come in a while not lying. We shouldn't discourage that.
I wonder how it will sit with his fans though. They seem to think we can defeat anything with sovereignty, blue passports and optimism. They may have to change their creed to include capitalism.
I wonder how it will sit with his fans though. They seem to think we can defeat anything with sovereignty, blue passports and optimism. They may have to change their creed to include capitalism.
Lots of comments imply it is "greed" of Boris, and not that of those investing in vaccine development to ride the wave off the back of billions being spent on orders by governments around the world.
As a research chemist, my work was guided by where the company thought there was potential for profit. Not becasue it makes peoples lives easier. Drug companies have always been driven by profit.
As a research chemist, my work was guided by where the company thought there was potential for profit. Not becasue it makes peoples lives easier. Drug companies have always been driven by profit.
I agree - market forces haven't led to millions being on furlough. And capitalism was not behind the massive state-funded (taxpayer paid) Test and Trace or vaccine acquisition programmes.
At best, the PM tried (and failed) to make a poor joke; at worst, he is mocking all of us who are going to be paying for this for years to come.
At best, the PM tried (and failed) to make a poor joke; at worst, he is mocking all of us who are going to be paying for this for years to come.
"I thought it was the selfless work of dedicated scientists dedicating years of their lives in hard working study to help better the health of mankind."
Thank you, as a scientist I have spent many a long night working or studying. I would add though, that I do get paid (not brilliantly, but not badly) and if I stopped getting paid I wouldn't work. We aren't entirely altruistic.
Thank you, as a scientist I have spent many a long night working or studying. I would add though, that I do get paid (not brilliantly, but not badly) and if I stopped getting paid I wouldn't work. We aren't entirely altruistic.
Ha ha!
You are very easily taken in then Poldarks. Anyone in the medical products industry knows it's all about the money and nothing else
You are very easily taken in then Poldarks. Anyone in the medical products industry knows it's all about the money and nothing else
They still got paid didn't they? And what pays for their salaries? Oh, that's right selling drugs for a profit. Socialism has failed everywhere it has been tried and if you don't like capitalism go live in Venezuela....no? didn't think so.
Those scientists aren't doing it for free are they? Or the companies that employ them?
Yes, silly you.
Yes, silly you.
Why is he quoting Gordon Gekko ...Pharmaceuticals is a billion pound industry plus he award PPE contracts to fellow Tories
I too thought this.
And how would that help the UK programme if, as Trump tried to do, it was just bought up by another country? It wouldn't. Scientists is not in the game of logistics and manufacturing and distribution and licence deals.
And not to forget the massive none-for-profit organisation we cherish like a national treasure called the NHS providing much of the back up support during trials, and now being tasked with delivering the jabs. Capitalism isn't always the most expeditious or efficient way of achieving national undertakings.
Were you one of those stockpiling toilet rolls and pasta?
Then you won’t be criticising Boris for his greed.
Then you won’t be criticising Boris for his greed.
Yes, Silly You, and Silly BBC, IF a throw away remark over a stunning success so focuses the mind of the BBC what has it come to? The EU is about to do a Biden and ban Vaccine exports, Pfizer, Bloomberg, Reuteurs, Oz, Canada ALL attack them over their behaviour (the 1st 3 mentioned so Europhile even Euronews seems neutral) they are so appalled at the EU & the BBC? Picks up a Boris joke!
Capitalists don't tend to invest in research. It's far too high risk of not paying out. And without that initial research, mainly funded from non-profit, the capitalists would have nothing to buy.
Capitalists don't invest in research because it's high risk... Have you been to the US and Silicon Valley? Have you read anything about industrial development of the globe since the 18th century? Do you know why capitalist countries are the richest on the planet and the cold war ended?
You just know this hys is going to be the next BBC focal point for left wingers' grievance? Sigh.
Spookily enough, private companies are neither wholly motivated by pure undiluted altruism, and nor are they completely disinterested in making money (notwithstanding the not-for-profit status of the AZ vaccine at least, can't speak for Pfizer).
"Birds and the bees" much...?
Spookily enough, private companies are neither wholly motivated by pure undiluted altruism, and nor are they completely disinterested in making money (notwithstanding the not-for-profit status of the AZ vaccine at least, can't speak for Pfizer).
"Birds and the bees" much...?
Capitalists pay the taxes and sponsor the university departments that enable the academic blue sky research. As well as doing the commercial development work without which the blue sky researchers have nothing to sell.
You can't have a working economy which is 100% public sector, Comrade.
You can't have a working economy which is 100% public sector, Comrade.
Wrong. Look at the data:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/438763/bis-15-340-relationship-between-public-and-private-investment-in-R-D.pdf
Over 70% of research is funded by capitalists.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/438763/bis-15-340-relationship-between-public-and-private-investment-in-R-D.pdf
Over 70% of research is funded by capitalists.
Most research is conducted by for-profit organisation and by an order of magnitude. Without innovation capitalism would not be effective. By their very nature non-profit and the private sector are largely ineffective or incompetent at innovation
Written by someone who has absolutely no idea about how big Pharma works.
They invest Billions upon Billions in research, which is why when they bring a new drug to market they get a 5 year "free run", i.e. no one can copy it, to recoup the massive outlay (on the research that both did and did not end up with a viable product).
Keep your clueless rants to yourself, you clearly have no idea
They invest Billions upon Billions in research, which is why when they bring a new drug to market they get a 5 year "free run", i.e. no one can copy it, to recoup the massive outlay (on the research that both did and did not end up with a viable product).
Keep your clueless rants to yourself, you clearly have no idea
Utter tosh, capitalism supplies the money for all research as govt funds come from the private business that employ and pay staff/suppliers generating tax for govt to spend not forgetting the business that also invest huge amounts in R&D. The only money that charities and the like have and make is from capitalism, they are a cost, nothing more.
ROFL - who on earth do you think provides Uni research grants for PhD's, sponsors the actual laboratories etc, in addition to having their own labs! Lucky there isn't a basic test required to post on an HYS, you'd fail it!
Capitalist do invest heavily in research and make huge bets on unproven research. That said, even unproven research needs to have an identifiable potential upside for profits. This means that research for the sake of research or scientific research is limited by the capitalist profit motive.
Greed by Tories, their donors and cronies is a standard feature of this government.
Yeah, because in your world "profit" is a dirty word and "wealth creation" doesn't exist.
What do you think powers the Welfare State, the NHS, Councils and public services?
What do you think powers the Welfare State, the NHS, Councils and public services?
as is the vaccine project ;-)
Greed certainly played a part in the procurement of substandard PPE from donors and friends-of-friends.
Bojo & Co had made such a mess of everything that as soon as a vaccine became probable they bought everything that they could from everywhere. When there is a discussion about what happened the public will be horrified about their incompetence. We had around a month to prepare and di absolutely nothing. Then just threw as much money to cronies as possible. Greed - yes but only to mates.
They didn't buy a vaccine that was probable they invested in contracts in the hope that a vaccine would be developed and it was thanks to UK money not thanks to the EU who were 2 months late
Panorama on Monday detailed exactly how badly this government has handled the pandemic. So much info was available before hand, multiple reports from the medical profession highlighting both the shortage of PPE due to cut funding and NHS staff directly due to Brexit. The cygnet report that told the government Pandemic was the biggest threat to the UK, All ignored by this incompetent rabble
So the EU is better at making a mess than Boris? Lucky for us he is so bad it means we are getting vaccinated, the EU aren't
Another own goal this man cant stop scoring
It was a joke.
Greed or money or power or recognition or sometimes all of them motivate people to do the exceptional.
Why should vaccine development be any different.
I am just glad that there are those with the intellect, drive, amibition to do it.
Why should vaccine development be any different.
I am just glad that there are those with the intellect, drive, amibition to do it.
Hopefully his Gerald Ratner moment. Get your coat Boris.
if every vaccination is an own goal, then keep them coming. The EU would love own goals like that.
At least he is doing something not like Stammer sitting on the fence
It was a joke - get a life
Greed
£30bn for Test and Trace that didn't work
£30bn for Test and Trace that didn't work
It worked for his buddies that got the contract.
Sorry but we haven’t spent £30bn only about £5bn, the rest is just set aside ‘in case’ it’s needed.
How many tests are being carried out? Define "didn't work" except the cases where people choose to ignore the tracer
Well it did for his pal who took the money with no sign of a system - that disappeared quickly without a trace
It does work, loom at the way we are able to track and isolate variants. It has its faults but it is now a lot better than most other countries can manage at the moment.
Utter rubbish.
The bulk of the £30b was spent on Testing, which bought the UK the largest testing capacity in Europe. Much of the infrastructure for testing has also been utilised for the world leading vaccination programe.
How is that a failure?
Admittedly the much publicised tracing app was not a success, although is still in operation. By comparison that only cost a relatively paltry £35m.
The bulk of the £30b was spent on Testing, which bought the UK the largest testing capacity in Europe. Much of the infrastructure for testing has also been utilised for the world leading vaccination programe.
How is that a failure?
Admittedly the much publicised tracing app was not a success, although is still in operation. By comparison that only cost a relatively paltry £35m.
I'm pleased there's no greed in Russia and China or come to think of it in any population.
So how much would you charge for doing 1.5million tests a day all over the country and contacting the positives?
This idea that Test and Trace "didn't work" is a nonsense.
Does anybody seriously believe that the outbreak wouldn't be a LOT worse if nobody was tested?
If so, the WHO (who probably know a bit more about it) don't agree with you - right at the start they said "Test, Test, Test" - remember?
Does anybody seriously believe that the outbreak wouldn't be a LOT worse if nobody was tested?
If so, the WHO (who probably know a bit more about it) don't agree with you - right at the start they said "Test, Test, Test" - remember?
Most of the cost was spent testing people via PCR. That works just fine. We're doing half a million tests a day. The proportion of the test and trace cash that has been squandered is a fraction of the quoted £30bn
That’s a lie as 80% of that money was and is spent on testing, please stick to facts.
Err I think you will find it does work and oddly enough it was the MSM and the labour party screaming for it over and over.
caused in many cases by people who didnt want it to work. We had 600 Donald Ducks in the area
Only Bozo knows what he really meant!
As Capitalism collapsed in 2008 and has been bankrolled by Central Government handouts from money imagined into existence it's a little silly to be praising Capitalism; and even dafter to praise greed when it was the greed of the rich which bust the economy.
And it was the billions poured into research by the world's governments that financed the vaccines!
As Capitalism collapsed in 2008 and has been bankrolled by Central Government handouts from money imagined into existence it's a little silly to be praising Capitalism; and even dafter to praise greed when it was the greed of the rich which bust the economy.
And it was the billions poured into research by the world's governments that financed the vaccines!
Yes you showed your greed when you went snapping up PPE from all around the world. Every scammer going saw you coming and took you for a ride.
It wasn't incompetence it was corruption. They were in on it.
Removed
Everyone in every country was snapping up PPE to protect their frontline workers. Strangely some companies took advantage of this and produced sub-standard stuff. The UK was taken for a ride and so were other countries.
We didn't have enough PPE because the previous Health Minister, Jeremy Hunt, didn't act on advice to increase our storage capacity.
We didn't have enough PPE because the previous Health Minister, Jeremy Hunt, didn't act on advice to increase our storage capacity.
Are remoaners really so poorly informed or do they just make it up as they go along?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52092395
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52092395
so you support the scammers
We have donated millions in the Covax scheme, and we have invested into the vaccine's development. How's that for relations for other nations? Anybody who wishes to get offended by a tongue in cheek comment can get a grip.
As for EU relations? That's on them. They made their bed, so they can lie in it.
As for EU relations? That's on them. They made their bed, so they can lie in it.
To Brexiteers, international relations means nothing. THE MIGHTY GREAT BRITAIN NEEDS NOBODY ELSE!!!!
PMSL!!!
PMSL!!!
Loose talk seems De Rigger...
De Rigger? Hmm, isn't he de bloke who puts up de Rigging?
This is the mindset of brexiteers and nationalists... take what you can for your own people and screw everyone else...
I totally agree with you... Colonialism at its best. The world will hate Britain at the end of
Take what you want from your own people - that seems to be a description for every socialist / far left gov't to have ever existed. In fact, it is the basis of that ideology.
Were you one of those stockpiling toilet rolls and pasta?
Then you won’t be criticising Boris for his greed.
Then you won’t be criticising Boris for his greed.
How so when the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine is being sold at cost?
Prithee do tell.
Prithee do tell.
And sadly "traditional Labour voters". We could actually have had a government for the people, then they decided actually they still wanted to be able to shaft their neighbour.
EU is free to apply to join the UK, we clearly more capable of organising vaccination procurement than they are. The fact the UK didn't haggle over vaccine prices as the EU gloated about doing, saying how they got them cheaper than the UK, suggests that Boris was more interested in using vaccines, not getting them on the cheap. Seems he has been vindicated if the only complaint is over a joke
And the EU isn't doing JUST THAT?
If you really believe the PM of Great Britain and Northern Island shouldn’t put his people’s welfare first second and third, I’d suggest an extremely long lie down, what on earth are you on ?
I think your mindset is hooked on the EU who can seize factories if they feel it's necessary. Is furloughing people screwing them?
Still bitter oh goody goody let's hope theres a heart attack on the horizon for you....nasty person you are
Removed
Utter rubbish. Brexiteers voted out of the corrupt undemocratic system that buys power. Many knew they might be worse off financially. The people who voted remain did so precisely because it made them personally better off. Call it greed if you want. Leaving the EU was certainly not based on selfishness or wishing ill on your nation but to protect it from the free movement of capital and people.
We're all Brexiteers, get over it!
Are certain MP's trying to topple Johnson by dobbing him in to the BBC?
So it was Gove then? Known to be Rupert Murdoch's own MP.
But you’ll never convince the beeb bashers to do anything else
And the stupid BBC wants to run with the Sun...? I'm am becoming increasingly unsurprised
Probably the remoaners in his cabinet, they must be desperate to deflect attention from the EU's vaccine and trade wars, even Pfizer has attacked the EU over it's threats of a vaccine ban.
Some of us don’t read the Sun on principle. We prefer real sources of real news.
Strange the Sun is one of his backers. "Downing Street does as I say, Brussels doesn't listen" Rupert Murdoch, the reason the Sun backed brexit.
If its in that piece of toilet paper, it MUST be true , yes???
Seems to be lising his popularity lately.
The last 30 years.
The last 30 years.
I thought the Sun shone out of ....
So we can comment on this but not the scumbags in Bristol. Shows what side the BBC & the likes side are on.
Removed
You can also comment on this story on The Sun web site, and they broke this story.
Greed certainly played a part in the procurement of substandard PPE from donors and friends-of-friends.
I couldn't care less. Look after your own before you look after everybody else. Same groups of middle class trendies all saying the same rhetoric to get more retweets.
Anyone who says we should vaccinate others before us needs to give their head a wobble. Selfish? Yes. Necessary? Also yes.
Anyone who says we should vaccinate others before us needs to give their head a wobble. Selfish? Yes. Necessary? Also yes.
May be you could lead the way in anti selfishness Plebeian and show how altruistic you are? How about you pay my mortgage each month rather than your own mortgage or rent? If you live rent / mortgage free, then you should be even more able to pay my mortgage. Come on Plebeian, don't be selfish, practice what you preach and pay my mortgage.
AKA "tory sleaze".
All too familiar, regrettably.
All too familiar, regrettably.
But the Prime Minister didn't say that...
What does tory Sleze do ?
"that is a fact of the human condition" - huh? fact?
Greed and incentive are different things. My incentive is to make other people's lives better. What's yours?
Incentive and greed are two completely different things.
it appears to have made the UK vaccine project a success.
the best incentive is love - who would you give your life for?
Money is not the only incentive.. Some people are incentivised to do good for others. In my view, taking money out of the equation may even be a good thing, if it reduced the number of greedy individuals in positions of power.
Take the position of PM. Do we have the best person for the job, because of the money? Are there more competent individuals that would do the job for a minimum wage?
Take the position of PM. Do we have the best person for the job, because of the money? Are there more competent individuals that would do the job for a minimum wage?
Are certain MP's trying to topple Johnson by dobbing him in to the BBC?
Whoops, the mask fell on the floor!
Greed is good, though
Johnson thinks everyone is like him, number one comes first , second and third. To says that the scientists at Oxford University were motivated by greed is a huge insult to these heroes.
Aye, remember the big sad face when he was saying how sorry he was ? Sorry he couldn't line his and his cronies pockets with more cash is more likely
Then pick it up and throw it away sensibly
Only Bozo knows what he really meant!
As Capitalism collapsed in 2008 and has been bankrolled by Central Government handouts from money imagined into existence it's a little silly to be praising Capitalism; and even dafter to praise greed when it was the greed of the rich which bust the economy.
And it was the billions poured into research by the world's governments that financed the vaccines!
As Capitalism collapsed in 2008 and has been bankrolled by Central Government handouts from money imagined into existence it's a little silly to be praising Capitalism; and even dafter to praise greed when it was the greed of the rich which bust the economy.
And it was the billions poured into research by the world's governments that financed the vaccines!
The problem with Boris is that he has verbal diarrhea, as has been shown in many of his previous utterings, as per the lady held in Iran
Removed
Boris is absolutely right. Big pharma and capitalism have delivered in rapid time. At least the UK government has invested heavily in the Oxford-AZ vaccine which is not-for-profit compared with the vast prices charged by Pfizer. Together with BioNTech, the two partners expect to make around $15 billion of covid-19 sales this year.
diarrhoea
It's *a* problem with Boris. Surely the bigger problem is that he's dim and gets his facts wrong and then mouths off about it - as per the lady in Iran whom he claimed was there doing something that she wasn't, thereby getting her into a worse situation rather than helping her as he was obliged to do.
Freudian slip?
he also is pretty good at sorting out a UK vaccination program, so as I can ignore his waffle, while taking advantage of his vaccines, I'm not that bothered.
The real trouble is you can't believe a word he says, it makes him a bore.
At least he is honest.
So, Spaffer goes all Gordon Gekko.
Strightforward gaff over UK selfishness in hoarding vacine supply or programming UK population into believing that "greed is good"?!
Strightforward gaff over UK selfishness in hoarding vacine supply or programming UK population into believing that "greed is good"?!
It was a joke at his colleague's expense. Giving free access to over 1,000,000,000 Oxford jabs and £500m + to COVAX is not selfish.
What price do YOU put on a human life then? You have multiple vaccines that work & a programme that is delivering them. Looking after the population here is the main concern of HMG. I don't really give a flying about 'johnny foreigner' as they should have their own government looking after their interests (unless they live in the EU that is).
'Hoarding Vaccine supply?' ROFL - the EU has stockpiles of the AZ vaccine that they've whinged about 'not getting' all because they slandered it and now EU citizens refuse it. The UK has no stockpiles, because when we get ours, we actually inject it into people's arms - which is what it was designed for.
I despair at the utter crass culture we live in today where people blurt things out without thinking only to have to scramble to retract them. Its pervasive in public life and socio-political discourse - notoriously on (anti) social media. Indicative of a shockingly attention deficit and immature society.
The whole world is built on greed and every system that has ever existed relies on it. It is innate to humankind, and you cannot change. Nor should you want to - what's better than wanting to better your life?
So is Socialism - it just a different list of beneficiaries ...like Union Bosses
No the SNP, Sturgeon, Labour, Khan and Starmer are, because they get paid to line their pockets with our taxes and do NOTHING!
Removed
Say's 'The Mac' writing on a website run by a left leaning organisation that's rolls around in £3.7 Billion pounds worth of tax payers money paying hundreds of it's staff way more than a PM earns & presenters who earn as much as small countries!
But you're right, it's the conservatives & not the pigs feeding at the trough
Good to see idiotic outdated Trotsky views still alive and kicking!
But you're right, it's the conservatives & not the pigs feeding at the trough
Good to see idiotic outdated Trotsky views still alive and kicking!
No , the national wealth is built on capitalism and greed and you are a beneficiary
Were you one of those stockpiling toilet rolls and pasta?
Then you won’t be criticising Boris for his greed.
Then you won’t be criticising Boris for his greed.
Is that why many socialist MP's don't live in social housing, don't send their siblings to public schools and don't accept knighthoods and have more than one Jag.
That's why people still vote Tory, hoping the Tory culture will make them rich. One of their fans even trashed a whole bank out of greed. Even Thatcher turned homes into £ signs.
and Socialism on the bones of the dead it produces, Stalin, Pol Pot, Mao, Hitler.
That's Tories for you. That's what they call compassion and solidarity. And you had voted them in. Shame on UK
Well, it is more popular than poverty, tough
What, the same Tories who put everyone on a super generous 80% of wages Furlough scheme?
When is your vaccine appointment. Should we have penny pinched or jumped in with investment at the start. If you don't like it here then please feel free to leave, paying your £5k exit fee first of course (someone has to pay the butchers bill)
a Tory sadly has zero compassion
yes far better to be like the successful socialist countries errr like....erm, erm, erm.......oh there arent any
ROFL, I suspect the voters are simply delighted that they are getting vaccinated, unlike the 'Non-Tory, Socialist' EU's citizens.
well look at the other parties - labour with captain hindsight sittin on the fence, liberals wandering around like nomads, greens lost in a forest, Jelly corbyn acting like a grumpy old man. Did you vote for these?
Not all of us voted for this TORY REGIME !
Boris showing his true colours.
who knew?
he did that long ago when spouting his racism and homophobia, vile man voted in by stupid people
I thought the vaccines were colourless?
and getting publicity - so nor bad thing then
A classic Freudian slip and, like most such errors, as soon as it is out there it is too late to rescue oneself from the implications.
People don't seem to have realised yet that he's halved the UKRI budget and replaced Erasmus with a Turing system that isn't fit for purpose. Horizon2020 funding won't be replaced either.
Those are far more telling indicators to his attitude to research than any slip of the tongue. As a result, the UK won't be doing much actual research for the next few decades.
Those are far more telling indicators to his attitude to research than any slip of the tongue. As a result, the UK won't be doing much actual research for the next few decades.
This wasn't a slip at all, it was deliberate. It is part of his indoctrination programme to change reality. He wants people to believe that capitalism and greed are good even though it was mainly responsible for the extra 52,000 more covid deaths that the UK has compared with Germany.
I'm sure we won't be too worried as we all get vaccinated.
I'm not a fan of Boris. I think he has handled a lot of elements of this whole thing (and others) quite poorly.
That said, this is a non-story and it is pretty irresponsible for the BBC to bother writing it. At best it will be forgotten in an instant, at worst it creates a problem where there wasn't one.
The BBC news reporting has long been falling in quality. Do not produce clickbait.
That said, this is a non-story and it is pretty irresponsible for the BBC to bother writing it. At best it will be forgotten in an instant, at worst it creates a problem where there wasn't one.
The BBC news reporting has long been falling in quality. Do not produce clickbait.
OMG, just the sort of thing to get the BBC and anti-govt bashers knickers in a twist. None of us were there and the context of what he said isn't known, so nonsense to extrapolate one word just to inflame this typical confected indignation. Thank god for capitalism, we would never have had the vaccine without big business and don't forget AZ are actually supplying it at cost!
Amazing the number of people who leap to bash the BBC for supposedly leaping to bash Boris without reading the article to find out it is The Sun that broke the story.
Words from a Hack masquerading as a Prime Minister . He looks dreadful and sounds worse .
So what's new? I'm sick of the sight of both him and Nicola Sturgeon with their flippin flags.
He has half a point here: greed may have provided the lab and other infrastructure, but I doubt if it was what motivated the scientists who did the actual discovering.
He has half a point here: greed may have provided the lab and other infrastructure, but I doubt if it was what motivated the scientists who did the actual discovering.
strange no one on here seem to make mistakes
It was a joke
Stammer o the otherhand will not make comments like these he will just get splinters sitting on the fence
It was a joke
Stammer o the otherhand will not make comments like these he will just get splinters sitting on the fence
Dont' worry, we aren't injecting him into people's arms, but the vaccine. Meanwhile the EU injects very little but venom into their politics of envy. ;-)
Come on BBC, it was clearly a joke. You can't believe anything that man says, so why start now? Honestly, must be a slow news day - "PM says something stupid then backtracks on it "
He's human, he made an off-the-cuff remark, tongue-in-cheek and realising it could be taken completely out of context immediately retracted it. Shame on the person reporting it and the BBC. HYS on more important subjects please.
It was clearly a comment made in jest now being blown out of proportion.
We moved quickly and placed orders. That's business and looking to protect UK civilians.
We moved quickly and placed orders. That's business and looking to protect UK civilians.
Clearly not. He has said the same before.
Its always a surprise to me that these apparently 'intelligent" individuals that run our Country often fall foul of stupid comments that inexorably come back to bite them.
The stupid comment about Nazanine Zaghary Ratcliffe didn't come back to Bite Boris. It ruined a family's life.
Wow, you thought Boris was "intelligent"???
The tories have no fear of comeuppance for anything they do or say. The masses are so divided in this country that people will vote for them regardless of anything. There have been so many political scandals in this past year alone that would completely ruin politician's careers in years gone by. I don't know why we have become so numb to it all, possibly effects of social media at a guess.
It is easy. So for example, I could pick out the words from your post and rearrange them as,
"Its always a surprise that foul stupid comments come back to bite me"
Try reading the full text of Liam Fox's 'Easiest Trade deal in history' and Thatchers "no such thing as Society" then you'll realise how the left do it , tho' why the BBC report such stuff is another matter
"Its always a surprise that foul stupid comments come back to bite me"
Try reading the full text of Liam Fox's 'Easiest Trade deal in history' and Thatchers "no such thing as Society" then you'll realise how the left do it , tho' why the BBC report such stuff is another matter
Because they exploit the weak and have low moral standards. They asset stripped foreign countries, enslaved their people and strangulated economies of those who wouldn't go along with it. Jesus wasn't a fan of the greedy, apparently.
Shh. Don't confuse them with facts. The socialist brain can't handle it.
Clearly not. If it doesn't his fantasy land, he' not interested.
Your gonna upset some snowflakes with that inconvenient truth be brave sir
Have you read anything about industrial development of the globe since the 18th century?
Remind us with nation put the first satellite and first man into space? But sure, keep believing that fairy tale that only capitalism allows innovation.
BTW, if you take China out of the equation, there are 1 billion more people in poverty than in 1981. Capitalism is not lifting anyone out of poverty.
Remind us with nation put the first satellite and first man into space? But sure, keep believing that fairy tale that only capitalism allows innovation.
BTW, if you take China out of the equation, there are 1 billion more people in poverty than in 1981. Capitalism is not lifting anyone out of poverty.
Also not once have the comments pages been opened on that facist Nicola Sturgeon
Removed
That fascist Nichola Sturgeon who was cleared by an independent inquiry as opposed to the fascist Priti Patel who was not and is still in a job. I would go and look it up the word up in the dictionary if I was you and not just for the spelling!
Removed
Greed and capitalism helped Boris and his mates rob the treasury. That's all it helped.
Yes you showed your greed when you went snapping up PPE from all around the world. Every scammer going saw you coming and took you for a ride.
This is the mindset of brexiteers and nationalists... take what you can for your own people and screw everyone else...
Irrelevant. Thank the selfless workers of the world - not bullingdon's finest.
the majority of vaccinations are delivered by underpaid, undervalued and hard working NHS staff, the rest by small bvusinesses.
When its my turn yes, but would be happy to forgo, if it meant an 80 year old in another country could get the vaccine.
We all pay taxes, whether we voted for Boris or not
Or are you saying the vaccine is payback for the "selfless dedication" of The Cult of Boris?
Or are you saying the vaccine is payback for the "selfless dedication" of The Cult of Boris?
Not if he's in Europe he won't be - they ain't very happy over there at the EU's incompetence, AND now with the slandering of the AZ vaccine, the EU have swelled the ranks of the Anti-vaxxers - even Mutti refused the AZ vaccine, now desperate to recover from that disaster she say's she'll have it, yet this is the best the BBC can come up with? How about Biden banning vaccine exports?
Which my taxes help to pay for yes. any reason why I shouldn't?
Usual tory comments
it's free thanks to the socialist concept of NHS - otherwise only the rich would get it thanks to Etonian Private Health Incorporated.
Oh for a decent government.
This is the mindset of brexiteers and nationalists... take what you can for your own people and screw everyone else...
He's an idiot, an embarrassingly incompetent, out-of-his depth liar.
You only had to look, and listen, everytime he appeared at news briefings with EU politicians.
Then he delivered his great 'oven ready' deal that handed control of part of the UK to the EU, after the UK left the EU.
Yes, he's clearly incompetent.
That's pointing out a few facts, not boris bashing.
You only had to look, and listen, everytime he appeared at news briefings with EU politicians.
Then he delivered his great 'oven ready' deal that handed control of part of the UK to the EU, after the UK left the EU.
Yes, he's clearly incompetent.
That's pointing out a few facts, not boris bashing.
Agreed, its funny how there are no HYS's on the BBC's pet politicians (Starmer, Sturgeon oooooh are we on to something, the BBC likes S's)
Removed
Britain deserves better to get better. Get rid of the clown
The EU would only get even more bitter and aggressive if we had an even better vaccine project.
This whole article is about how Johnson misspoke & corrected himself! That is supported by everyone Kuenssberg spoke with. But the BBC go with the headline: "Greed' and 'capitalism' helped UK's vaccines success, says PM"!
It seems your article is the only thing designed to stir up a row! Quelle Surprise!!
It seems your article is the only thing designed to stir up a row! Quelle Surprise!!
Or was it the stupidity of some of the UK population completely ignoring lockdown rules? Having parties, going to raves, protests etc? I had an anti lockdown protester approach me very closely and shout in my face a couple of weeks before Xmas when doing my Xmas shopping. My crime was that I was wearing a mask.
Working in the research sector myself, I can say that many workers in Lifescience Biotech and research are very motivated and competitive high-achievers.
But actually, relative their knowlege and qualifications, most workers are poorly paid.
If you are an arch greedy Tory like Johnson, I guess if all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail though.
But actually, relative their knowlege and qualifications, most workers are poorly paid.
If you are an arch greedy Tory like Johnson, I guess if all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail though.
Simultaneously extolling the virtues of capitalism whilst destroying it with unnecessary lockdowns is the mark of an idiot.
I bet those very motivated researchers are delighted that Boris is getting their vaccines into people, unlike others one could mention.
Bojo is so unprofessional. From his disheveled hair to his inappropriate remarks, he simply isn't fit to represent this country.
Idiot you are judging people by there looks next you be saying he is not white enough
Removed
I bet you championed the IRA supporter and the Maths clown though! Comedy gold.
Why are you so obsessed with his hair?? We all look shaggy at the moment (except for Huw Edwards who has looked suspiciously immaculate throughout the pandemic)
He was elected for one stupid reason only. If a baboon had worn a T-Shirt saying Get Brexit Done, we'd have a Primate Minister now.
Who cares? He' got us vaccinating ,more than can be said for the very presentable EU leaders, who quite literally are all show and no vaccine!
We have donated millions in the Covax scheme, and we have invested into the vaccine's development. How's that for relations for other nations? Anybody who wishes to get offended by a tongue in cheek comment can get a grip.
As for EU relations? That's on them. They made their bed, so they can lie in it.
As for EU relations? That's on them. They made their bed, so they can lie in it.
A sensible post there Ben. I suspect you will now get a huge amount of down votes, as will I for agreeing with you. It's the way the country is now - folk getting offended, or looking to be offended by, something they have distorted that wasn't even offensive just to suit their own agenda and signal their virtues.
This is the mindset of brexiteers and nationalists... take what you can for your own people and screw everyone else...
What has EU done for its people during the pandemic, save on vaccines , don't worry about what happens to its citizens ?
Come on BBC, it was clearly a joke. You can't believe anything that man says, so why start now? Honestly, must be a slow news day - "PM says something stupid then backtracks on it "
I've worked in research all my life. In academia, and in industry. The difference is stark.
Academia do research. It often goes nowhere. Their funding comes mainly from states and charity.
Industry do development. If they need new things, they simply buy it off uni spinoffs. You will never, ever, see industry do novel research themselves, though they might occasionally fund a student or study.
Academia do research. It often goes nowhere. Their funding comes mainly from states and charity.
Industry do development. If they need new things, they simply buy it off uni spinoffs. You will never, ever, see industry do novel research themselves, though they might occasionally fund a student or study.
Heaven forbid we should have a leader with a sense of humour.
This PM set up the biggest free health giveaway in history with the Oxford vaccine.
This PM set up the biggest free health giveaway in history with the Oxford vaccine.
They look a hell of a lot better than the view in Europe this morning.
tory Scramble -
Deflect deflect deflect !
Deflect deflect deflect !
I do worry about the totally one-sided HYS that the BBC promote - nothing on Scotland, Labour etc, but they just get very excited about anything that can score political points against the government. Once again BBC, lets have some balance please.
Removed
Nothing on the violence in Bristol, but ooh look Boris said something in a way he didn't mean and immediately retracted it, quick open a HYS.
These comments won't last and will be removed, but nice try at pointing out the blatant Beeb bias.
These comments won't last and will be removed, but nice try at pointing out the blatant Beeb bias.
They very quickly move it away from Johnson's bizarre comments and towards comparing the UK and the EU vaccinations. Seems like you only read the first few lines and gave up because Johnson looked ridiculous.
How about you put a bit of balance in your own approach? You have a PM extolling the virtues of greed, like some two bit Wall Street banker, and you moan about not enough stories regarding Labour.
The tories are in power, this is the PM, the story should be reported and was.
This constant criticism of news reporting because you don't like what is being reported is a typical hard right tactic.
WEAK
The tories are in power, this is the PM, the story should be reported and was.
This constant criticism of news reporting because you don't like what is being reported is a typical hard right tactic.
WEAK
how can a total baboon comment be balanced out? He's the PM not a road sweeper, I expect more than his often lackadaisical approach to governing
Covid 19 is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make significant financial gains.
Jason Fleece Trogg 2020
Jason Fleece Trogg 2020
Just wanting more and more whether you need it or not, is not bettering your life. You just think it is.
You must have a lovely relationship with your friends, partners, and community. Yes, plenty is done out of greed, but so too is it done out of compassion and community. As a species, we’d have died early without our ability to share and cooperate.
I agree in principal, but seeing shoppers leave supermarkets with trolleys full of toilet rolls to then see old people looking at packets of facial tissues opposite the now empty shelves of loo rolls.
A little bit of greed can be good but selfishness is not so nice.
A little bit of greed can be good but selfishness is not so nice.
There is a world of difference between wanting to 'better your life' and greed. The history of the world is also a history of co-operation and empathy. What would Jesus say?
Wanting to better everyone's life is a lot better.
Self-interest has it's place, but enlightened self-interest is way, way, better.
Self-interest has it's place, but enlightened self-interest is way, way, better.
Objectively false if you study any primitive human cultures. One person hoarding resources causes the rest of the tribe to suffer and reduces the population as a whole's survival chances.
""what's better than wanting to better your life?""
Wanting every bodies lives to be better
Wanting every bodies lives to be better
Homo Sapiens evolved as a social species so to say that greed is innate in mankind is, to be polite, poppycock.
wanting to better everyone's lives, not just your own?
ahhaa so you judge how better your life is based on greed - funny
Removed
The whole point of the human race being “intelligent” is that we can recognise our weaknesses and control them. That’s what’s supposed to elevate us as a species. “Human nature” is the excuse for every wrong thing that mankind knowingly commits.
Managing the planet in a sustainable way?
Enjoying life rather than relentless accumulation/consumption of material things?
Enjoying life rather than relentless accumulation/consumption of material things?
Which is always at the expense of THE MASS MAJORITY of others, but as long as the lucky few benefit eh?...
"what's better than wanting to better your life?"
There's nothing wrong with bettering your life through hard work and education based on a level playing field
But when those that have a better life put blockers in place to achieve the same, that's the problem.
Are you saying it's ok to steal from your companies pension funds, to better your life with an extra yacht or 2, for example?
There's nothing wrong with bettering your life through hard work and education based on a level playing field
But when those that have a better life put blockers in place to achieve the same, that's the problem.
Are you saying it's ok to steal from your companies pension funds, to better your life with an extra yacht or 2, for example?
There is a world of difference between wanting to better yourself...and most people's interpretation of the word 'greed'.
Appropriate selfishness, balanced by selflessness is where compassionate, fair minded people would want to place themselves...and as importantly - be placed by others
Greed in my book means having/consuming more than you need often at the expense of others...not a clever use of the term by Boris, but on this occasion I'm happy to cut him some slack - who hasn't said something silly in Lockdown?
Greed in my book means having/consuming more than you need often at the expense of others...not a clever use of the term by Boris, but on this occasion I'm happy to cut him some slack - who hasn't said something silly in Lockdown?
There's a vast difference between wanting something better for your life and greed. They are very much not the same thing. I'm sure you've managed to teach you kids aspiration and hard work are very different from greed.
No wonder people listened to 'the establishment' and the rich and famous instead of Corbyn.
One does not better themselves by being greedy.
"what's better than wanting to better your life"...bettering others lives.
Other traits relating to the success of humankind is empathy and working together. Unfortunately the current rise of populist politics lacks empathy and is based on division. Ultimately it is doomed, the question is how far we fall before we realise.
Other traits relating to the success of humankind is empathy and working together. Unfortunately the current rise of populist politics lacks empathy and is based on division. Ultimately it is doomed, the question is how far we fall before we realise.
The strange thing, it that anyone should be surprised!
Taking hold of vaccine supply for oneself is definitely greed, not just vaccine manufactured in UK, but also of other countries, I would also call it selfishness,
at last the PM has come out with the truth, they want to be world player, have they exported even one vial of vaccine, take a lesson from India
at last the PM has come out with the truth, they want to be world player, have they exported even one vial of vaccine, take a lesson from India
I despair at the utter crass culture we live in today where people blurt things out without thinking only to have to scramble to retract them. Its pervasive in public life and socio-political discourse - notoriously on (anti) social media. Indicative of a shockingly attention deficit and immature society.
Yawn....clickbait for a leftie loser pile-on
Removed
I despair at the utter crass culture we live in today where people blurt things out without thinking only to have to scramble to retract them. Its pervasive in public life and socio-political discourse - notoriously on (anti) social media. Indicative of a shockingly attention deficit and immature society.
The "Daily Express" is in love with the Tory Party.
And the Tory Party loves the "Daily Express".
The UK is dominated by media, mostly in love with the Tory Party.
However the BBC still tries to present a balanced and fair view of the World.
Decades of Tory rule ahead for the UK.
Not in Scotland tho.'
And the Tory Party loves the "Daily Express".
The UK is dominated by media, mostly in love with the Tory Party.
However the BBC still tries to present a balanced and fair view of the World.
Decades of Tory rule ahead for the UK.
Not in Scotland tho.'
Just remember folks, our PM isn't accountable for his words but anyone who quotes him is.
You choose a clown, you get a circus. Not a great look for the UK when we need all the friends we can get. Come on 1922 Committee, hurry up and get Rishi in post.
This whole article is about how Johnson misspoke & corrected himself! That is supported by everyone Kuenssberg spoke with. But the BBC go with the headline: "Greed' and 'capitalism' helped UK's vaccines success, says PM"!
It seems your article is the only thing designed to stir up a row! Quelle Surprise!!
It seems your article is the only thing designed to stir up a row! Quelle Surprise!!
Yawn....clickbait for a leftie loser pile-on
Removed
Greed
£30bn for Test and Trace that didn't work
£30bn for Test and Trace that didn't work
What do you expect when fitting a square peg in a round hole step forward the failure that is Dido Harding!
Google and Apple and the Civil service? If you dont have anything backed up by facts please keep silent
It worked for no one as people did not want it
This is the mindset of brexiteers and nationalists... take what you can for your own people and screw everyone else...
Think you'll find that's exactly what Johnson and his cronies have done... Taken everything!
Greed certainly played a part in the procurement of substandard PPE from donors and friends-of-friends.
Uber - how do you manage to get the first post, usually critical of the government, Brexit or the UK in general, so often on these HYS? Some might think you are sitting refreshing your browser every few seconds whilst waiting for the HYS to open. Others might suggest you work for, or are closely linked to someone who works for, the BBC. Please can you clarify?
Removed
This is the mindset of brexiteers and nationalists... take what you can for your own people and screw everyone else...
It must be difficult, having to tell lies all the time. The odd slip-up, followed by desparate claims of "I wuz only joking!", are only to be expected.