If this polling doesn’t change then hello PM Starmer – politicalbetting.com
YouGov earlier this week had the Cons level pegging with Lab on the economy. Now we have this from Ipsos:https://t.co/xTbhsD49x4 pic.twitter.com/9OJ8jaG1VF
F1: will chekc for penalties/weather then peruse the markets. Not got any firm idea at the moment. Was interested to see how well Bottas did in the sprint, though.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
So what do we think happens, if Russian forces in Ukraine encounter some random British special forces on a training mission?
If the British SF are there they and get rumbled they would be massively outnumbered. So their options are Tactical Running Away (see Bravo Two Zero, etc.) or hoping Fizzy Lizzy can get better of Lavrov in the negotiations to get them back from insalubrious captivity.
So what do we think happens, if Russian forces in Ukraine encounter some random British special forces on a training mission?
If the British SF are there they and get rumbled they would be massively outnumbered. So their options are Tactical Running Away (see Bravo Two Zero, etc.) or hoping Fizzy Lizzy can get better of Lavrov in the negotiations to get them back from insalubrious captivity.
The Russians are very complimentary about them though, aren’t they?
The SAS is 'considered one of the most highly qualified in the world in organising coups d'etat, mass protest rallies, contract killings of political figures, recruiting agents, including those in the highest echelons of power, and preparing terrorist attacks', said the RIA Novosti report.
I mean, considering they’ve been doing that with the FSB for years, to say that the SAS are better is quite a compliment.
It takes a long time to unpack all the misogyny on show. Perhaps Ms Rayner should wear a burka so as not to distract males from serious matters?
From the Male on Sunday...
I've never seen Basic Instinct, but I remember the hoo-hah about the scene in question - surely the Mail aren't suggesting that Labour's Deputy Leader is re-enacting it in its entirety? In any case, I would have thought that Boris Johnson would be quite desensitised to the sight of a c*nt, if only from looking in the mirror.
She's got tights on, so given the speed involved, the non-presence of knickers would be difficult to assess.
Had a good race yesterday and was within half a second of Ricciardo at the end. He and the Aussie were the most impressive chaps in the midfield, I think.
So what do we think happens, if Russian forces in Ukraine encounter some random British special forces on a training mission?
If the British SF are there they and get rumbled they would be massively outnumbered. So their options are Tactical Running Away (see Bravo Two Zero, etc.) or hoping Fizzy Lizzy can get better of Lavrov in the negotiations to get them back from insalubrious captivity.
The Russians are very complimentary about them though, aren’t they?
The SAS is 'considered one of the most highly qualified in the world in organising coups d'etat, mass protest rallies, contract killings of political figures, recruiting agents, including those in the highest echelons of power, and preparing terrorist attacks', said the RIA Novosti report.
I mean, considering they’ve been doing that with the FSB for years, to say that the SAS are better is quite a compliment.
That still doesn't mean they have a better option than to keep running west and swim the Dnieper, Elbe and Rhine if they get discovered.
Had a good race yesterday and was within half a second of Ricciardo at the end. He and the Aussie were the most impressive chaps in the midfield, I think.
Starmer as PM? For all Boris Johnson's flaws I would hope that Britain would think very carefully before installing a man with with no policies ,ideas or principles to lead our country.
The odds are Starmer will be PM.in a hung parliament at the next general election. After 10 years if one party in power there is normally a change in government and Starmer does not yet put voters off in the way Kinnock did in 1992, he is seen as dull but competent.
However it is still likely to be close, we are not heading for 1997 2 more 2010 or 1964 2
Starmer as PM? For all Boris Johnson's flaws I would hope that Britain would think very carefully before installing a man with with no policies ,ideas or principles to lead our country.
I'm guessing last night's Opinium offered some comfort but their changed methodology is not yet proven and I'm always wary of polling taking over bank holiday weekends/Christmas/Easter.
This is the killer final paragraph from TSE with which I totally concur:
'For as long as I’ve been active in politics (and even before then, particularly in 1992) there’s been a tranche of voters who consider the Conservatives as utter bastards but still vote for them because they know how to run an economy. The last time the Conservatives lost their reputation for economic competence they were out of power for thirteen years as Labour racked up eye watering majorities in 1997 and 2001 and a comfortable majority in 2005. I feel comfortable with my Labour most seats position at the next election betting strategy.'
Starmer as PM? For all Boris Johnson's flaws I would hope that Britain would think very carefully before installing a man with with no policies ,ideas or principles to lead our country.
Damn it, just when I’ve fixed it you went and overloaded my irony-o-meter and broke it.
Starmer as PM? For all Boris Johnson's flaws I would hope that Britain would think very carefully before installing a man with with no policies ,ideas or principles to lead our country.
A point of order on rcs comment that if the war ends, oil and gas prices will collapse. Maybe. Rather depends on the circumstances.
I personally find it hard to imagine that Putin can now outlive the sanctions (and self-sanctions) being applied on Russian oil products (extraction capex and tech, trade, shipping and shipping insurance, port services etc…). And even if he goes, he might be replaced with a headliner. And as for the gas, surely we’re now at the point where short of a full blown Russian Spring, the Germans (and Europe) will be diversifying away from Russian even though it will cost them a lot more.
Starmer spending too long on Partygate? The pandemic is now a historical event in the Uk and one that almost no one wants to dwell on further. Every time Starmer talks about covid rule breaking, all to serves for do is further attach Starmer’s image in the collective subconscious as a little sanctimonious and overly worthy, but also ties him to a period that none of us want to think about.
I know CHB and other Labour partisans are enjoying the mid term polls but if I were his strategist I’d be telling to keep quiet now. The dissent in the Tory ranks over parliamentary missteps is already there and the process will now take its course. He’s in real danger of cementing his brand in an electorally unfavourable fashion. Sunny uplands are the key to winning a change election. Not grey clouds and finger wagging.
Starmer as PM? For all Boris Johnson's flaws I would hope that Britain would think very carefully before installing a man with with no policies ,ideas or principles to lead our country.
...but surely that is better than a disingenuous liar who is not fir for office?
The odds are Starmer will be PM.in a hung parliament at the next general election. After 10 years if one party in power there is normally a change in government and Starmer does not yet put voters off in the way Kinnock did in 1992, he is seen as dull but competent.
However it is still likely to be close, we are not heading for 1997 2 more 2010 or 1964 2
I think 2010 is the most likely scenario, right now. But we are only at the start of the cost of living crisis and it's one the Tories have very little control over. What's coming over the next two years are falling living standards and declining public services (from an already low base). People may get used to that, which will help the Tories; or they may decide that enough is enough, which will obviously help Labour. It's really hard to see how it will pan out. What is very clear, though, is that the Tories have largely squandered the benefit of the doubt and Labour have regained a fair bit of trust. It's competitive in a way that it hasn't been for a while.
A point of order on rcs comment that if the war ends, oil and gas prices will collapse. Maybe. Rather depends on the circumstances.
I personally find it hard to imagine that Putin can now outlive the sanctions (and self-sanctions) being applied on Russian oil products (extraction capex and tech, trade, shipping and shipping insurance, port services etc…). And even if he goes, he might be replaced with a headliner. And as for the gas, surely we’re now at the point where short of a full blown Russian Spring, the Germans (and Europe) will be diversifying away from Russian even though it will cost them a lot more.
Starmer spending too long on Partygate? The pandemic is now a historical event in the Uk and one that almost no one wants to dwell on further. Every time Starmer talks about covid rule breaking, all to serves for do is further attach Starmer’s image in the collective subconscious as a little sanctimonious and overly worthy, but also ties him to a period that none of us want to think about.
I know CHB and other Labour partisans are enjoying the mid term polls but if I were his strategist I’d be telling to keep quiet now. The dissent in the Tory ranks over parliamentary missteps is already there and the process will now take its course. He’s in real danger of cementing his brand in an electorally unfavourable fashion. Sunny uplands are the key to winning a change election. Not grey clouds and finger wagging.
Partygate is to Boris, what cash for questions was for Major and the expenses scandal was for Brown.
It shows a government out of touch. It is Boris who has mishandled this. Starmer is absolutely correct to keep lifting the lid on the stench.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
The house not quite opposite me has one.
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
And another prick in the balloon of Boris' bluster over Ukraine
"Ukraine spent seven years begging three PMs for weapons — and no one listened Cameron, May and Johnson all thought they could contain Putin. How wrong they were"
A point of order on rcs comment that if the war ends, oil and gas prices will collapse. Maybe. Rather depends on the circumstances.
I personally find it hard to imagine that Putin can now outlive the sanctions (and self-sanctions) being applied on Russian oil products (extraction capex and tech, trade, shipping and shipping insurance, port services etc…). And even if he goes, he might be replaced with a headliner. And as for the gas, surely we’re now at the point where short of a full blown Russian Spring, the Germans (and Europe) will be diversifying away from Russian even though it will cost them a lot more.
Starmer spending too long on Partygate? The pandemic is now a historical event in the Uk and one that almost no one wants to dwell on further. Every time Starmer talks about covid rule breaking, all to serves for do is further attach Starmer’s image in the collective subconscious as a little sanctimonious and overly worthy, but also ties him to a period that none of us want to think about.
I know CHB and other Labour partisans are enjoying the mid term polls but if I were his strategist I’d be telling to keep quiet now. The dissent in the Tory ranks over parliamentary missteps is already there and the process will now take its course. He’s in real danger of cementing his brand in an electorally unfavourable fashion. Sunny uplands are the key to winning a change election. Not grey clouds and finger wagging.
Partygate is to Boris, what cash for questions was for Major and the expenses scandal was for Brown.
It shows a government out of touch. It is Boris who has mishandled this. Starmer is absolutely correct to keep lifting the lid on the stench.
And if Starmer makes it harder for the Tories to change leader, all the better. At this point, keeping Johnson in place is very much in Labour's interests (although I think Johnson will probably be gone by the autumn).
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
The house not quite opposite me has one.
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
There are loads of Ukrainian flags about, I wonder where they all came from. Not hard to make, but still seems like a niche market before Feb.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
The house not quite opposite me has one.
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
The Chinese flag is an interesting choice, especially for someone who is left wing I would have thought!
The odds are Starmer will be PM.in a hung parliament at the next general election. After 10 years if one party in power there is normally a change in government and Starmer does not yet put voters off in the way Kinnock did in 1992, he is seen as dull but competent.
However it is still likely to be close, we are not heading for 1997 2 more 2010 or 1964 2
I think 2010 is the most likely scenario, right now. But we are only at the start of the cost of living crisis and it's one the Tories have very little control over. What's coming over the next two years are falling living standards and declining public services (from an already low base). People may get used to that, which will help the Tories; or they may decide that enough is enough, which will obviously help Labour. It's really hard to see how it will pan out. What is very clear, though, is that the Tories have largely squandered the benefit of the doubt and Labour have regained a fair bit of trust. It's competitive in a way that it hasn't been for a while.
Good morning
I simply have no idea how Starmer and Labour would ever take hard and difficult decisions especially over public sector wages, and just where their income comes from seeing they oppose every tax rise and of course face a 19% tax rate from 2024
Everything they say is that we will spend more, and now even on defence spending, and it is this uncontested and even surreal environment Labour live in and while they may get away with it now it will be very different when they have to come clean in a GE
They also have issues like brexit, immigration, and yes, transgender controversy to confront
I really have no idea how GE24 will play out, indeed I do not know if Boris will be PM by the end of may
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
None round my way, but a few flying on houses in the Isle of Wight last week.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
The house not quite opposite me has one.
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
The Chinese flag is an interesting choice, especially for someone who is left wing I would have thought!
Yes, China has long been communist in name only. It is capitalist but with an incredibly authoritarian dictatorship. It shows capitalism and democracy do not go hand in hand, as in the West. (See also Hong Kong under British rule which was more benign but hardly democratic.)
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
The Tories can blame the cost of living on whoever they like. One of the few shortcomings of incumbency is governments are deemed responsible for the rough as well as the smooth
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
None round my way, but a few flying on houses in the Isle of Wight last week.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
The Tories can blame the cost of living on whoever they like. One of the few shortcomings of incumbency is governments are deemed responsible for the rough as well as the smooth
Yes, and it doesn't even have to be ongoing, as we saw in 1997, just recent.
My prediction for tonight: Macron 58, Le Pen 42. I have a good green position if he makes 60%+, or if Le Pen pulls off a polling upset.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
None round my way, but a few flying on houses in the Isle of Wight last week.
I did see quite a few in Baden-Wurtenburg last week.
Rather depressingly, the sky is grey and gloomy. I was up and ready to go early enough to catch the (supposed) train back to Vilajuïga, then bus or walk to Garriguella, and on to the tortoise sanctuary. But their sign told me that if I came on a cloudy day not to expect to see tortoises, and not to complain! So I decided not to potentially waste eight hours (five travelling there and back, three waiting to see if they came out into the gloom) of my last whole day, and to enjoy Girona and its food and wine instead.
On a somewhat brighter note, mask wearing has definitely dropped off in the three weeks I’ve been here. I noticed it in Barcelona, but thought that may have been a big city effect. I can really see the change back here in Girona though; I’ve been to three cafés so far this morning and none of the ladies who’ve served me have worn one, my hotel receptionists last night and this morning weren’t, and from about one in three or four wearing them out on the street it’s dropped to about one in twenty. I love seeing more smiles 😀
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
None round my way, but a few flying on houses in the Isle of Wight last week.
Quite a few down here in East Devon.
Just imagine Delboy with a lock up garage filled with dusty boxes of hundreds of Ukrainian flags he’s had since 1998, realising his lottery numbers came in.
A point of order on rcs comment that if the war ends, oil and gas prices will collapse. Maybe. Rather depends on the circumstances.
I personally find it hard to imagine that Putin can now outlive the sanctions (and self-sanctions) being applied on Russian oil products (extraction capex and tech, trade, shipping and shipping insurance, port services etc…). And even if he goes, he might be replaced with a headliner. And as for the gas, surely we’re now at the point where short of a full blown Russian Spring, the Germans (and Europe) will be diversifying away from Russian even though it will cost them a lot more.
Starmer spending too long on Partygate? The pandemic is now a historical event in the Uk and one that almost no one wants to dwell on further. Every time Starmer talks about covid rule breaking, all to serves for do is further attach Starmer’s image in the collective subconscious as a little sanctimonious and overly worthy, but also ties him to a period that none of us want to think about.
I know CHB and other Labour partisans are enjoying the mid term polls but if I were his strategist I’d be telling to keep quiet now. The dissent in the Tory ranks over parliamentary missteps is already there and the process will now take its course. He’s in real danger of cementing his brand in an electorally unfavourable fashion. Sunny uplands are the key to winning a change election. Not grey clouds and finger wagging.
Partygate is to Boris, what cash for questions was for Major and the expenses scandal was for Brown.
It shows a government out of touch. It is Boris who has mishandled this. Starmer is absolutely correct to keep lifting the lid on the stench.
Partygate is coming up regularly on the doorstep, I gather (we don't have elections in my area this year and I've been too busy to help in another area). It's a simple issue (by contrast with "How would you handle energy prices?" or "Should we send offensive weapons to Ukraine?") and it comes down to trust, which people do think is important, as if you can't trust the national leadership at all then at a basic level you're really at sea. Starmer, for all his limitations, seems obviously trustworthy.
One variable that could effect turnout in the French election but also more particularly who might vote .
Many departments are either just finishing holidays or just starting them . I wouldn’t have thought this would favour Macron but more helpful to Le Pen as more of the formers voters would actually be able to afford a holiday and would be away from home .
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
None round my way, but a few flying on houses in the Isle of Wight last week.
Quite a few down here in East Devon.
Just imagine Delboy with a lock up garage filled with dusty boxes of hundreds of Ukrainian flags he’s had since 1998, realising his lottery numbers came in.
Easy to order them online, this company has it second on its most popular list, to Union Jack bunting. Nice quality and quick delivery, I have bought from them before.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
The house not quite opposite me has one.
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
The Chinese flag is an interesting choice, especially for someone who is left wing I would have thought!
Yes, China has long been communist in name only. It is capitalist but with an incredibly authoritarian dictatorship. It shows capitalism and democracy do not go hand in hand, as in the West. (See also Hong Kong under British rule which was more benign but hardly democratic.)
China is run like a PLC. Leaders are not elected but selected by their peers. It can plan for the long term without pesky elections interfering.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
None round my way, but a few flying on houses in the Isle of Wight last week.
Quite a few down here in East Devon.
Just imagine Delboy with a lock up garage filled with dusty boxes of hundreds of Ukrainian flags he’s had since 1998, realising his lottery numbers came in.
It’s odd, I’ve not seen any for sale out and about so I wonder where people are getting them. They must be actually ordering online rather than happening upon them.
There are very few around here on private houses as OLB notes. But then there are always very few flags of any type in the inner suburbs. The occasional England one during football tournaments (but generally not otherwise, unlike on the other side of the Shooters Hill county lines), one or two Palestinian ones inside student windows. There used to be an Israeli flag in an upstairs window on Breakspears road but that’s gone. There also used to be EU flags between 2016 and 2019 but they got quietly packed away.
Out in Kent there are many more Ukrainian flags and just generally more flags, including on actual American style front garden flagpoles.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat,
And I've just voted Labour in a marginal so that's 1-1
And I've just voted LibDem so that's 1-1-1
With my independent it is 1-1-1--1
I’m planning to do a tactical Green vote to try to break the 50/50 Labour monopoly on Lewisham council. So that’s 1-1-1-1-1 (will still be delivering Lib Dem leaflets though).
Just imagine Delboy with a lock up garage filled with dusty boxes of hundreds of Ukrainian flags he’s had since 1998, realising his lottery numbers came in.
Mickey Pearce has borrowed 200 sovs off Rodney to go and join the Azov Battalion.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat,
And I've just voted Labour in a marginal so that's 1-1
And I've just voted LibDem so that's 1-1-1
With my independent it is 1-1-1--1
I’m planning to do a tactical Green vote to try to break the 50/50 Labour monopoly on Lewisham council. So that’s 1-1-1-1-1 (will still be delivering Lib Dem leaflets though).
1 here for will not vote. Due to an absence of local elections in Durham.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat,
And I've just voted Labour in a marginal so that's 1-1
And I've just voted LibDem so that's 1-1-1
With my independent it is 1-1-1--1
I’m planning to do a tactical Green vote to try to break the 50/50 Labour monopoly on Lewisham council. So that’s 1-1-1-1-1 (will still be delivering Lib Dem leaflets though).
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
The house not quite opposite me has one.
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
The Chinese flag is an interesting choice, especially for someone who is left wing I would have thought!
Yes, China has long been communist in name only. It is capitalist but with an incredibly authoritarian dictatorship. It shows capitalism and democracy do not go hand in hand, as in the West. (See also Hong Kong under British rule which was more benign but hardly democratic.)
China is run like a PLC. Leaders are not elected but selected by their peers. It can plan for the long term without pesky elections interfering.
Not anymore. They’ve found themselves an autocrat for life now.
The state equivalent of taking a PLC private - like Elon Musk buying Twitter.
Just imagine Delboy with a lock up garage filled with dusty boxes of hundreds of Ukrainian flags he’s had since 1998, realising his lottery numbers came in.
Mickey Pearce has borrowed 200 sovs off Rodney to go and join the Azov Battalion.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
The house not quite opposite me has one.
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
The Chinese flag is an interesting choice, especially for someone who is left wing I would have thought!
I think it is fair to say their knowledge of China is not all it might be. It may be summed up in the following syllogism:
Mao was a Communist. China worships Mao Therefore China is Communist.
I haven't yet said 'hello puss' to their dog, but give me time...
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
That's interesting, where is that? I don't think I've seen a Ukrainian flag on a house here in SE London, lots on official buildings or businesses obvs.
The house not quite opposite me has one.
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
The Chinese flag is an interesting choice, especially for someone who is left wing I would have thought!
Yes, China has long been communist in name only. It is capitalist but with an incredibly authoritarian dictatorship. It shows capitalism and democracy do not go hand in hand, as in the West. (See also Hong Kong under British rule which was more benign but hardly democratic.)
China is run like a PLC. Leaders are not elected but selected by their peers. It can plan for the long term without pesky elections interfering.
Not anymore. They’ve found themselves an autocrat for life now.
The state equivalent of taking a PLC private - like Elon Musk buying Twitter.
Jack Welch was Chairman and CEO of GE for 20 years. Xi has been President for only 9 years so far.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat,
And I've just voted Labour in a marginal so that's 1-1
And I've just voted LibDem so that's 1-1-1
With my independent it is 1-1-1--1
I’m planning to do a tactical Green vote to try to break the 50/50 Labour monopoly on Lewisham council. So that’s 1-1-1-1-1 (will still be delivering Lib Dem leaflets though).
1 here for will not vote. Due to an absence of local elections in Durham.
I too shall abstain as not having an election here.
Flag Anecdote. Loads of yellow and blue here in North Notts
None that I've seen round here, except on our Council website. But at a trivial level, Pokerstars is absolutely awash with people claiming to be either Lithuanian or from Belarus, both of which were rare a few months ago. I assume the former are people expressing solidarity (or, more cynically, hoping for an easier ride from other players) and the latter are Russians getting round the ban.
I'm visiting family in various bits of the southwest this week - will look out for election posters and flags...
Just imagine Delboy with a lock up garage filled with dusty boxes of hundreds of Ukrainian flags he’s had since 1998, realising his lottery numbers came in.
Mickey Pearce has borrowed 200 sovs off Rodney to go and join the Azov Battalion.
Taking with him some broken lawn mower engines.
Only Fools and Horses is very popular in parts of Eastern Europe IIRC.
Flag Anecdote. Loads of yellow and blue here in North Notts
Every little village in rural Devon seems to have several.
Morning all. Lovely morning here, and yesterday one of the pubs had a 'Support Ukraine' day with music and food. Did quite well I understand. I can confirm that the beer was good! Not a lot of flags in this small town but the Facebook says people are getting ready to welcome a couple of refugee families. They've been delayed, though, and our MP, one P Patel, has not been of much help!
No elections, but I gather things are quite lively in our neighbours to the North-East, Colchester.
Rather depressingly, the sky is grey and gloomy. I was up and ready to go early enough to catch the (supposed) train back to Vilajuïga, then bus or walk to Garriguella, and on to the tortoise sanctuary. But their sign told me that if I came on a cloudy day not to expect to see tortoises, and not to complain! So I decided not to potentially waste eight hours (five travelling there and back, three waiting to see if they came out into the gloom) of my last whole day, and to enjoy Girona and its food and wine instead.
On a somewhat brighter note, mask wearing has definitely dropped off in the three weeks I’ve been here. I noticed it in Barcelona, but thought that may have been a big city effect. I can really see the change back here in Girona though; I’ve been to three cafés so far this morning and none of the ladies who’ve served me have worn one, my hotel receptionists last night and this morning weren’t, and from about one in three or four wearing them out on the street it’s dropped to about one in twenty. I love seeing more smiles 😀
I think the mask mandate has very recently been dropped in Spain for everywhere except hospitals. health centres and pharmacies, so anyone you see in a mask now outside of those places is doing it entirely voluntarily.
The Ukrainian crisis does seem to have reached people who hitherto were unmoved by global conflict and injustice. I’ve never seen my village hall take a position on anything.
I wonder if a side effect of this might be a more sympathetic hearing given to people motivated by other global issues.
This might be unfair, but I get the impression that some of those flying the Ukrainian flag perhaps didn’t understand the motivations of those flying Palestinian flags.
Rather depressingly, the sky is grey and gloomy. I was up and ready to go early enough to catch the (supposed) train back to Vilajuïga, then bus or walk to Garriguella, and on to the tortoise sanctuary. But their sign told me that if I came on a cloudy day not to expect to see tortoises, and not to complain! So I decided not to potentially waste eight hours (five travelling there and back, three waiting to see if they came out into the gloom) of my last whole day, and to enjoy Girona and its food and wine instead.
On a somewhat brighter note, mask wearing has definitely dropped off in the three weeks I’ve been here. I noticed it in Barcelona, but thought that may have been a big city effect. I can really see the change back here in Girona though; I’ve been to three cafés so far this morning and none of the ladies who’ve served me have worn one, my hotel receptionists last night and this morning weren’t, and from about one in three or four wearing them out on the street it’s dropped to about one in twenty. I love seeing more smiles 😀
I think the mask mandate has very recently been dropped in Spain for everywhere except hospitals. health centres and pharmacies, so anyone you see in a mask now outside of those places is doing it entirely voluntarily.
Ah that would explain it. Though everyone is still wearing them on the trains and buses (and they still have Covid signs up in the trains telling me to wear a mask and not to eat or drink..)
Rather depressingly, the sky is grey and gloomy. I was up and ready to go early enough to catch the (supposed) train back to Vilajuïga, then bus or walk to Garriguella, and on to the tortoise sanctuary. But their sign told me that if I came on a cloudy day not to expect to see tortoises, and not to complain! So I decided not to potentially waste eight hours (five travelling there and back, three waiting to see if they came out into the gloom) of my last whole day, and to enjoy Girona and its food and wine instead.
On a somewhat brighter note, mask wearing has definitely dropped off in the three weeks I’ve been here. I noticed it in Barcelona, but thought that may have been a big city effect. I can really see the change back here in Girona though; I’ve been to three cafés so far this morning and none of the ladies who’ve served me have worn one, my hotel receptionists last night and this morning weren’t, and from about one in three or four wearing them out on the street it’s dropped to about one in twenty. I love seeing more smiles 😀
I think the mask mandate has very recently been dropped in Spain for everywhere except hospitals. health centres and pharmacies, so anyone you see in a mask now outside of those places is doing it entirely voluntarily.
Seems basically that Spain is getting our usual weather. Another very bright, sunny, cloudless day here in my bit of Blighty with a cooling but very drying NE wind. Been like this for most of April iirc.
Starting to become a pain to keep watering all the seedlings in small pots and trays.
Last year we had the fastest growing economy in the G7, this year we are expected to match the best. Unemployment is no more than frictional in most of the country, the government's deficit is coming in lower than expected (if still very high, reflecting high public spending), I must confess that I am at loss as to how so many think it would be better under Labour.
Of course, there is the cost of living crisis brought about by inflation like we haven't seen in 20 years, led by politically sensitive rises in fuel and gas with food in danger of falling on behind. What people think Labour can do about these things I am really not sure. Most come from international pressures, not least because of sanctions on Russia and the disruption of food harvests in Ukraine itself.
Labour's policies seem to me to be a windfall tax on north sea producers at a time that we want them to significantly increase investment and, ehm, I am not really sure. They seem to want to increase public spending in a variety of ways, notably health, further increasing demand in an economy running pretty near capacity giving an extra spin to inflation.
What I think we are actually seeing is that people are pretty unhappy. Wages are rising strongly but are being significantly outpaced by prices and most are seeing a difficult squeeze in their budgets. Those on fixed incomes or benefits are doing even worse. So they blame the government and hope something different would be better. When you add general dissatisfaction that the PM is a lying b****** it is hardly surprising that they do not give the government the benefit of the doubt. But Labour's cupboard looks pretty bare to me.
Starmer as PM? For all Boris Johnson's flaws I would hope that Britain would think very carefully before installing a man with with no policies ,ideas or principles to lead our country.
...but surely that is better than a disingenuous liar who is not fir for office?
A disingenuous liar who is not fit for office and *also* has no policies, ideas or principles.
And the best the Tories have to offer if Johnson departs, is someone else with no policies, ideas, or principles, tainted by having previously supported a disingenuous liar who is not fit for office.
My optimistic prediction for today is that Le Pen will slightly underperform and it’ll be 57:43. I hope I’m right.
My fear is Melanchon's Corbynista morons will stay at home or vote Le Pen because they hate Centrists more than they do Fascists. Meanwhile talking of Corbynista morons.
There is something of a repellent double standard here, in that Rayner was pilloried for calling Conservatives "scum" (fair enough) yet it is acceptable for the Mail to allude to the misogynistic notion that she exposes her minge to Boris Johnson every Wednesday at noon.
Anyway working girl Angie is wasting her time. Johnson prefers posh *****... like Jacob Rees Mogg.
You know a government is struggling when their attack on the opposition is that they haven’t fleshed out their policies 2 1/12 years from an election.
Absolutely true. They are struggling, they have no clear and obvious policies to deal with issues that are out of their control and their attempt to do so in the Spring statement was a fiasco focusing on the wrong targets and depleting the limited amunition available to little or no benefit. But an alternative would be nice. Blair and Brown seemed to manage one.
Last year we had the fastest growing economy in the G7, this year we are expected to match the best. Unemployment is no more than frictional in most of the country, the government's deficit is coming in lower than expected (if still very high, reflecting high public spending), I must confess that I am at loss as to how so many think it would be better under Labour.
Of course, there is the cost of living crisis brought about by inflation like we haven't seen in 20 years, led by politically sensitive rises in fuel and gas with food in danger of falling on behind. What people think Labour can do about these things I am really not sure. Most come from international pressures, not least because of sanctions on Russia and the disruption of food harvests in Ukraine itself.
Labour's policies seem to me to be a windfall tax on north sea producers at a time that we want them to significantly increase investment and, ehm, I am not really sure. They seem to want to increase public spending in a variety of ways, notably health, further increasing demand in an economy running pretty near capacity giving an extra spin to inflation.
What I think we are actually seeing is that people are pretty unhappy. Wages are rising strongly but are being significantly outpaced by prices and most are seeing a difficult squeeze in their budgets. Those on fixed incomes or benefits are doing even worse. So they blame the government and hope something different would be better. When you add general dissatisfaction that the PM is a lying b****** it is hardly surprising that they do not give the government the benefit of the doubt. But Labour's cupboard looks pretty bare to me.
It isn't the national GDP figures that matter to people, it is the economic pressures on themselves and their communities that impacts on voting.
Putting up NI on workers to allow the elderly to keep more of their assets is an example of this.
I just voted Conservative in the Council elections. Its a marginal seat, the candidate is young and fresh, and the longstanding labour incumbent has nothing to say on his leaflets other than he is a socialist.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
Surely there must have been other candidates. It doesn't matter if he is "young and fresh" he stands for lies and criminality and impropriety. And you voted for those things. I know you don't support that so why do it?
Last year we had the fastest growing economy in the G7, this year we are expected to match the best. Unemployment is no more than frictional in most of the country, the government's deficit is coming in lower than expected (if still very high, reflecting high public spending), I must confess that I am at loss as to how so many think it would be better under Labour.
Of course, there is the cost of living crisis brought about by inflation like we haven't seen in 20 years, led by politically sensitive rises in fuel and gas with food in danger of falling on behind. What people think Labour can do about these things I am really not sure. Most come from international pressures, not least because of sanctions on Russia and the disruption of food harvests in Ukraine itself.
Labour's policies seem to me to be a windfall tax on north sea producers at a time that we want them to significantly increase investment and, ehm, I am not really sure. They seem to want to increase public spending in a variety of ways, notably health, further increasing demand in an economy running pretty near capacity giving an extra spin to inflation.
What I think we are actually seeing is that people are pretty unhappy. Wages are rising strongly but are being significantly outpaced by prices and most are seeing a difficult squeeze in their budgets. Those on fixed incomes or benefits are doing even worse. So they blame the government and hope something different would be better. When you add general dissatisfaction that the PM is a lying b****** it is hardly surprising that they do not give the government the benefit of the doubt. But Labour's cupboard looks pretty bare to me.
It isn't the national GDP figures that matter to people, it is the economic pressures on themselves and their communities that impacts on voting.
Putting up NI on workers to allow the elderly to keep more of their assets is an example of this.
That was a serious mistake. Yet more taxes on earned income as opposed to unearned income. Not only stupid but also, frankly, immoral when those in work are feeling the squeeze more than anyone.
Comments
F1: will chekc for penalties/weather then peruse the markets. Not got any firm idea at the moment. Was interested to see how well Bottas did in the sprint, though.
Even though Starmer is impressive and would be a far better PM than Johnson, the Corbyn legacy runs very deep in the labour party, and puts people off, and this may still be a factor in the next general election.
I think the tories will try and blame the cost of living crisis on Putin, and it may just work. The support for the war in Ukraine seems to be quite popular, I walked across a council estate on Friday, lots of Ukrainian flags everywhere.
The SAS is 'considered one of the most highly qualified in the world in organising coups d'etat, mass protest rallies, contract killings of political figures, recruiting agents, including those in the highest echelons of power, and preparing terrorist attacks', said the RIA Novosti report.
I mean, considering they’ve been doing that with the FSB for years, to say that the SAS are better is quite a compliment.
https://youtu.be/p7C9omHgE88
Betting Post
F1: backed Bottas to be top 6 at 2.1
Had a good race yesterday and was within half a second of Ricciardo at the end. He and the Aussie were the most impressive chaps in the midfield, I think.
https://enormo-haddock.blogspot.com/2022/04/imola-pre-race-2022.html
However it is still likely to be close, we are not heading for 1997 2 more 2010 or 1964 2
I'm guessing last night's Opinium offered some comfort but their changed methodology is not yet proven and I'm always wary of polling taking over bank holiday weekends/Christmas/Easter.
This is the killer final paragraph from TSE with which I totally concur:
'For as long as I’ve been active in politics (and even before then, particularly in 1992) there’s been a tranche of voters who consider the Conservatives as utter bastards but still vote for them because they know how to run an economy. The last time the Conservatives lost their reputation for economic competence they were out of power for thirteen years as Labour racked up eye watering majorities in 1997 and 2001 and a comfortable majority in 2005. I feel comfortable with my Labour most seats position at the next election betting strategy.'
https://twitter.com/dehennadavison/status/1517939116675145729?s=21&t=uYt7XsAj8w0XxWuljVmNog
A point of order on rcs comment that if the war ends, oil and gas prices will collapse. Maybe. Rather depends on the circumstances.
I personally find it hard to imagine that Putin can now outlive the sanctions (and self-sanctions) being applied on Russian oil products (extraction capex and tech, trade, shipping and shipping insurance, port services etc…). And even if he goes, he might be replaced with a headliner. And as for the gas, surely we’re now at the point where short of a full blown Russian Spring, the Germans (and Europe) will be diversifying away from Russian even though it will cost them a lot more.
Starmer spending too long on Partygate? The pandemic is now a historical event in the Uk and one that almost no one wants to dwell on further. Every time Starmer talks about covid rule breaking, all to serves for do is further attach Starmer’s image in the collective subconscious as a little sanctimonious and overly worthy, but also ties him to a period that none of us want to think about.
I know CHB and other Labour partisans are enjoying the mid term polls but if I were his strategist I’d be telling to keep quiet now. The dissent in the Tory ranks over parliamentary missteps is already there and the process will now take its course. He’s in real danger of cementing his brand in an electorally unfavourable fashion. Sunny uplands are the key to winning a change election. Not grey clouds and finger wagging.
It shows a government out of touch. It is Boris who has mishandled this. Starmer is absolutely correct to keep lifting the lid on the stench.
Can you entertain us further by pointing us to any one of a policy, idea or principle of the PM?
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-bulbs-blowout-left-taxpayers-with-a-2bn-energy-bill-dbzcjcd78
Normally they flew a Chinese flag, because they're very left wing.
I prefer the Ukrainian one for all sorts of reasons...
"Ukraine spent seven years begging three PMs for weapons — and no one listened
Cameron, May and Johnson all thought they could contain Putin. How wrong they were"
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-spent-seven-years-begging-three-pms-for-weapons-and-no-one-listened-58t5m9kkq
I simply have no idea how Starmer and Labour would ever take hard and difficult decisions especially over public sector wages, and just where their income comes from seeing they oppose every tax rise and of course face a 19% tax rate from 2024
Everything they say is that we will spend more, and now even on defence spending, and it is this uncontested and even surreal environment Labour live in and while they may get away with it now it will be very different when they have to come clean in a GE
They also have issues like brexit, immigration, and yes, transgender controversy to confront
I really have no idea how GE24 will play out, indeed I do not know if Boris will be PM by the end of may
My prediction for tonight: Macron 58, Le Pen 42. I have a good green position if he makes 60%+, or if Le Pen pulls off a polling upset.
On a somewhat brighter note, mask wearing has definitely dropped off in the three weeks I’ve been here. I noticed it in Barcelona, but thought that may have been a big city effect. I can really see the change back here in Girona though; I’ve been to three cafés so far this morning and none of the ladies who’ve served me have worn one, my hotel receptionists last night and this morning weren’t, and from about one in three or four wearing them out on the street it’s dropped to about one in twenty. I love seeing more smiles 😀
Those poor discriminated-against second home-owners.
Many departments are either just finishing holidays or just starting them . I wouldn’t have thought this would favour Macron but more helpful to Le Pen as more of the formers voters would actually be able to afford a holiday and would be away from home .
https://www.theflagshop.co.uk/flags.html
There are very few around here on private houses as OLB notes. But then there are always very few flags of any type in the inner suburbs. The occasional England one during football tournaments (but generally not otherwise, unlike on the other side of the Shooters Hill county lines), one or two Palestinian ones inside student windows. There used to be an Israeli flag in an upstairs window on Breakspears road but that’s gone. There also used to be EU flags between 2016 and 2019 but they got quietly packed away.
Out in Kent there are many more Ukrainian flags and just generally more flags, including on actual American style front garden flagpoles.
The state equivalent of taking a PLC private - like Elon Musk buying Twitter.
Mao was a Communist.
China worships Mao
Therefore China is Communist.
I haven't yet said 'hello puss' to their dog, but give me time...
I'm visiting family in various bits of the southwest this week - will look out for election posters and flags...
Because the police said it was legal.
Because the local PCC was boozing with him?
Lovely morning here, and yesterday one of the pubs had a 'Support Ukraine' day with music and food. Did quite well I understand. I can confirm that the beer was good!
Not a lot of flags in this small town but the Facebook says people are getting ready to welcome a couple of refugee families.
They've been delayed, though, and our MP, one P Patel, has not been of much help!
No elections, but I gather things are quite lively in our neighbours to the North-East, Colchester.
https://twitter.com/AngelaRayner/status/1518126842934448129?t=R5mVCX6m7ndibBIUPa96xw&s=19
I hope this experience doesn’t put off a single person like me, with a background like mine from aspiring to participate in public life.
That would break my heart. 💔
We need more people in politics with backgrounds like mine - and fewer as a hobby to help their mates.
7/9
I wonder if a side effect of this might be a more sympathetic hearing given to people motivated by other global issues.
This might be unfair, but I get the impression that some of those flying the Ukrainian flag perhaps didn’t understand the motivations of those flying Palestinian flags.
Starting to become a pain to keep watering all the seedlings in small pots and trays.
Of course, there is the cost of living crisis brought about by inflation like we haven't seen in 20 years, led by politically sensitive rises in fuel and gas with food in danger of falling on behind. What people think Labour can do about these things I am really not sure. Most come from international pressures, not least because of sanctions on Russia and the disruption of food harvests in Ukraine itself.
Labour's policies seem to me to be a windfall tax on north sea producers at a time that we want them to significantly increase investment and, ehm, I am not really sure. They seem to want to increase public spending in a variety of ways, notably health, further increasing demand in an economy running pretty near capacity giving an extra spin to inflation.
What I think we are actually seeing is that people are pretty unhappy. Wages are rising strongly but are being significantly outpaced by prices and most are seeing a difficult squeeze in their budgets. Those on fixed incomes or benefits are doing even worse. So they blame the government and hope something different would be better. When you add general dissatisfaction that the PM is a lying b****** it is hardly surprising that they do not give the government the benefit of the doubt. But Labour's cupboard looks pretty bare to me.
https://twitter.com/gtmac786/status/1517984514643042306
And the best the Tories have to offer if Johnson departs, is someone else with no policies, ideas, or principles, tainted by having previously supported a disingenuous liar who is not fit for office.
I think this proves TSE's point.
Anyway working girl Angie is wasting her time. Johnson prefers posh *****... like Jacob Rees Mogg.
Putting up NI on workers to allow the elderly to keep more of their assets is an example of this.