Treasurer’s Lecture - The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH - The State We’re In
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- Treasurer’s Lecture - The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH - The State We’re In.
Introduction by The Rt Hon Sir Brian Leveson, Master Treasurer of The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
Monday 9 November 2020 (recorded Wednesday 4 November 2020).
The availability of this lecture via TH-cam is a great public service, and I thank you for it.
It feels like I haven't listened to a leader that makes me feel like a grown-up for a long time.
Couldn’t agree more. It was such an honest and statesmanlike speech
He's from a bygone age when politicians knew something about honour and integrity.
I’ve loathed the Tories since I can remember taking a view but this shows what eloquent politicians are thinking when they are not shackled by having to say the ‘right’ thing when seeking (re)election.
I remember when Major was PM he was pilloried as being "too boring". What the UK wouldn't give for "boring" now.
I take boring over that Trump (one out) and Bojo nonsense anyday. That is why we in Germany have Angela Merkel. Never listen to any speech of hers. Would only do so as a substitute for sleeping pills. She is the embodiment of boring.
@@lucius1976 but competent
@@Somersetman100 still a Tory and black Wednesday was on his watch
I was just thinking the same thing - remembering the grey Spitting Image puppet of him. Better than the blond buffoon, any day.
We’ve exchanged boring for twat
Arriving at this as someone who ignored John Major as Prime Minister, full of young spunk that I was, and even today am still not enamoured with some of the economic policies he extolled in his prime, I have to say that that was a profound speech. As others have said, a reminder to us as to how far our politicians have shrunk, and perhaps how good a statesman he was. Alas, as sensible the words were, I don't think they'll be appreciated until, perhaps 2030, judging by the situation we find ourselves in and exactly for the reasons as described in Sir John's (can I retract and say Mr Major's) speech. A puzzle.
I’m in the same position. As a socialist, I never disliked John Major, nor Ken Clarke.
Thirded!
Sounds like we come from the same background and I too, totally agree.
This is a devastating speech for the ages, and one that will undoubtedly be admired with a sense of reverence, but looked upon with regret.
Very well said
Wow that was pretty brilliant. Nothing I didn’t already know but spoken in a way I could only dream of.
That's precisely the reason why I love to listen to the debates at the House of Lords. The best place to learn about the art of eloquence, especially for a foreigner as me.
I’m a socialist... but also a staunch remainer... and that made me cry. Jesus, how is a Tory MP making me cry ?
I am the same
Ahh bless.
Tory MPs have been making me cry since the 80s. Major was one of the better ones and helped bring about the Good Friday Agreement and laid the foundations of the prosperity that came with the Labour governments that followed him. His government was plagued by many of the same little Englander anti Europe weirdos that are in power and influence now.
I know what you mean. We've become so accustomed to being talked to as children by those in power, it comes as a stark relief to be spoken to as an intelligent adult.
I understand Ruth because I am the same.
A masterpiece. Thank you for your powerful, insightful analysis.
I've missed hearing politicians of such calabre.
An excellent analysis of where the UK stands, particularly in his criticism if Brexit. It's a pity the Brexit cultists won't have the patience or thinking capacity to even give his words a first thought. However the impact of Brexit will most certainly make them think, but I doubt they'll blame themselves or the ones they mistakenly put their faith in. Time will see Brexit as a dreadful mistake and only new, hopefully more informed generations will improve our position.
With 4views, even I am not that stupid
The video is longer than 2 minutes so Brexiteers won't watch it.
@@padgmurph1774 sorry but you clowns keep complaining that we only get our info from long TH-cam videos
RemInerners are so dumb they can’t even get ther story correct
“You have to wilfully in denial...” And still they remain just so. In denial. 😔😭
@@marshallj1077 Looks more like remember Eminem combined.
From Great Britain to Little England. Very very sad.
Maybe now we will stop trying to police the rest of the world and stop interfering in other people’s business
@@Hickalum - What does it matter if there's one less bully when America has stolen everybody's lunch money?
Listen to the man. Focus om your own prosperity, be the very best country you can be. With the most satisfied and capable people there are. New direction.
@@oldguy8078 But what is that direction - does it involve kind of vortex ending in shitters ditch? From an even older guy.
Yes, thanks to individuals like John Major.
Bravo. Bring some heavyweights back into British politics! Leaders with wisdom and gravitas.
And honor! I couldn't agree more. I'm left wing but I'd vote for John Major right now if I could. Boris is a fool, Starmer has stabbed a kind and selfless man in the back as a political scapegoat - I thought he was nice! what a dick.
Johnny Wednesday hear hear
When you hear a truth, like this speech, broadcast far and wide when truth has been suppressed, smeared or distorted for many years, it is uplifting, energising and liberating to hear. A perfect analysis by Sir John Major. This needs to be shared further to all corners of the country.
What a fantastic speech. Thank you for sharing this. Hopefully this gets more airtime. So poignant.
I always underestimated him. This was powerful and desperately needed.
Utterly brilliant and accurate speech. For gods sake, take note as this.
Some timely truth bombs from the former PM that resonate with me. However, I doubt it will alter views on the other side. We live in different realities.
Entrenched is a good term for it, a stalemate.
Britain is too arrogant, complacent and nostalgic as a country to accept any of these hard facts
“We live in different realities.”
That’s it. Thank you for putting it into words.
Sean Kelly not Britain... but the current British government is too arrogant, complacent and corrupt to do anything to change our current trajectory... I’m British, not by choice but by circumstance. I voted for Remain, campaigned for remain and for a socialist Labour . I’m horrified by the government that currently speaks for me.
@@ruthvanstraten7126 - hear hear!
I never agreed with a lot of his politics but by god I miss having a leader who actually has a brain and doesn’t continually lie for self gain
Major lied and is an adulterer who gained much cash.
@@kizzagt I hope you’re not a Johnson supporter then 😂
@@wr2899 I'm not. He's a clown who needs to be deported.
Brilliant, absolutely riveting to the very end. Not something I expected to say about a Tory or John Major. My thanks to M.T. for uploading this speech to TH-cam.
I'm a Labour party member but this speech is very good, and the country would be in a far better place with a leader like him. How low the Conservatives have fallen
Whaaaaat ?
He signed the Maastricht Treaty if I remember well enough.
Taking away a strong country's right to be British.
He did nothing !
It must be a Tory policy to under achieve.
My goodness what an impressive and thoughtful analysis of the situation we find ourselves in.
Thank you so much. I rarely post any comments but listening to Sir John Major was like balm being poured over an open wound. Simple sensible direct....a voice of measured common sense
Regrettably, the the balm may be welcome, but the wound is still open
@@chriswalford4161 I agree with you. I don't feel the same about the UK since this whole sorry business with Brexit started. But at least we are not alone when we hear some politicians speak this clearly
@@alfonsofrontera6425 : Maybe Trump losing marks the beginning of the end of this mad cycle. I’m convinced British democracy needs an overhaul, with a system of PR for MPs. But keeping a free press while ensuring a wider policy viewpoint is tricky.
While mentioning the media, i look at the saturation coverage given to US affairs (which I don’t regret), and consider wistfully if only EU coverage had been as comprehensive.
@@chriswalford4161 Trump losing is the highlight of 2020 , otherwise a grim year. I do not trust the media in the UK and the wave of populism that seems to accompany it. Points mentioned my John Major.
The liberal voices have been silenced for now in this mad cycle but at least America voted and Trump is out . It is a positive start My only hope is that Boris is next. I blame the media for so so much.
Very sobering. I'm a radical red, but I can appreciate the intelligence, statesmanship, and sense of duty emanating from Major.
I was thinking this morning that Sir John Major would be our Biden if it was possible. Unfortunately it isn't.
this man is far more eloquent than biden
Some of us remember what it was like when he was in office.
YEah right its the fucking tories fault this is happening.
@@russelledwards001 The Tories, The Tories, The Tories, The Tories, The Tories, The Tories... Boring!
@@russelledwards001 It is, those same Tories that Major once labelled "the bastards" - it's always the crazy ones who are the determined...
A powerful and clear message, from a "decent" ethical politician and PM. How different would we be, how better if he or his like were still in power. His more recent successors, and especially Johnson, are not a patch on what the country deserves. Lies, populism, and croney-ism are rife. It's shameful.
Brilliant and so true. I feel quite down and depressed that all I have believed about Brexit , Boris Johnson and Trump has been validated by a much more intelligent and knowledgeable John Major. I feel powerless and just want to cry!!
Dear John
Thank you soo much for an amazing speech containing soo many ideas and possible outcomes depending on which path one will take. It must have taken such courage to do this. But you will be remembered in history as a great states man and a man historically of your people. Speaking truth with preemptive council for all members of Great Britain. I am Irish , live in Wicklow ,Greystones. I appreciated your speech with its full respect for the history of the geographic region and its implications.
I agree with what is said below for english people-
Adam Browne
1 day ago
It feels like I haven't listened to a leader that makes me feel like a grown-up for a long time.
Having to admit to the english people that they are no longer a super power actually gives the people the ability to relinquish the archetypes of the past that constrain them and create a new dream and vision of the future for your society. It takes great bravery to break an archetype and create a new casting mold for your people. In the absence of a healthy reality I admire your striving to create a new reality with new archetypes for your people. I wish you all the best and well done on your bravery.
Wth the best of wishes from Ireland to the people of England
Eoin llewellyn
Thank you John Major, thank you for this measured and real speech, appreciated in this house
Ironically, English speakers might like to know that the Irish word 'fíor' (pronounced like the English 'fear') means true so Project Fear to an Irish speaker means Project Truth...
What an amazing coincidence that the word 'project' is the same in both languages too!
@@JohnnyWednesday And a few other languages, as well! :)
@@jakewalsh7220 - hehe ;) I love you really, I'm sorry my government has so many bastards in it.
@@JohnnyWednesday No need to apologise, Johnny - we're wise to them! :)
@@JohnnyWednesday The funny thing is, it was John Major who first stood up to the bastards, and named them all bastards. He wouldn't back down to the bastards even when they were trying to blackmail his minority government!
Thank you! Great speech. Spoke for many of us.
Brilliant and so sad at the same time.
A very welcome voice of reason and insight in a time of demagoguery. Thank you.
Bloody hell, how we could do with a few John Majors in government today.
Get me out of here if there are!
Fantastic, all should take heed, thank you.
Excellent. Perhaps the greatest speech on modern Britain I have seen. Those of us who are aware of this speech have a duty to our beloved country to share it far and wide
Oh for some Tories like Major now. Cameron summed it up correctly when he said the party was being taken over by swivel eyed lunatics.
The sad part is he permitted & allowed the take over by swivel eyed lunatics
So you want europhile traitors running your nation then Steven?? We've had that for the last 50 years. It's been an overall disaster.
@@kizzagt deluded reply and part of the problem
@@spookysilver it's not deluded when it's been the case.
@@kizzagt so write me a coherent analysis of all the real economic benefits
Excellent speech. I found it thoroughly depressing to hear Sir John Major describing what I largely knew, so eloquently. But this must be heard. Importantly, even today, this Brexit doomsday scenario is far from inevitable as an EEA Norway style deal would resolve most of the issues we are facing and satisfy many on both sides of the debate.
Excellent and correct.
Excellent lecture...if only his voice was heard by more.
Really apt 👌 speech, thank you for uploading!
Boris Johnson eat your heart out: you will NEVER achieve this level in politics, or anywhere for that matter.
Yes when you listened to Thatcher, Major, Blair and Brown there was a sense of a deep thought about the country and how to develop it.
Johnson is a poor speaker (in the formal political sense), and his reflective speech would be a load nationalistic nonsense...
A landmark speech that will resonate for decades to come which many will look back on with deep regret for what might have been.
Sir John Major at his absolute best ❤️🇬🇧
Wisdom such as this seems to be in short supply in today’s government.
What an honest assessment for once. No doubt will be lambasted by tories as an old has been who curried favour. They refuse to listen.
What an accurate analysis of the political situation in the UK, excellent speech. Thank you for making it available to the public.
Powerful, and illuminating analysis of the state we are in. Gosh I find it heartbreaking. I feel we have been robbed by Brexit of truth, decency and compassion. I deeply thank John Major for this eloquent speech.
Excellent. Perhaps the greatest speech on modern Britain I have seen. Those of us who are aware of this speech have a duty to our beloved country to share it far and wide
I'm no Tory but its nice to listen to a logical and professional Politician.
Excellent speech. The Brexit project is unravelling.
It is completely incredible that Major managed to get through this, pondering on the legacy we leave to future generations without reference to the climate and ecological crises. Any politician or business that suffers from this kind of myopia forfeits the right to advise on facing the future. Truly one of yesterday's men
This is what a real politician sounds like 👌 thank you
The bare facts and stark reality.
Glad to see at least one Tory acknowledge that a United Ireland is one day inevitable even if now is not the time.
He laid the foundations for the GFA, so he understands NI politics better than most.
@@LeMac3.141 He laid bare the facts about the future of NI exactly like I predicted myself when this whole shitstorm kicked off. It is actually very satisfying for me to see I how read it all so clearly even then. I will now make another prediction though. One not so nice. If a border poll gets called, NI will choose it's path and when that decision is made, the UVF setting off bombs will become a pointless process that could bare no political gain against the will of the people. They cannot bomb Ireland into forcing Britain to take back what was never theirs to give. This being said, I predict that the UVF will begin a bombing campaign before and during the the reunification process to scare voters into rejecting it. We live in scary times.
Now is actually the greatest time for a united Ireland, in the same way that--despite Hancock saying it isn't the time--Coronavirus is the ideal time for nurses and other NHS workers to force the government to treat them fairly.
Scotland and Ireland need to extract everything they can get their hands on from the Tories, because they may never have another chance; if they rally around the Tories, they'll only get told "no" once things go back closer to normal.
Because as Edward Carson once said in 1921, "What a fool I was! I was only a puppet, and so was Ulster, and so was Ireland, in the political game that was to get the Conservative Party into Power."
'This government deserve credit for what they've given so far... To their families, business'partners' and schoolmates.'
Sir Major gives us a view on a very good possible future, much smaller, Kingdom, instead of the STILL excisting United Kingdom. Time will tell what history has left us.
Never thought i would ever agree with and admire a tory politician so much.
We made much fun of John Major when he was in power, but how we now miss someone like him!
As i listen, he goes through EVERYTHING that is now SO wrong.
Painfully evident how the standards, quality, intelligence, sens of responsibility, gravitas of some of our elected politicians have now dropped.
Not just in UK of course. USA has been prime example.
Thank goodness the USA has restored matters, but only just.
The likes of Boris Johnson and Trump have attracted voters, but with disastrous consequences.
We so need to learn from the tactics of such 'politicians' to make politics and civic duties accessible and attractive to less educated people.
This starts in schools but also social media, workpkaces, eating places, popular artists, tv stars, cookery gurus, so called 'influencers'...
All in the public domain have a duty to educate.
Most have kids after all!
I was born in 1979.
Yet even at such a young age, he always struck me as by far, the most credible leader Britain has had in my lifetime.
Differences aside, as I expect there are many as someone in, very nearly, the lowest social braket, I would resoundingly trust him, to make the best judgement for the most people.
I would love to share a conversation with him, I think we could be friends.
Johnson needs to listen to someone much wiser than him
The problem with idiots? is that they don't know how much they don't know - so they think they know everything. Why would a man that 'knows everything' listen to anybody else?
@@JohnnyWednesday Although he is listening to someone. You can depend upon it...
Very refreshing to hear it straight. Does this speech not reveal that it is in Scotland's long term interest to leave the UK and aim to regain some of those benefits that John Major highlights the UK are now losing through leaving the EU? The future painted here for the UK is not bright. If as some would say has been concretely demonstrated through Brexit, the Scottish people feel they have had little to no effectual voice in shaping the UK's political direction or future, what are their incentives to stay? And if complacency and nostalgia are what has put the UK where it now is then how heartening for those seeking independence to see fewer and fewer in Scotland fostering those beliefs in a past that never was while more and more look forward and outward to a fairer and more progressive future.
What I wish Scotland would understand? is that we love you. Had your referendum been open to English votes? I'd have gladly offered the ancient and proud Scotland, our long time neighbours, allies, enemies and friends - their independence. Stronger together? perhaps - but nobody ever asked me if I cared to be the strongest.
I've been saving this on my desktop for a rainy day. Regardless of his record as PM, this was a brilliant lecture and proves that with age can wisdom come. He articulated all that many of us have thought or concluded, in a way that, if the mendacious incompetents in Gov listened, would pierce their hearts with a conviction of treason. Oh for the leadership & wisdom of a Major, Blair, Grieves, Clark, Reid, D. Milliband & H. Benn.
Blah blah blah......WTF are people in here on about with 'brilliant'!? Just the same old baseless political tub thumping.
He's like british John Mccain, Scotland value is trillions of pounds though.
I think John Major was the key person in the anglo-irish agreement. Blair took the credit, but Major took the risk.
Absolutely.
If Sir J had allowed the British people a democratic vote on Maastricht we wouldn't be where we are today.
Thank u and fully agree it saddens me that this is true
Essential viewing for all in the United Kingdom
Statesmanship. The contrast with our present cabinet is stark.
The sense of gravitas, calmness and sincerity is in such stark contrast to Boris Johnson et al that it makes one wonder why we are landed with such an incompetent government. Something for us to ponder on.
The man who gave his government a 28% payrise whilst all public service workers pays were capped at 3%. They did this again recently whilst public sector pays were capped at 1% from 2011. They gave themselves a number of big pay rises in between. They make the rules and we pay for it.
Yeah - politicians right? I'm annoyed with such money motivated little schemes but between John shaving some off the top and Boris wheeling the whole thing away in shopping cart? I think I'd prefer the hand in the cookie jar than the cookie monster.
some people improve with age! John Major is one of them.
Can't go wrong when you tell the truth. Chapeau Mr Major.
I have never voted Conservative in my life, however I have to say that I agree with everything he says
I had almost forgotten what it means to listen to calm and coherent politics. Presented by a politician of experience and calibre. I fear that it will be a considerable time before a sufficient number of the population come to accept the reality of Brexit both for the country and in their own lives. By that stage I rather think that some changes will be irreversible. I can only hope that, nevertheless, the damage caused - for damage is what the effect will be - is of an order which will not prevent those in government at the time being able to set about a meaningful restoration exercise.
Bonald couldn't lace one of John Majors pumps, never mind his boots.
This is the the only Prime Minister in UK and English history who successfully has run a minority government over a long period - and, despite that, roughly handling the Militant Tendency MPs (now the ERG) who cynically thought they could exploit his government's weakness by blackmailing him (even naming them "bastards", which in the 1990s seemed pretty shocking to everyone, in our naive innocence :)). Also, the man whose evidence almost single-handedly defeated the Government's 2019 attempt to prorogue the parliament (if only because Messrs Rees-Mogg and the other two government ministerial cowards were unwilling to say anything to the court that might result in them being cross-examined by professionals; in turn, because those gutless chancers failed to contradict Major's evidence with their own, the Supreme Court's decision became very easy)
Finally (I understand) the only PM other than Winston Churchill to have been knighted by the Queen. In this lecture we see why... (at least after the first 10 minutes which is pretty damn boring!)
Ironic and tragic in way that the best and most wise politicians tend to be those who have served their time in public office, gained vast experience but have been cast asunder or retired. Ken Clarke being purged from the Conservative party was unforgiveable, and politicians like Major, Blair (I know, I know) Brown have so much to give. Theresa May even, suddenly seems a wise owl after her leadership experience. Instead we have younger politicians burning with ambition rather than idealism and lacking the necessary experience and guidance to flourish. Look at the current cabinet, a collection of nodding dogs if ever there was one, under the leadership of a PM whose only interest is 'having' the job, not 'doing' the job. Rudderless government bent on survival rather than governing and any views like these from Major are probably laughed at.
With Brian Harvey's leads... I think John should probably be coming forward to talk about some other things. You knights templars don't give a hoot about victims do you.
Talk about calling for "plain speaking"!
We are all washed up with nowhere to go.
Thank you Master Major.
Decent speech, and I agree with what he says; however, he still seems ignorant to both inequality, the fuel for Brexit and populism, and climate change, the wolf at the door.
Perhaps because his tenure stoked both of them to put us here? It must be nice to absolve yourself of such shit and play the moral high ground.
Excellent speech . Don’t worry about the country or brexit it’s all in hand . Next year will be monumental . The real Templars have had enough . In Deo Confidimus
A thoroughly dishonourable speech by a man who evidently has no time for democracy. In Government he was not honest about the Maastricht agreement that was inexorably to convert a common market into a federal state, and did not consult the people on this major change to our system of government. It's astonishing that he still questions the legitimacy of the Brexit decision, despite its endorsement in the Referendum and two general elections! And it's pretty outrageous that he makes this speech at the very point that negotiations on a trade deal have reached a critical stage; or perhaps he wants them to fail?
No wonder he could never be PM again. Capable of always justifying incompetency in running a country.
The greatest PM ever .Honest ,straightforward plain speaking and very courageous.
Thanks for the schadenfreude UK!
You're welcome!
With acknowledgments to Will Hutton?
Why would I want to listen to a lecture given by a dishonest former pm who covered up on mps expenses
Please allow embed.
Great lecture I wish Major has been able to negotiate the Good Friday agreement.
The cost of Brexit is an Independent Scotland. The Union is over........
The only Tory I'd ever vote for
Steady on!
Me too and I voted for Corbyn. Isn't there an old guard in the conservatives? can they not smell the blood in the water? stop letting these populist fools like Boris take the reigns, stop catering to a perception of an idiot populace and actually pick somebody intelligent. They put George Osborne in charge of the economy for crying out loud! he has an MA in history!!! there are LITERALLY degrees in economics - can we at least have minimum qualifications set for such roles? can you imagine a practicing doctor with only a qualification in history?
@@JohnnyWednesday : Ken Clark confronted the Tory hubris ever since the referendum and finally had the whip withdrawn a year ago. He’s now in the ‘Old Guard’ in the Lords, where he keeps it up. But it falls on deaf ears, like those with a new long-desired toy which be broken tomorrow.
@@chriswalford4161- I'd even choose Thatcher over Boris and I was raised in a mining town! I may never have been a supporter of the right but at least I respected them and trusted them. I guess standards at Eton have slipped.
Problem is, changing the Tory at the top doesn't change the Tories beneath them; they're the same type of people they've always been.
Thanks to The Middle Temple & The Rt Hon Sir Brian Leveson, Master Treasurer of The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, for making this excellent Lecture available to the public. Sir John Major's speech encapsulated all that is wrong with this Government & the consequences of its current policies.
Although, I did agree with much of what John Major said. I found it interesting that he only talks positively about Great Britain in the last few minutes after spending the majority of his speech painting a dismal picture. We could spend time debating questions such as ‘Have the British people been lied to?’ or ‘Did Brussels make a mistake not listening to Britain’s complaints?’. Of course the blame game serves a purpose, we can learn from how we have arrived at this destination. However, we need a plan of action and rallying to get us through these coming years not playing political cards of complaint and blame. The question is what is next? I’m not sure Boris even knows the answer to that questions and that is what is most terrifying of all.
OMG I'm applauding a Tory😵
Many wonderful points made but a shame he still clings to the notion that 'our prosperity' depends on an expanding economy. One of the brutal truths that he implores us to face is that this is not possible in a world of finite resources. A thoroughly decent man but still regrettably an old style Thatcherite economist.
Goddess Nemesis never acts without due warrant
Quite interesting, but I get no sense that Mr Major has any understanding of the forces that drove us into Brexit. He said nothing about Mr Cameron's negotiations with the EU, or the Greek debt crisis and the Euro, or "ever-closer union", or the widespread belief that the UK government is more democratically accountable than the EU, or the belief that EU policy is controlled by Germany, or that its goal is to erase the national identities of its members. Yet these are key issues which continue to motivate the clique which controls the present UK government.
Very coherent lecture, largely reflecting on Brexit. What I sadly miss is a corresponding, statesman-like speech on the upside of Brexit. Perhaps another former PM (Mrs. May) might oblige?
Is there a pro-leave version of this extolling all of the benefits of leaving? Thought not. BECAUSE THERE AREN'T ANY.
Very good - especially the irritation at the marginalisation and demonisation of people of a Remain persuasion. A world where 'you lost get over it' becomes a political argument, and screaming-toddler imagery the go-to, belittling legitimate points of view. It does not induce a mood of co-operation or acceptance. I hope the architects are ready for a backlash.