About 25 hours ago, Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan posted onto YouTube the video of speech he delivered yesterday afternoon in the chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, during which, for want of a better phrase, he well and truly monstered Gordon Brown.
As soon as I saw it, I also posted the clip onto our PlayPolitical site and just a day later - with a little help from a Drudge Report link - nearly 80,000 over 260,000 (as at 10pm Wednesday) over 575,000 (as at 6.30am Thursday) people have watched it, making it the most viewed YouTube clip in the world today.
I have known Daniel for a decade and apart from being a robust eurosceptic who is fluent in a number of languages, he is an extremely articulate Conservative. His exposure on the web over the last 24 hours will have won him some new fans, and I imagine that they, like those of us who have known of his abilities for rather longer, would join me in hoping the party makes the best use of those talents in the months and years ahead.
You can relive yesterday's speech again below.
Jonathan Isaby
True brilliance. Really. It was amazing.
Brown is our own Comical Ali.
Posted by: ToryBlog.com - The usual health warning about me to keep the Editor happy :-) | March 25, 2009 at 18:38
Dan should be given a slot at Party Conference.
All those in favour say "aye"...
Posted by: Tim Montgomerie | March 25, 2009 at 18:47
Och aye.
Posted by: Tom Greeves | March 25, 2009 at 18:50
Aye to that Tim
The video is totally addictive. I just watched it again. The irony of course is that he only got to reply to Brown because he got kicked out of the EPP.
He's put up 2 more vids today. His YouTube channel is better than telly.
Posted by: Conand | March 25, 2009 at 18:51
A master class performance and a lesson to the totally ineffective conservative opposition, if you can call it an opposition, in the HoC. This man should be leading a new and reformed party at Westminster. Such energy and conviction is so lacking there. For eleven years the tory party has wittered along while their mates of the NU Lab party have destroyed British education, the NHS, police, and the armed services as well as the economy. Quite an achievement in such a short time. Only with a supine opposition was this possible.
Posted by: Brit | March 25, 2009 at 18:53
So the question is: why is Hannan wasting his talents in the Puppet Parliament? Why is not in Westminster?
I understand he will stand again for the European "parliament" this year. Does any insider know if he has been selected yet for a safe seat in Westminster??
Posted by: Goldie | March 25, 2009 at 18:55
A truly great and memorable speech, it's the best one I've heard in years.
Posted by: John Bright | March 25, 2009 at 18:57
Aye to Tim's question!
Posted by: TRG Tory | March 25, 2009 at 18:58
Poor old Dave!
Posted by: Henry Mayhew - Hannan-supporting conservative | March 25, 2009 at 19:00
I agree with you, Goldie; we need this man in our parliament. Brave and brilliant.
Posted by: David Belchamber | March 25, 2009 at 19:04
The shirt and tie need to go as does the distraction on his right wrist. The suit???
However Brown needs to lose the Cheshire Cat smirk a lot more.
Good content though, good content.
Posted by: snegchui | March 25, 2009 at 19:04
I agree with Tim and Goldie, we need DH in Westminster where he can "monster" the government on a regular basis.
Posted by: David T Breaker | March 25, 2009 at 19:05
"Only with a supine opposition was this possible".
Nooooo... with a massive majority, caused by public hatred of Thatcher and Major Convservatives, was that possible.
Posted by: StevenAdams | March 25, 2009 at 19:05
It's gone viral, The reason being that it sums up in a visual and very articulate way what many people over here and in the US think the Bailout is going to do. I think the spectator is right, will the internet make this a story?
Posted by: YMT | March 25, 2009 at 19:06
There's more from Dan here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=283UiAMk_As
Posted by: ukipwebmaster | March 25, 2009 at 19:07
In answer to Tim's question I'm in absolute agreement.
Posted by: William Blake's Ghost | March 25, 2009 at 19:07
Just goes to show the Eurofedarists within our party one of the very many real advantages of not being hamstrung by the EPP-ED connection. As opposed to their nefarious waffle about losing influence when our whole MEP group becomes as free to speak as Dan Hannan now is.
Well Done Dan!!!
Oh and Aye to Tim's proposal.
Posted by: Mr Angry | March 25, 2009 at 19:07
Aye to that also. H
e features in my post about Brown's departure from Strasbourg. Hope the plug is OK, Tim?
Posted by: oldrightie | March 25, 2009 at 19:08
Count has just updated 167,779 so far...
Posted by: YMT | March 25, 2009 at 19:09
Views have been updated to 167,779
Posted by: Emily Sedgefield | March 25, 2009 at 19:10
Now can any one tell me a single thing that hannan has acheived by being outside the EPP?
ps. for your info, I understand that he got to talk himself because he wasn't bunched in with a load of others.
pps. What was the EPPs speech?
Posted by: pp | March 25, 2009 at 19:12
Tim - Aye
I so enjoyed Dan's speech that I have lost count of the number of times I've watched it. Furthermore I've sent the link to everbody I know.
It was wonderful to see that rictus grin on GB's face.
Posted by: John Broughton | March 25, 2009 at 19:12
The whole speech was perfectly honest and cut straight to the bone. The highlight was watching Brown squirm!
Perfection!
Posted by: Emily Sedgefield | March 25, 2009 at 19:14
I agree that he's in urgent need of a good (London) tailor!
Posted by: Goldie | March 25, 2009 at 19:15
One of the best performances I have ever seen and truly enjoyable - he should be on the front bench in Westminster!!
Posted by: Conspiracy | March 25, 2009 at 19:21
This is going to be great. The interweb thingy heralds a return to the power of oratory. We are going to get some decent Ciceros, Foxes and Burkes coming along, swaying the world with their speeches.
Paxo and the journalistic intermediators are toast. Lend Dan your ears! He comes not to praise Brown but to bury him. Iacta alea est.
Posted by: Henry Mayhew - plebian | March 25, 2009 at 19:24
While I agree that the Conservative party must take its share of the blame for NuLab taking over the country and wrecking it, I would doubt if this speech would get any attention if made in the Commons. (Cameron, Hague and particularly Osborne have made some real good speeches but nobody is interested about what happens in the Commons any more.)The great thing was that Hannan was talking to Europe who Brown is trying to make out are all following his brave leadership.
Posted by: David Sergeant | March 25, 2009 at 19:25
"One of the best performances I have ever seen and truly enjoyable - he should be on the front bench in Westminster!!
Too right. Unfortunately Cameron has officially banned BOO's like Dan from the front bench.
Dan officially supports BOO, as do 55% of the British public now according to the latest BBC poll.
Shame on you Cameron, depriving front-line Tory politics from the skills of people like Hannan because you seek to suppress the will of the people.
Posted by: ToryBlog.com - The usual health warning about me to keep the Editor happy :-) | March 25, 2009 at 19:27
Send the link to everyone you know- let's get this thing viral!
Posted by: Cleethorpes Rock | March 25, 2009 at 19:31
The thing around his wrist is a Help for Hero's band, supporting injured UK forces.
Posted by: r lockhart | March 25, 2009 at 19:39
Wasn't "devalued PM of a devalued government" what John Smith called John Major after Black Wednesday.
Posted by: Richard Allen | March 25, 2009 at 19:42
Nigel Farage also made a damn good speech as well - Brown got a double kicking!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDwQEEAZhWM
Posted by: Bazzer | March 25, 2009 at 19:42
For those who have the time/inclination - send a brief note to the the editors of the main stream papers (Mail, Sun, Telegraph) advising them of this story
It's worthy of MSM attention.
Posted by: Alex | March 25, 2009 at 19:55
What an orator!
Move over, Mr Cameron and take little Gidders with you: here is a real Conservative and a leader.
Posted by: John Coles | March 25, 2009 at 19:55
A sound bite from this speech was played on the Rusch Limbaugh radio show today in the USA with the immensely popular and influential host telling listeners in the states "The Republican party over here can learn a lot from the boldness of this man!" Great job and lets hear more of it!!
Posted by: Matthew Davison | March 25, 2009 at 20:04
Brilliant!
I can think of one or two shadow cabinet members who I would like to see replaced by Daniel Hannan
Posted by: Richard Calhoun | March 25, 2009 at 20:06
Why aye!
I also suggest a contest between Dan and Michael Gove to decide the title of Best Tory Orator.
Posted by: Iain Murray | March 25, 2009 at 20:07
Awesome!
Brown doesn't even have the decency to listen.
Posted by: Mark | March 25, 2009 at 20:08
And William Hague Iain?
Posted by: Tim Montgomerie | March 25, 2009 at 20:15
I say Aye, in fact Whey Aye (because I'm Geordie)
Posted by: Curly | March 25, 2009 at 20:19
I don't think I've ever seen a more perfect three minutes of oratory. Not a word was wasted, he crushed the pathetic Brown like the rancid simpering prune that he is.
I think this video should play on loop, on every terrestrial television channel, from now until election day. Every single man, woman and child should be made, by law, to own this video and to watch it morning, noon and night, lest they for one second forget who is responsible for the wreckage of our country.
Hannan, you are a national hero.
Posted by: Matthew Lipson | March 25, 2009 at 20:21
Yes, but what I don't like is the way some immediately use this speech as a stick to beat the one man who is our greatest asset with the voting public and has singelhandedly done more than anyone else (and it must be said in the teeth of guys who miror Hannan) to make the Tories electable, namely David Cameron.
Posted by: Peter Buss | March 25, 2009 at 20:24
Any chance of persuading Farrage to return to the party then?
Just needs a slight policy adjustment or two.
Posted by: Curly | March 25, 2009 at 20:24
Maximum publicity, please.
Posted by: David Belchamber | March 25, 2009 at 20:27
You Tube Hit
The Telegraph
Posted by: Emily Sedgefield | March 25, 2009 at 20:28
Yes to the questions, this is proper oratory, the type we so rarely see these days, this stuff raises people passions. None of that namby pamby stuff cuddly dumbed down stuff we get from our "domestic" politicians, it may be that Westminster has developed a peculiar culture when it comes to how they communicate, it's another problem with people no longer caring about politics.
So a plea to the front bench, learn from this vid please, we want more...
Posted by: YMT | March 25, 2009 at 20:28
the trouble with farage is he actually looks like the bulgy eyed frothing euro loon that he is. hannan looks like a nice, decent chap.
Posted by: Matthew Lipson | March 25, 2009 at 20:29
I watched him speak at conference in Blackpool in 2007. Hs speech there was every bit as good as this one. I hope one day he will have a much wider audience.
Posted by: Malcolm Dunn | March 25, 2009 at 20:30
"Yes, but what I don't like is the way some immediately use this speech as a stick to beat the one man who is our greatest asset with the voting public "
I haven't seen a single post criticising Boris.
Posted by: ToryBlog.com - The usual health warning about me to keep the Editor happy :-) | March 25, 2009 at 20:30
Aye.
Posted by: Matthew Sinclair | March 25, 2009 at 20:33
Indeed, yes.
Posted by: GMW Wemyss | March 25, 2009 at 20:33
A wonderful speech!
Posted by: Freddy | March 25, 2009 at 20:36
Aye from me too.
Dan is brilliant in Europe and this was an ideal opportunity post-EPP departure to deal with Brown. The timing was just right for this.
Unfortunately, if he were in the Commons instead, almost certainly he wouldn't be allowed to do what he has just done. No: he is the right place for his talents, as matters currently stand, which is a sad reflection on the state of our own Parliament, especially with the present Speaker of the Commons.
Posted by: John Ward | March 25, 2009 at 20:41
He is a very talented and addictive speaker.
Posted by: YourNameHere | March 25, 2009 at 20:45
Aye
Posted by: Michael Hewlett | March 25, 2009 at 20:47
I was amazed at the complete lack of coverage of both speeches by the National Press and TV channels this morning! I agree this needs to go viral - it could become a defining moment in the eventual downfall of our dreadful Prime Minister!
Posted by: Robert | March 25, 2009 at 20:50
Can you imagine Hannan, Gove, Hague,
Boris, Farage and Cameron under one roof at one conservative conference giving speeches.
Absolutely wonderful especially as Cameron would have to agree with the 55% of the people to be friends with europe but not ruled by europe!!
What a day that would be!!
Posted by: johnny come lately | March 25, 2009 at 20:50
One of the best speeches I have heard for a long time. It nailed everything wrong with Gordon Brown on its head. What annoyed me was the silly smirk on Gordon's face? What the hell has he got to laugh about? I bet the 2 million plus unemployed are not laughing thanks to this clown! MR HANNAN YOU ARE A HERO!
Posted by: Anders | March 25, 2009 at 20:50
Thanks Dan. Speak at the conference, please.
Posted by: Prodicus | March 25, 2009 at 20:54
But Hannan supports Obama who has the same economic policies as Brown. What was it Hannan said? Oh yes, I remember: "I see you've already mastered the essential craft of the European politician, namely the ability to say one thing in this chamber and a very different thing to your home electorate."
I enjoyed the speech but it would've been so much better if it hadn't been delivered by a hypocrite.
Posted by: DB | March 25, 2009 at 20:56
Aye
Posted by: Jamie Dowling | March 25, 2009 at 21:00
After watching this stunning performance, I started to wonder about the process for electing a new leader of the Conservative Party.
Only kidding - but Dave better watch out - it's only a matter of time before you're overshadowed by a younger person.
Posted by: Mark Demmen | March 25, 2009 at 21:08
Brilliant ! Just had postings from Canada, Norway and Italy - all praising this speech.
Posted by: Rod Sellers | March 25, 2009 at 21:08
According to "Twitter " appears Hannan was on Fox News in US withing the last couple hours on the Cavulo show, where he said if he had been American he would have voted for Ron Paul! That will have gone down a treat with US republicans... goes down well with me! As I agree...
Posted by: YMT | March 25, 2009 at 21:09
DB @ 20:56,
I believe Dan repented his temporary Obamacon-ness well before the US election.
Posted by: ToryBlog.com - The usual health warning about me to keep the Editor happy :-) | March 25, 2009 at 21:20
Greetings from New Zealand.
I posted the speech on my blog yesterday.
Today, Whale Oil, one of our top-rated political blogs, also posted the Hannon speech.
He truly is getting global coverage.
Posted by: Fairfacts Media | March 25, 2009 at 21:27
260000 hits in just over 24 hours!
That's fantastic!
Posted by: Tommy | March 25, 2009 at 21:27
"David Cameron who? Conservative Hannan steals the spotlight
If the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom wants a true boost over the limping Gordon Brown, they may have just found their man.
From the US. Link here
Posted by: ToryBlog.com - The usual health warning about me to keep the Editor happy :-) | March 25, 2009 at 21:30
Aye.
Posted by: Super Blue | March 25, 2009 at 21:33
260,167... and counting
Posted by: Walton | March 25, 2009 at 21:41
Someone needs to have the balls to tell Brown to resign now.
Politicians are a bunch of cowards, including the Conservatives. They never say what has to be said, that's why the BNP make huge strides into areas that they shouldn't!
Everyone knows Brown is finished, he's not only finished, the man is positively insane!
Posted by: Emily Sedgefield | March 25, 2009 at 21:50
The reason Mr. Hannan isn't on the Conservative front bench where he belongs is twofold. First Mr. Cameron is using him to divert EU electoral votes from UKIP although the vast majority of those below him on the SE list are EUphile. Secondly, Mr. Cameron is EUphile himself and would not want someone whose views represent the majority both of Conservatives and the rest of the UK showing him up by putting forward a viewpoint in the HoC which is utterly at odds with his own.
As for his speech. With the exception of the fact that it was directed at the PM, it was no better than many of his others. By this I mean it was excellent.
Posted by: Ray Finch | March 25, 2009 at 21:52
260k and the you tube counter is behind the curve timewise. Its interesting that the Internet is now king and there is nothing Pravda can do about it. The BBC seem to think if they don't report it, it didnt happen. Thats no longer true.
Posted by: Bernard from Horsham | March 25, 2009 at 21:58
One of only 2 MEPS who sits as a Conservative in the Euro Parliament. A far better performance than most of our front bench at Westminster. Get him a Westminster seat for the General Election !
Posted by: Nigel Syson | March 25, 2009 at 22:00
"According to "Twitter " appears Hannan was on Fox News in US withing the last couple hours on the Cavulo show, where he said if he had been American he would have voted for Ron Paul!"
Hannan for PM.
Posted by: RichardJ | March 25, 2009 at 22:03
An absolutely superb speech. So much said in three short minutes. I hope Her Majesty the Queen was watching too, after her meeting with Mervyn King. Hopefully it might inspire her to invite the generals for tea before long.
Posted by: David Cooper | March 25, 2009 at 22:04
Aye!
Posted by: Nicholas J. Rogers | March 25, 2009 at 22:10
Aye.
Paid up member says Aye.
Posted by: Rob | March 25, 2009 at 22:20
Mr Hannan's speech is huge in Republican circles in Oklahoma right now.
Posted by: Jason Reese | March 25, 2009 at 22:26
Brilliant, just brilliant. Why aren't our MPs and front bench doing this?
Posted by: Cleethorpes Rock | March 25, 2009 at 22:29
Am I correct in thinking he's not a candidate for the general election? If that's the case, interesting whether he seriously isn't looking to go to Westminster.
I'd be loath to back someone based on a single speech, even though it was a good one.
Posted by: Raj | March 25, 2009 at 22:39
Superb speech!
Posted by: Gavin | March 25, 2009 at 22:45
"Am I correct in thinking he's not a candidate for the general election? If that's the case, interesting whether he seriously isn't looking to go to Westminster."
My understanding is that he wants to remain in brussels for as long as we are in the eu. That's why he has never put his name forward for any seats in westminster.
Posted by: Tommy | March 25, 2009 at 22:49
People who like what hannan says should take a look at his book
The Plan
What a new government should do in its first 12 months...
Posted by: pp | March 25, 2009 at 23:02
Opposition - at last.
Posted by: Patrick Harris | March 25, 2009 at 23:06
Aye too! Hurrah for Dan.
I'm so glad that Gordie had to sit through this. He is so psychologically deficient that he couldn't show his true feelings for the content of the speech - the inane grin is far worse than anything else. The guy needs therapy - and fast (and the Conservatives need Dan in Parliament fast too!).
Posted by: PaulyD | March 25, 2009 at 23:14
One word - Woking!
Posted by: Woking boy | March 25, 2009 at 23:27
Aye to Tim's suggestion @ 18.47.
Dan Hannan's speech was fantastic; concise, and devastatingly, damningly clear!
Posted by: Patsy Sergeant | March 25, 2009 at 23:39
Here we have a political James Bond with the necessary perception passion and weaponry to match.
Posted by: Lost Leader | March 25, 2009 at 23:57
It's not just Rush Limbaugh - the American media are all over this one. Fox News has had Mr. Hannan on for two interviews:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=f7f_1238019428
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=2d9_1238021356
(Oh, and aye!)
Posted by: Matthew Inkman | March 25, 2009 at 23:57
Is there a "Draft Dan Hannan for Woking" group yet?
PS: ticker now up to 316,000.
Posted by: Cleethorpes Rock | March 26, 2009 at 00:03
I thought Farage's speech was at least as good - the way he humiliated Brown over the sell off of our gold reserves was masterly.
Posted by: Peter | March 26, 2009 at 00:12
I am sorry to repeat a point that I made 4-5 hours ago but Daniel Hannan has plagiarised the late John Smith.
On the 24th September 1992 John Smith used the line "He is the devalued Prime Minister of a devalued Government." in the House of Commons.
Posted by: Richard Allen | March 26, 2009 at 00:14
This man is a true conservative. I cant wait to vote for him come the European elections. This is what the conservative party needs to be saying in Westminster and I hope Mr Hannan goes far.
Posted by: Felix Bungay | March 26, 2009 at 00:26
It's certainly getting around - theres a link on the Drudge Report!
Posted by: m wood | March 26, 2009 at 00:28
"The thing around his wrist is a Help for Hero's band, supporting injured UK forces."
Thank you for your clarification.
Posted by: snegchui | March 26, 2009 at 00:33
aye we can.
Posted by: Tory Bear | March 26, 2009 at 00:44
Always was a star - always will be a star!
Articulate, educated, multi-lingual. An intelligent and nuanced sceptic. A credit to the Conservatives.
Pulls no punches, tells it like it is.
Am confused as to where he should be personally..... head of a national paper, Westminster or somewhere else.
Based on that performance he has to be great value for money - or more - exactly where he is!!!
Posted by: Peter Botting | March 26, 2009 at 00:47
"I am sorry to repeat a point that I made 4-5 hours ago but Daniel Hannan has plagiarised the late John Smith."
Doesn't alter the brilliance and oratory of ther est of his speech. I'm not usually impressed by politicians but Mr Hannan is a rare exception.
Posted by: RichardJ | March 26, 2009 at 00:49
Good speech but unreported on t.v. news that I watch.
Posted by: Freddy | March 26, 2009 at 01:18