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Post by alec on May 17, 2022 17:11:11 GMT
somerjohn - on that investment chart: I think we're in a desperate mess, with the continued inability to get a grip with post Brexit trade relationships a major factor. As I've said before, I knew Brexit would be bad, but I expected a more slow burn disaster. Johnson can't even get that right.
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Post by johntel on May 17, 2022 17:48:02 GMT
@isa (and others) - re negative perceptions filtering into Russia: This, from the latest ISW analysis, is interesting: "Russian military bloggers continued to post analysis that is skeptical of Russian efforts and increasingly in-line with Western assessments of Russian military failures in Ukraine. One such blogger, Igor Strelkov, claimed that the Russian offensive to take Donbas has ultimately failed and that “not a single large settlement “has been liberated.[1] Strelkov even noted that the capture of Rubizhne is relatively insignificant because it happened before the new offensive in Donbas had begun. Strelkov stated that Russian forces are unlikely to liberate Donbas by the summer and that Ukrainian troops will hold their positions around Donetsk City. Strelkov notably claimed that Russian failures thus far have not surprised him because the intent of Russian command has been so evident throughout the operation that Ukrainian troops are aware of exactly how to best respond and warns that Russian troops are fighting to the point of exhaustion under “rules proposed by the enemy.” The continued disenchantment of pro-Russian milbloggers with the Russian war effort may fuel dissatisfaction in Russia itself, especially if Moscow continues to press recruitment and conscription efforts that send poorly-trained cannon-fodder to the front lines." "Igor Strelkov" isn't a 'military blogger' - he's a war criminal. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_Girkin |
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Post by bedknobsandboomstick on May 17, 2022 18:04:37 GMT
31,000 majority for Con in Rayleigh and Wickford. Just in case anyone was wondering. For no particular reason.
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oldnat
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Post by oldnat on May 17, 2022 18:05:00 GMT
100,000 Rangers fans expected in Sevilla on Wednesday night for the Europa Cup Final. Spanish police are making the necessary welcoming arrangements, apparently. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61471267Will OldNat be there, I wonder? I can't remember if he's a Gers man or a follower of the Bhoys. How many Huns do you know who also support Scottish independence 
While there were few responses for some of the smaller clubs (43% of the sample weren't interested in football), the VI of the fans was -
Motherwell : Yes 63% : No 25%
Kilmarnock : Yes 60% : No 40%
Partick Thistle : Yes 60% : No 0%
Celtic : Yes 48% : No 40%
Rangers : Yes 45% : No 41%
Dundee Utd : Yes 44% : No 50%
Hearts : Yes 42% : No 45%
Hibs : Yes 40% : No 45%
ICT : Yes 30% : No 50%
St Mirren : Yes 25% : No 75%
Aberdeen : Yes 17% : No 50%
St Johnstone : Yes 0% : No 100%
Ross County : Yes 0% : No 50%
Other : Yes 46% : No 42%
Still, why let data get in the way of ignorant stereotyping? |
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Post by alec on May 17, 2022 18:05:32 GMT
johntel - interesting that he has turned against the Kremlin line then.
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2022 18:23:30 GMT
@isa (and others) - re negative perceptions filtering into Russia: This, from the latest ISW analysis, is interesting: "Russian military bloggers continued to post analysis that is skeptical of Russian efforts and increasingly in-line with Western assessments of Russian military failures in Ukraine. One such blogger, Igor Strelkov, claimed that the Russian offensive to take Donbas has ultimately failed and that “not a single large settlement “has been liberated.[1] Strelkov even noted that the capture of Rubizhne is relatively insignificant because it happened before the new offensive in Donbas had begun. Strelkov stated that Russian forces are unlikely to liberate Donbas by the summer and that Ukrainian troops will hold their positions around Donetsk City. Strelkov notably claimed that Russian failures thus far have not surprised him because the intent of Russian command has been so evident throughout the operation that Ukrainian troops are aware of exactly how to best respond and warns that Russian troops are fighting to the point of exhaustion under “rules proposed by the enemy.” The continued disenchantment of pro-Russian milbloggers with the Russian war effort may fuel dissatisfaction in Russia itself, especially if Moscow continues to press recruitment and conscription efforts that send poorly-trained cannon-fodder to the front lines." Well, alec, the circumstantial evidence that certain Russian media is, at the very least, becoming less deferential and unquestioning, appears to be mounting. Sometimes,when such things begin, they can gain momentum and if they achieve critical mass, can become a game-changer. Time will tell, I suppose. Spookily, they were just discussing this issue, among others, on C4 News. They didn't seem to be quite as positive as this article, but the drumbeat nevertheless seems to be there. |
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oldnat
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Post by oldnat on May 17, 2022 18:26:22 GMT
The main problem with Major's "Back to Basics" appeal to return to old-fashioned moral behaviour, was the inevitability of immoral behaviour by Tories being highlighted.
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pjw1961
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Post by pjw1961 on May 17, 2022 18:28:15 GMT
31,000 majority for Con in Rayleigh and Wickford. Just in case anyone was wondering. For no particular reason. Ta. I was wondering who it was. |
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alurqa
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Post by alurqa on May 17, 2022 18:29:49 GMT
Yes, membership of an undemocratic sclerotic organisation which will gradually impoverish everyone in it because of over-bureaucracy and slow reaction speeds to changing events. And real world examples that lead you to these conclusions are what? I know the Telegraph and the Mail tell you this is the case, but to help the discussion you should point to concrete examples of where it's undemocratic, evidence that it is over bureaucratic, and slow to respond.
To my eyes you still vastly miss the point of the EU. It's not meant to be a replacement government, simply an organisation that says in certain common areas things are better managed at the European level than by individual member states. The European Commission is one of the most amazing organisations in the world, given it has to be aware and sensitive to so many different political and cultural expressions, and can only formulate policy that covers the entire EU after it has made a preliminary accessment to see if any proposal will fly. If it won't work it will not touch it.
Tony Benn's dislike of the EU was that he could not push forward a policy proposal, and instead it has to come from the EC. But that is exactly the point. No one member state has the knowledge and experience of the continent-wide differences to make suitable proposals; only the EC has this skill set. And it has this skill set because each country sends politically sensitive representatives to work in the commission.
The last figures I saw were 30,000 people working for the EC. That seems a highly efficient bureaucracy to me when you think they are creating policies that will be applied to nearly half a billion people. Of course your definition of bureaucratic may be different.
Your view is probably getting clouded by a bunch of thugs responding only to the interests of a minority, having no one controlling what they do -- no checks and balances, and having no care to what anyone else thinks. The EC cannot afford to be like that, otherwise nothing will be agreed. And if the EU is so awful, why have we still not moved our standards away from theirs? SIX YEARS and we still follow the EU's rules. Funny that.
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Post by somerjohn on May 17, 2022 18:32:23 GMT
bedknobsandboomstick: "31,000 majority for Con in Rayleigh and Wickford. Just in case anyone was wondering. For no particular reason.'Hmm. Sitting MP is a prominent brexiteer (chairman of ERG). Manages to achieve a one-star rating on Google. Typical reviews: "Disappeared last few months, much better place now" "One of the worst MP s out there in one of the safest seats. We deserve much much better." "Thick as mince!"
I didn't know that Google reviews of MPs were a thing until I saw these. Of course, disgruntled constituents will always be the most eager to vent, but it's odd that in such a true blue constituency, no loyal Tories have posted positive reviews: it would surely be possible to russle up a few from amongst the faithful. No need to bother, I suppose, so long as there's an impregnable majority.
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pjw1961
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Post by pjw1961 on May 17, 2022 18:32:29 GMT
The main problem with Major's "Back to Basics" appeal to return to old-fashioned moral behaviour, was the inevitability of immoral behaviour by Tories being highlighted.
Johnson asking the government to focus on crime could be read in two ways of course. A nice spot of breaking international law for example? |
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Post by crossbat11 on May 17, 2022 19:04:51 GMT
31,000 Tory majority in South of England constituency??
Sounds like a classic Blue Wall Tory/Lib Dem marginal to me.
Ed and his yellow army will be on to this.
😁😂👍
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Post by alec on May 17, 2022 19:05:26 GMT
This, from a doctor -
Covid doing some deeply weird things around thrombosis, but apparently hard to spot.
Caution required.
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Post by robbiealive on May 17, 2022 19:55:05 GMT
Will OldNat be there, I wonder? I can't remember if he's a Gers man or a follower of the Bhoys. When Glasgow Rangers played in Manchester we ended up with most of them not making it further than Wigan as they were incapable by then of changing trains, especially when you had to walk 50 yards up the road- oh the state of it! I had forgotten about the Rangers Riots. The "analysis" that took place after the disturbances spread the blame quite widely: the fans; the aggresive police; Manchester City Council; the big screen that broke down just before the match etc. etc. My friend cycling home, as she does every day, had a number of bottles thrown at her as she cycled on a roundabout in the middle of which a number of "supporters" had cliustered. This must have been one of hundreds of unreported incidents of reckless behaviour. She had little difficulty in deciding who to blame for what was a frightening incident. The scenes of devastation in the city the next day were quite remarkable. My observation of rowdy fans in public places always raises the same question: why is their enjoyment dependent on disturbing other people. Why are they so insecure. Of course I'm in danger of the confirmation hypothesis as I only notice fans when they are being a pain in the neck. |
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Post by hireton on May 17, 2022 19:57:40 GMT
Just heard Truss in HoC. Can anyone explain why -as she stated-her proposals for Green Lane/Trusted Trader etc cannot be accommodated within the NIP. She said EU cannot "open" the Protocol. Is the NIP not about principal (GF + protecting SM ) rather than process ? She is being misleading. The totality of the UK Government proposals require a new treaty, especially the proposal for EU law to be adjudicated by British courts. Why would the EU negotiate a new treaty with a PM and UK Government which negotiated in bad faith previously and a political party which has shown that it cannot accept the practical implications of the policy , Brexit, which it has adopted? |
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Post by jib on May 17, 2022 19:59:32 GMT
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pjw1961
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Post by pjw1961 on May 17, 2022 20:10:57 GMT
31,000 Tory majority in South of England constituency?? Sounds like a classic Blue Wall Tory/Lib Dem marginal to me. Ed and his yellow army will be on to this. 😁😂👍 Offering a bit of local knowledge, it really isn't. It is one of those constituencies that is solid Tory everywhere with no pockets of opposition strength. Worth remembering that the old Rayleigh constituency (different boundaries to current one, but just as Tory) returned a 20% Tory majority even in 1997. Having said that, and despite Labour coming second in recent GE's, the Lib Dems would be the main opposition in a by-election. They have 5 Councillors on Rochford DC, Labour none. On the other hand the Conservatives have 21 and a majority and most of the rest are 'residents' and independents who are Tories by another name. |
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oldnat
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Post by oldnat on May 17, 2022 20:28:17 GMT
It's interesting that discussion should focus on Mark Francois' constituency at this particular moment.
Not that anyone on here would wish to defame the diminutive MP by suggesting that he is the one currently enjoying the hospitality of steve 's old employer.
There may be dozens of Tory MPs who have raped, assaulted and abused people over the years, for all we know.
For Stephen House to have authorised one of them to be banged up in the pokey may, however, suggest that he has been told that he is not in line for the permanent job. Probably bad enough to have Scotland's reject even temporarily in charge of Scotland Yard!
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Post by guymonde on May 17, 2022 20:37:43 GMT
order-order.com/2022/05/17/andrew-rosindells-office-not-answering-queries/ Am I being dim, or is it the MP for Romford that's subject to some interest from Insp Knacker? Black Isle Media agree with Guido Max Colbert @mc_00_ According to Black Isle Media, the MP arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault is Andrew Rosindell. Link in thread: Quote Tweet Alex Tiffin @respectisvital · 1h NEW - Conservative MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, won't be present on the Parliamentary Estate until further notice following his arrest on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in a public office. Show this thread
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neilj
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Post by neilj on May 17, 2022 20:52:57 GMT
Understandable with what is going on
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Post by graham on May 17, 2022 21:09:03 GMT
order-order.com/2022/05/17/andrew-rosindells-office-not-answering-queries/ Am I being dim, or is it the MP for Romford that's subject to some interest from Insp Knacker? Black Isle Media agree with Guido Max Colbert @mc_00_ According to Black Isle Media, the MP arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault is Andrew Rosindell. Link in thread: Quote Tweet Alex Tiffin @respectisvital · 1h NEW - Conservative MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, won't be present on the Parliamentary Estate until further notice following his arrest on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in a public office. Show this thread Not who we all had in mind!
Labour should be the main opponent in Romford .
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pjw1961
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Post by pjw1961 on May 17, 2022 21:10:56 GMT
order-order.com/2022/05/17/andrew-rosindells-office-not-answering-queries/ Am I being dim, or is it the MP for Romford that's subject to some interest from Insp Knacker? Black Isle Media agree with Guido Max Colbert @mc_00_ According to Black Isle Media, the MP arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault is Andrew Rosindell. Link in thread: Quote Tweet Alex Tiffin @respectisvital · 1h NEW - Conservative MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, won't be present on the Parliamentary Estate until further notice following his arrest on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in a public office. Show this thread Interesting. Essex again sadly and another charming individual (we have so many). (Edit: In case anyone wants to be pedantic, I know it's in the London Borough of Havering but, administrative considerations aside, it is as 'Essex' a place as can be). I don't claim to be as familiar with that part of the world, but in that case clearly should be Labour as the main challengers. They held the seat 1997-2001, albeit it is 'Alf Garnett' territory and very much working-class right wing Tory. (TBH I would imagine the Tories would hold it even in these circumstances). |
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Post by Old Southendian on May 17, 2022 21:32:01 GMT
31,000 majority for Con in Rayleigh and Wickford. Just in case anyone was wondering. For no particular reason. I know one resident of Rayleigh who's never voted Con. My dad. I'm always impressed by his determination against insuperable odds. |
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Post by alec on May 17, 2022 21:49:09 GMT
colin - "Can anyone explain why -as she stated-her proposals for Green Lane/Trusted Trader etc cannot be accommodated within the NIP." It is already. Supermarkets with fully auditable supply chains are already operating on this basis, on the working assumption that the goods they supply are sold into the NI market. Truss is being disingenuous here, which is no surprise at all. This government has lied continually about all aspects of the NIP - I thought you realised that? What Truss is actually asking for is the complete flipping of the principle behind the NIP. At present, goods are assumed to be 'at risk' of entering the single market unless there is proof that they aren't (eg trusted trader schemes etc). She wants everything to work on the assumption that goods are not at risk of entering the SM, unless there is a proven risk. So - as hireton says - she is demanding a total re-write of the deal the UK negotiated, and on which the entire TCA was contingent. The basic idea of the trusted trader scheme is fine, and is already accepted and operational within the NIP. If she really does want green lane/trusted trader schemes to be expanded from their current coverage, then perhaps she could get off her arse and work out how the UK could deliver this, instead of telling lies in the HoC and demanding everyone else digs Johnson out of the hole he dug for himself.
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Post by crossbat11 on May 17, 2022 21:50:14 GMT
pjw1961
Fear not, I wasn't being entirely serious about a Con/Lib Dem marginal in Francois's constituency. It's academic now anyway by the sound of it, but there was some tongue in cheek when I wrote the post.
I was surprised when Francois was named and shamed in the first place because I thought he'd been investigated by the police before and they'd preferred no charges.
Romford, assuming again the speculation is proved right, will be an interesting contest in current circumstances.
Maybe before we get ahead of ourselves and get excited about all all the political implications we should respect due process here. We have an accused who is innocent until proven guilty and victims too who will want to see justice done.
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domjg
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Post by domjg on May 17, 2022 21:55:24 GMT
31,000 majority for Con in Rayleigh and Wickford. Just in case anyone was wondering. For no particular reason. I know one resident of Rayleigh who's never voted Con. My dad. I'm always impressed by his determination against insuperable odds. How does a constituency, any constituency, manage to be so depressingly homogeneous over such a long period of time? |
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Post by robbiealive on May 17, 2022 22:03:25 GMT
I was about to make the same remark as Crossbar. The site is now getting excited about false Twitter squalls. A Wells, to protect himself, discouraged this stuff n i think he was right. Let us at least wait until news is definite.
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Post by Old Southendian on May 17, 2022 22:05:39 GMT
I know one resident of Rayleigh who's never voted Con. My dad. I'm always impressed by his determination against insuperable odds. How does a constituency, any constituency, manage to be so depressingly homogeneous over such a long period of time? "Depressingly homogeneous". That's a terrible thing to say about anywhere. Sadly, it's also a very good description of Rayleigh. I'm glad to say I've rarely looked back since I left at 19ish, apart from visiting the Aged Ps of course. |
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domjg
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Post by domjg on May 17, 2022 22:07:33 GMT
Drove through Abingdon this evening and was dismayed to see that every lamp post in the centre had a Union flag drapped from it with a purple crown in the centre, some has multiple flags in a circle around the post.
Wondered if I'd been teleported to East Belfast..
I've been in the Netherlands when they celebrate Koning(in)sdag and yes there's lots of flag waving but somehow it's still relaxed and inclusive and knowingly silly
Here the jubilee is already beginning to feel a bit Oswald Mosley with the number and size of the flags just too much.
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Post by alec on May 17, 2022 22:11:10 GMT
Barmy UK covid policy:
1) Covid is a notifiable disease
2) In England, you can only qualify for a free covid test if you work in a health or care setting and have symptoms, or are in specific customer facing roles if asymptomatic.
3) The vast majority of people therefore have to use a paid for covid test.
4) From the government covid reporting website: “You cannot use this service to report results from a test kit you’ve paid for.”
Go figure.
Having good and timely information on community infection rates is one of the most important aspects of risk management for everyone, but particularly the immunocompromised.
I see so many LoC types on here and elsewhere that seem happy to leave the vulnerable hung out to dry. I expect this kind of shit from Conservatives (although I know some of them care about this) but why so many others are happy to accept this government's uselessness on covid leaves me bewildered.
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