The wealth manager who successfully challenged the government’s initial plans to trigger Brexit without consulting Parliament is eyeing a future in politics, just not quite yet. “I absolutely have no political ambitions,’’ said Miller, 53, before adding the important qualifier: “at the moment.’’
The Guyana-born businesswoman spoke in an interview in Dover, southeast England, after giving a speech to launch a website, www.endthechaos.co.uk, designed to give Britons “unspun facts” about Brexit.
It all looked and sounded like the start of a political campaign. Miller stepped on the stage following a pounding soundtrack called “March of the Saxons.” There was footage of her traveling the country and delivering a speech lambasting politicians for being “stuck in their Westminster bubble.”
Though she’s previously skirted questions about her political ambitions, speculation is rife that she’s in the running to be the next leader of the pro-European Liberal Democrats. The incumbent, Vince Cable, is seeking to change the rules to allow for non-members of Parliament to hold his office, and Miller is due to address the party’s autumn conference on Monday.
The speech, she said, was arranged “months ago,’’ and the party leadership “is not on my mind at all.’’
“I don’t want to be affiliated to any party at this moment in time, I think it is better to be independent,” said Miller, adding that she’s not even a member of the Liberal Democrats. “This idea that you have to toe the party line and be whipped is something that I think is very damaging to our politics, so I wouldn’t enter that arena.”
The remark sounds like a rejection of a political career, but on being pushed further, she conceded “I’m not saying I would never go into politics.’’
“What I’m saying is politics would need to change, and at the moment, with the changes that need to happen both on a political and social level, I think I can be more effective in doing that as an independent,’’ she said. “Everything I do is political. I’ve always been quite political. I’ve grown up in politics, so I’m not ruling it out, but definitely not now.’’
Miller’s goal for now is to win Britons the chance to reconsider Brexit, which she says “isn’t a done deal’’ until March 29. People “have to have the chance’’ to reverse the vote, she said.
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Read more:
Gina Miller's 'Rise' is an attempt to rescue the Britain she built in her mind
British home secretary won’t rule out post-Brexit civil disorder
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“You have to look at the shift in the country: there is a deep and sustained call for people to have another say to validate the options going forward,’’ she said, warning of “true unrest’’ if politicians ignore that. “I personally would like to see a different agenda.”
Dover was an obvious place to deliver her message. Though it voted 62 percent in favor of leaving the European Union in the 2016 referendum, it’s expected to be badly hit if Britain tumbles out of the bloc without a deal. Authorities have predicted miles of tailbacks and surrounding areas from day one if customs checks are introduced at the town’s port.
Adding more grist to speculation she aims to go into politics, Miller said she hasn’t had a summer break, instead spending six weeks touring the country to speak to voters. She’s been to Liverpool and Leeds, the Welsh valleys, Cardiff, Surrey, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
She says the chance of an early election -- not due until 2022 -- is “increasing on a daily basis because of the lack of arithmetic in Parliament to get any sort of decision on Brexit and because of the chaos in both political parties.’’
And would she stand in the next election? “Who knows?,” she replied, coyly.
The view from The National
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
MADAME WEB
Director: S.J. Clarkson
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Tahar Rahim, Sydney Sweeney
Rating: 3.5/5
What is a robo-adviser?
Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.
These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.
Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.
Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 2 (Mahrez 04', Ake 84')
Leicester City 5 (Vardy 37' pen, 54', 58' pen, Maddison 77', Tielemans 88' pen)
Man of the match: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
