morty
Moderator
Staff member
This should go well...
Carrow89
New Member
tick, tick, tick ......
Fenway Frank
Well-Known Member
Every time I think about Sadiq #@##!!@# Khan and his new year's honour
morty
Moderator
Staff member
Grooming gangs seem to be a hot topic right now.
Carrow89
New Member
We didn't have paedophiles when we were kids ...
.......... we had to buy our own sweets
.......... we had to buy our own sweets
lyb
Active Member
It was a fairly well-known thing over on the Pink'Un non-football side that i have never been the biggest fan of the Labour party, but I've found myself feeling somewhat sorry for Keir Starmer at the start of his term. I do think they made a major error in judgement in going excessively pessimistic in tone at the outset, and I think the criticisms made that this may have damaged consumer confidence to the detriment of the wider economy may not be unfounded.
Other than that, though, this is an incredibly young government with absolutely zero experience of running a country. It's completely normal for new governments to do virtually nothing for quite a while, while the new ministers find their feet regarding the mechanisms of government. I can see there's obviously some panic setting in with the appointment of Peter Mandelson to a key diplomatic spot with the US. Kind of unfortunate that he's on record trashing their new President, however much I'm not a fan of Donald Trump myself.
One thing that is making me somewhat defensive of the government is the attacks on it from over the pond, particularly from Elon Musk. I really do think it's outrageous for someone about to assume a major post with an ally to just be openly gunning to depose our elected government in the manner he is. With that said, I suppose comments from Mandelson etc. in the past regarding Donald Trump could arguably make it some tit for tat, but it's nevertheless tragic to see diplomacy decaying to social media spats like this.
Other than that, though, this is an incredibly young government with absolutely zero experience of running a country. It's completely normal for new governments to do virtually nothing for quite a while, while the new ministers find their feet regarding the mechanisms of government. I can see there's obviously some panic setting in with the appointment of Peter Mandelson to a key diplomatic spot with the US. Kind of unfortunate that he's on record trashing their new President, however much I'm not a fan of Donald Trump myself.
One thing that is making me somewhat defensive of the government is the attacks on it from over the pond, particularly from Elon Musk. I really do think it's outrageous for someone about to assume a major post with an ally to just be openly gunning to depose our elected government in the manner he is. With that said, I suppose comments from Mandelson etc. in the past regarding Donald Trump could arguably make it some tit for tat, but it's nevertheless tragic to see diplomacy decaying to social media spats like this.
How I Wrote Elastic Man
Member
One thing the UK gets right is that when you´ve lost, you´re out.
No pardoning people
No handing out whaling licenses
No pardoning people
No handing out whaling licenses
lyb
Active Member
Is that what happens in Iceland?!
How I Wrote Elastic Man
Member
yup, exactly that
morty
Moderator
Staff member
I do not feel sorry for two tier granny harmer Starmer in the slightest. The man is an absolute arsehole.
The Tories were terrible, but these lot have managed to be worse already. Constantly crying about a 22bn black hole, that was never near that amount anyway, then spunking money away on nonsense like foreign climate aid and carbon capture. We now have the highest energy prices in the world, with absolutely no sign of that improving. The economy is depressing, and growth is stifled, its only a matter of time before inflation rises again.
When studying their manifesto pre election I actually thought it was quite calm, with no huge decisions to rock the boat, but lets face it, the Tories were played out and all Keir had to do was turn up and get elected. Targeting old ladies' heating allowance really was a crass move, and charging VAT on private school fees is nothing less than classist. Betraying the WASPI women despite previously pledging support really isn't too classy, and trying to destroy farmers is just plain stupid.
I should imagine there is a fair bit of buyer's regret around. Those of us old enough have seen it all before.
The Tories were terrible, but these lot have managed to be worse already. Constantly crying about a 22bn black hole, that was never near that amount anyway, then spunking money away on nonsense like foreign climate aid and carbon capture. We now have the highest energy prices in the world, with absolutely no sign of that improving. The economy is depressing, and growth is stifled, its only a matter of time before inflation rises again.
When studying their manifesto pre election I actually thought it was quite calm, with no huge decisions to rock the boat, but lets face it, the Tories were played out and all Keir had to do was turn up and get elected. Targeting old ladies' heating allowance really was a crass move, and charging VAT on private school fees is nothing less than classist. Betraying the WASPI women despite previously pledging support really isn't too classy, and trying to destroy farmers is just plain stupid.
I should imagine there is a fair bit of buyer's regret around. Those of us old enough have seen it all before.
T
The Raptor
Active Member
Say what you like about the star wars prequals but the political manoeuvring of Senator/Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine were genius. Made house of cards look like a kids show
morty
Moderator
Staff member
He made the empire great again.
F
Fen Canary
Active Member
I disagree, whilst they certainly didn’t inherit a rosy situation (unlike Blair) they seem to have handled the challenges that have been thrown up appallingly.
The response to the Southport riots, locking up people for Facebook posts that later appeared to have been correct in regards to his motivations was appalling.
Complaining about a £20 billion black hole and taking away the heating allowance while sending out billions in foreign aid and to Ed Millibands pet projects was nonsensical.
Scrapping the Rwanda scheme (whether you think it would have worked or not) while having nothing to replace it was just stupid, especially as now the Germans seem to want to use the facilities.
Even the now refusing to hold an inquiry into the grooming gangs gives the essence of being two tiered and “protecting community relations” over actually holding vile criminals to account.
There are so many self inflicted losses that it’s hard to explain them all as simple a new government finding its feet. The Tories were appalling but this mob appears to be on course to do even worse unfortunately
morty
Moderator
Staff member
As with all other fiscal figures, their "black hole" estimate is entirely inaccurate...
T
The Raptor
Active Member
No he didn't. There was no empire before Palpatine. He made the empire. Best politician ever
lyb
Active Member
Excuse me, but for all of Palpatime’s fancy lightning tricks, Francis Urquhart would chuck him over the ramparts without so much as a by your leave faster than you could say, ‘Luke, I am your father’!
Carrow89
New Member
I would suggest you check your facts first before, so as not to post misinformation. The UK does not even have the highest energy prices in Erope never mind the world
www.statista.com
The £200 works out at £4 a week - 1.3% of the lowest pension payment (pension plus pension credit. Others will note how little was made of the winter warmth payment (£150) which was removed fron tens of thousands of disabled folk in 2022. No idiot wails about pensioners freezing to death there.
Much as the wailing about a business sector finally being brought into line with other businesses The fees at these schools has, since 2010, risen way above the rate of inflation. Far from collapsing they actually increased their numbers by 9%. The irony is that thise wailing typically come from that sector that is alway decrying state support for industry and welfare payments. Cut your cloth accordingly is the advice, Lower income folk are expected to drag their 'valuables; down to the local cah converters. Maybe these schools could just drop one or two extra curricular activities.
www.mirror.co.uk
I doubt you are old enough to have seen it all. What I suspect is happening is we are going to see a 1945 revival of the country. Britain was flat on it's arse after the war yet managed to set up the NHS - something that was bittrerly opposed by the BMA at the time who claimed the nations health would suffer. There was also a massive house buiding programme started. One of the reasons German POWs were kept till 1948 in some cases.
The same voices from the same types claimed the minimum wage would cripple industry, the Fox Hunting ban would cause the loss of 16,000 jobs. Much of the media is owned by non UK folk who see no problem in lying to defend their advantages - tax avoidance mostly. Even sadder is they know certain sections of society will delude themselves they have commom cause with millionaires, even billionaires,
As to the £22m black hole that is just the money that is not there for already started projects. Were the money for empty promises that were never began - 40 new hospitals, potholes levelling up, road building, HS2 included the Financial Times costed those projects at around £42bn ie once those were taken of the board there was still another £22m to find.
Finally "with no huge decisions to rock the boat,". So just ignore the crumbling schools and hospitals, the chronic housing shortage, the millions of potholes every where, sewage filled rivers and seas ? And the economy is having to deal with the crippling effects of Brexit "A report earlier this year suggested Brexit has cost the UK economy £140bn so far" and businesses are now having to cope with costly red tape. 4m extra custom forms per week. So because all this has not be resolved in the first few months, and instead ensuring the money is there first this time he is the devil incarnate,
And despite their pleading poverty it is worth noting another of these 'charities' Trinity College, Cambrudge has assets of £1.34bn which does not include the worth of the land and buildings of the college. Income year ending June 2023 - £102,562,000m
Electricity price by country 2024 | Statista
The cheapest electricity prices in the world could be found in Iran in 2023, whereas the cost of electricity per kwh was highest in Europe.
www.statista.com The £200 works out at £4 a week - 1.3% of the lowest pension payment (pension plus pension credit. Others will note how little was made of the winter warmth payment (£150) which was removed fron tens of thousands of disabled folk in 2022. No idiot wails about pensioners freezing to death there.
Much as the wailing about a business sector finally being brought into line with other businesses The fees at these schools has, since 2010, risen way above the rate of inflation. Far from collapsing they actually increased their numbers by 9%. The irony is that thise wailing typically come from that sector that is alway decrying state support for industry and welfare payments. Cut your cloth accordingly is the advice, Lower income folk are expected to drag their 'valuables; down to the local cah converters. Maybe these schools could just drop one or two extra curricular activities.
Private schools attended by Tory top team sitting on £500m in cash reserves
Despite Tories complaining private schools are at risk of poverty, the posh schools they went to enjoy fully staffed horse-riding departments, shooting ranges, golf courses and a vineyard
www.mirror.co.uk I doubt you are old enough to have seen it all. What I suspect is happening is we are going to see a 1945 revival of the country. Britain was flat on it's arse after the war yet managed to set up the NHS - something that was bittrerly opposed by the BMA at the time who claimed the nations health would suffer. There was also a massive house buiding programme started. One of the reasons German POWs were kept till 1948 in some cases.
The same voices from the same types claimed the minimum wage would cripple industry, the Fox Hunting ban would cause the loss of 16,000 jobs. Much of the media is owned by non UK folk who see no problem in lying to defend their advantages - tax avoidance mostly. Even sadder is they know certain sections of society will delude themselves they have commom cause with millionaires, even billionaires,
As to the £22m black hole that is just the money that is not there for already started projects. Were the money for empty promises that were never began - 40 new hospitals, potholes levelling up, road building, HS2 included the Financial Times costed those projects at around £42bn ie once those were taken of the board there was still another £22m to find.
Finally "with no huge decisions to rock the boat,". So just ignore the crumbling schools and hospitals, the chronic housing shortage, the millions of potholes every where, sewage filled rivers and seas ? And the economy is having to deal with the crippling effects of Brexit "A report earlier this year suggested Brexit has cost the UK economy £140bn so far" and businesses are now having to cope with costly red tape. 4m extra custom forms per week. So because all this has not be resolved in the first few months, and instead ensuring the money is there first this time he is the devil incarnate,
And despite their pleading poverty it is worth noting another of these 'charities' Trinity College, Cambrudge has assets of £1.34bn which does not include the worth of the land and buildings of the college. Income year ending June 2023 - £102,562,000m
morty
Moderator
Staff member
Britain paying highest electricity prices in the world
Cost of power for industrial businesses now four times more expensive than in US
lyb
Active Member
If a British child goes to a fee-paying school in the UK, that is a child the state is not having to pay to educate at all. Putting ideology aside, that's a benefit to the nation. Also, while VAT may not be being paid on the fees for the schools, every employee of the school will be paying national insturance and income tax; as a charity, one way or the other, the revenue will either contribute to building the institution or somehow flow back into the economy elsewhere.I would suggest you check your facts first before, so as not to post misinformation. The UK does not even have the highest energy prices in Erope never mind the world
Electricity price by country 2024 | Statista
The cheapest electricity prices in the world could be found in Iran in 2023, whereas the cost of electricity per kwh was highest in Europe.
The £200 works out at £4 a week - 1.3% of the lowest pension payment (pension plus pension credit. Others will note how little was made of the winter warmth payment (£150) which was removed fron tens of thousands of disabled folk in 2022. No idiot wails about pensioners freezing to death there.
Much as the wailing about a business sector finally being brought into line with other businesses The fees at these schools has, since 2010, risen way above the rate of inflation. Far from collapsing they actually increased their numbers by 9%. The irony is that thise wailing typically come from that sector that is alway decrying state support for industry and welfare payments. Cut your cloth accordingly is the advice, Lower income folk are expected to drag their 'valuables; down to the local cah converters. Maybe these schools could just drop one or two extra curricular activities.
Private schools attended by Tory top team sitting on £500m in cash reserves
Despite Tories complaining private schools are at risk of poverty, the posh schools they went to enjoy fully staffed horse-riding departments, shooting ranges, golf courses and a vineyard
I doubt you are old enough to have seen it all. What I suspect is happening is we are going to see a 1945 revival of the country. Britain was flat on it's arse after the war yet managed to set up the NHS - something that was bittrerly opposed by the BMA at the time who claimed the nations health would suffer. There was also a massive house buiding programme started. One of the reasons German POWs were kept till 1948 in some cases.
The same voices from the same types claimed the minimum wage would cripple industry, the Fox Hunting ban would cause the loss of 16,000 jobs. Much of the media is owned by non UK folk who see no problem in lying to defend their advantages - tax avoidance mostly. Even sadder is they know certain sections of society will delude themselves they have commom cause with millionaires, even billionaires,
As to the £22m black hole that is just the money that is not there for already started projects. Were the money for empty promises that were never began - 40 new hospitals, potholes levelling up, road building, HS2 included the Financial Times costed those projects at around £42bn ie once those were taken of the board there was still another £22m to find.
Finally "with no huge decisions to rock the boat,". So just ignore the crumbling schools and hospitals, the chronic housing shortage, the millions of potholes every where, sewage filled rivers and seas ? And the economy is having to deal with the crippling effects of Brexit "A report earlier this year suggested Brexit has cost the UK economy £140bn so far" and businesses are now having to cope with costly red tape. 4m extra custom forms per week. So because all this has not be resolved in the first few months, and instead ensuring the money is there first this time he is the devil incarnate,
And despite their pleading poverty it is worth noting another of these 'charities' Trinity College, Cambrudge has assets of £1.34bn which does not include the worth of the land and buildings of the college. Income year ending June 2023 - £102,562,000m
The public school system does bring money into the UK. Many of the children of the world's elites go to school in the UK, building relationships with each other and the British kids they mix with. That's soft power and an investment in our diplomatic reach down the line, which as a pretty small island with little in the way of natural resources is pretty important.
In many respects, I don't think the VAT decision is that big a deal; for the vast majority it will not be a factor in whether they go, which means it's good for the treasury. On the other hand, where it will have an effect is the cut off line for kids in the UK where it's marginal where its affordable for the kids to go there. The only social effect of this will ironically be simply widening the gap as far as social mobility is concerned. I don't entirely disagree with it, but I would have liked to have seen a VAT exemption for British children attending these schools.
Wanting rid of public schools is understandable from a very narrow idealistic point of view, but in the real world it's a destructive thing. Beyond that, In the final analysis, equality in education is impossible; if you have two children in the same school, the child whose parents take more interest in their children's education will always tend to have better educational outcomes than the child whose parents don't care. And ultimately, if the government actually delivers decent education for everyone, the sector would become redundant without anyone having to actively seek its destruction.
As for Trinity, King's, and all the other colleges and their assets, it's really of no importance how big or small their portfolios are. The bottom line is that the rents they get from those portfolios go into keeping one of the best educational establishments in the world as one of the best educational establishments in the world for the betterment of the students, research and development, mankind, and the local tourist trade paying for the upkeep of the beautiful architecture.