Mrs DA despatched me and my platoon of Ukrainian sappers to the WI hall this weekend to render a gable end and replace some flashing. I noticed two phenomena of import to political betting during my interactions with the horrid old tory coelacanths that make that building their lair.
1. They refer to the Daily Mail as "The Paper" as if no other newspaper exists. It and GB News are their exclusive source of news.
2. They love Swella and it's everybody else's fault that all of her channel schemes haven't worked.
Conclusion: Swella will win with the members. If anointed by the DM she should be the unbackable favourite. Hurrah for the blueshirts.
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Indeed it looks like someone in the MoD has engaged thinking mode. Sending a hospital ship with helipad is likely to be very astute. Great publicity to be evacuating wounded children when the IDF declares a ceasefire.
The PCR facility on Argus has to be "activated" with the embarkation of 150+ medical personnel. This has not (yet) happened.
The Argus decision will have been no more complex than what do we have afloat than we can send to the Med this weekend.
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
The British go to save lives, the yanks go to take them. I know which country I would rather be praising.
The yanks are going to deter others from taking lives. They don’t want to get actively involved. That is an important role that they can play which we can not.
I can see why signing up for this might be superficially appealing for a young hothead after the surprising success of the Hamas attack, but I'm guessing there will be fewer volunteers once the IDF get fully into gear.
Burnham's time has been and gone. If he'd been in Parliament after 2019 I think he'd probably have become Lab leader over SKS but that ship has sailed now.
After SKS Labour will surely have to elect a female leader?
Yep. Tories already had three and most likely on their fourth by the end of next year (who may also be their second ethic minority). Only way Labour has another white male is if they are trans.
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Indeed it looks like someone in the MoD has engaged thinking mode. Sending a hospital ship with helipad is likely to be very astute. Great publicity to be evacuating wounded children when the IDF declares a ceasefire.
The PCR facility on Argus has to be "activated" with the embarkation of 150+ medical personnel. This has not (yet) happened.
The Argus decision will have been no more complex than what do we have afloat than we can send to the Med this weekend.
But, as you say, no helicopters anyway? So nothing for the medics to do.
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Indeed it looks like someone in the MoD has engaged thinking mode. Sending a hospital ship with helipad is likely to be very astute. Great publicity to be evacuating wounded children when the IDF declares a ceasefire.
The PCR facility on Argus has to be "activated" with the embarkation of 150+ medical personnel. This has not (yet) happened.
The Argus decision will have been no more complex than what do we have afloat than we can send to the Med this weekend.
But, as you say, no helicopters anyway? So nothing for the medics to do.
Does this mean that Mr Shapps is thinking, or that his sub-Ministers have managed to keep him out of the way?
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Indeed it looks like someone in the MoD has engaged thinking mode. Sending a hospital ship with helipad is likely to be very astute. Great publicity to be evacuating wounded children when the IDF declares a ceasefire.
The PCR facility on Argus has to be "activated" with the embarkation of 150+ medical personnel. This has not (yet) happened.
The Argus decision will have been no more complex than what do we have afloat than we can send to the Med this weekend.
But, as you say, no helicopters anyway? So nothing for the medics to do.
Does this mean that Mr Shapps is thinking, or that his sub-Ministers have managed to keep him out of the way?
I couldn't possibly comment. Perhaps there is some notion the USN will do it for the RN.
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Do ours ever work long enough to get out of the harbour.
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Indeed it looks like someone in the MoD has engaged thinking mode. Sending a hospital ship with helipad is likely to be very astute. Great publicity to be evacuating wounded children when the IDF declares a ceasefire.
The PCR facility on Argus has to be "activated" with the embarkation of 150+ medical personnel. This has not (yet) happened.
The Argus decision will have been no more complex than what do we have afloat than we can send to the Med this weekend.
But, as you say, no helicopters anyway? So nothing for the medics to do.
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Do ours ever work long enough to get out of the harbour.
It's a converted container ship so probably quite reliable.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Do ours ever work long enough to get out of the harbour.
That's the QE class carriers (the real carriers) and, at times in the past, the Daring class ships, you are probably thinking of. The Argus is basically a merchant ship - RFA not RN. She was [edit] Contender Bezant, new in 1981 or so, a ro-ro Ship Taken Up From Trade for the Falklands War (!). The MoD carefullky changed her name when they bought her rather than hired her. So she's been out of Pompey harbour rather a lot over the years.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
Just a couple of thoughts on the Middle East this evening.
The atrocities perpetrated by Hamas last weekend were the epitome of barbarity, depravity and evil. We are rightly appalled and condemn them unreservedly - some of the images and symbolism verged on the biblical albeit too often repeated in more modern times.
Hamas are not stupid - far from it, they set the tone and we were still dancing to that music a week later.
They discovered and ruthlessly exploited a flaw in Israel's security and questions will need to be answered about that in time. The assualts were designed to maximise death and accentuate fear but beyond that to enhance the division between Arab and non-Arab.
Hamas's enemy isn't just Israel or the Jews - indeed, one might argue they need them to justify their own existence. No, the opposition for Hamas is moderate opinion, those within the Palestinian and Israeli communities who seek peace and reconciliation. Violence such as last Saturday's shuts down the voices of conciliation, moderation and progress and divides opinion into adversarial camps.
Let's not forget Hamas's idea of a unified Palestine isn't that of a democratic modern state but a feudalist Islamic theocracy.
Hamas would also have expected the Israeli reaction and the likely assualt by Tel Aviv's forces is the last part of the scheme - to forge a shared Palestinian memory of suffering perpetrated by Israel, supported by their allies in the West and propagate that across the Arab world. In addition, the aim is to radicalise a new generation of potential martyrs - the children orphaned as their parents are killed by Israeli missiles or tanks or the memory of having to leave a beloved home in pain.
The problem is violence is cyclical - terrorists care little for their own lives or the lives of their people. They are as nothing compared to the cause and the cause is forever.
How then do we break the cycle? I don't have any answers.
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Indeed it looks like someone in the MoD has engaged thinking mode. Sending a hospital ship with helipad is likely to be very astute. Great publicity to be evacuating wounded children when the IDF declares a ceasefire.
The PCR facility on Argus has to be "activated" with the embarkation of 150+ medical personnel. This has not (yet) happened.
The Argus decision will have been no more complex than what do we have afloat than we can send to the Med this weekend.
But, as you say, no helicopters anyway? So nothing for the medics to do.
They could take other nations' helicopters with casualties (or Hamas paragliders, LOL).
Israeli casualties would be better off in an Israeli hospital though and they certainly won't taking any Palestinians.
"A man accused of making racist comments at a pro-Palestine march in London has been charged, the Met Police has said.
The 67-year-old was charged with intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress after being arrested on Saturday.
The man is alleged to have made racist remarks towards people gathered in Whitehall and a police officer.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 2 November.
The Met said on X, formerly Twitter: "The man was arrested after shouting racial abuse at those gathered in Whitehall and making similar racist comments to an officer who spoke with him.
"The man was in possession of a UK flag.
"This was in no way the reason for his arrest and forms no part of the charges against him."
The force did not offer further information about what the alleged comments were."
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
So they have 43 seats now, and are the 3rd party in the Commons, with all that brings.
They think that losing a third of their seats, and that third party status, gives them a ‘mandate’ for what exactly?
It is a difficult strategy to understand.
I do think the SNP already have a moral mandate for a ref via Holyrood, and can sympathise with their frustration that has been brushed off and will continue to be so. They have a difficult choice to make about how to respond to continued blockage of their plans despite electoral success.
But simply as a rallying call for supporters it sounds a hard sell when those supporters can surely see that winning many more than 29 didn't shift the dial at Westminster. Would making it a 'demand' in that case really make much difference to Keir Starmer?
I have had conversations with charity collectors which represented the treatment of diseases I was extremely eager to contribute money to, but could not because I refuse to transfer money online. I even offered to just give them a tenner just for being good people, but they refused to take it. It's bloody annoying.
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
France for the Cup
I’d rather play France than SA.
I'd rather not play either of them. It all looks jolly painful to a weed like me.
My predictions for this weekend are now 0-3. I am nothing if not consistent...
Who are you on for tonight?
France - better get your cash on the Bokke
To rally briefly to Penddu's cause, I too am 0 out of 3 this weekend and also had France to win.
Also, if Marquee Mark is not right about this being the best set of quarter finals in any sport ever, I can't think what beats them. Superb weekend's entertainment.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
So they have 43 seats now, and are the 3rd party in the Commons, with all that brings.
They think that losing a third of their seats, and that third party status, gives them a ‘mandate’ for what exactly?
It is a difficult strategy to understand.
I do think the SNP already have a moral mandate for a ref via Holyrood, and can sympathise with their frustration that has been brushed off and will continue to be so. They have a difficult choice to make about how to respond to continued blockage of their plans despite electoral success.
But simply as a rallying call for supporters it sounds a hard sell when those supporters can surely see that winning many more than 29 didn't shift the dial at Westminster. Would making it a 'demand' in that case really make much difference to Keir Starmer?
All expectation management. Getting the faithful to keep the faith even though they are expecting to lose seats.
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
France for the Cup
Hey, I said it first! (hopefully have not put the kiss of death on it!) I've fancied France for WC2023 since before that first game.
"A man accused of making racist comments at a pro-Palestine march in London has been charged, the Met Police has said.
The 67-year-old was charged with intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress after being arrested on Saturday.
The man is alleged to have made racist remarks towards people gathered in Whitehall and a police officer.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 2 November.
The Met said on X, formerly Twitter: "The man was arrested after shouting racial abuse at those gathered in Whitehall and making similar racist comments to an officer who spoke with him.
"The man was in possession of a UK flag.
"This was in no way the reason for his arrest and forms no part of the charges against him."
The force did not offer further information about what the alleged comments were."
Will also get Jews going if it turns out some who made pro Hamas remarks and flew Hamas flags were not arrested too
The Ford (with CVW-8) is in the Eastern Med and the Eisenhower (with CVW-3) has just put out from Oceana, VA and so is weeks away.
Also in the Eastern Med are the Normandy, Hudney, Ramage, Carney and Roosevelt. (Guided Missile Cruiser and 4 x Guided Missile Destroyer).
Shappsie has sent RFA Argus (aviation training/PCR) but asks us all not to be embarrassed at the paucity of the contribution,
For all those of you who don't speak @DuraAce, let me translate.
The Americans have sent one big aircraft carrier and one really big aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, along with five other ships that can launch cruise missiles to hit land and other missiles to hit planes and ships. The aircraft on the carriers can kill other planes and subs but can only drop small bombs on land. This is a fleet that can provide some support to ground troops but is better thought of as a means of enforcing air superiority and making sure no other top-tier navies stick their noses in.
The Brits have sent the Royal Navy equivalent of a hospital with a helipad. It can look after injured but that's about it. It was in the movie "World War Z" with Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi, so there's...that. Yay, us.
We don’t need a carrier (even if we had one…) in the Eastern Med
We have Akrotiri.
A hospital ship strikes me as quite useful
Do ours ever work long enough to get out of the harbour.
It's a converted container ship so probably quite reliable.
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
France for the Cup
I’d rather play France than SA.
Not me. SA have come with a weirdly unbalanced team. France look close to rugby perfection - though so, after week1, do NZ.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
France for the Cup
I’d rather play France than SA.
Yes. Not sure France have been in a final before (I could be wrong). Home pressure may get to them.
Just a couple of thoughts on the Middle East this evening.
The atrocities perpetrated by Hamas last weekend were the epitome of barbarity, depravity and evil. We are rightly appalled and condemn them unreservedly - some of the images and symbolism verged on the biblical albeit too often repeated in more modern times.
Hamas are not stupid - far from it, they set the tone and we were still dancing to that music a week later.
They discovered and ruthlessly exploited a flaw in Israel's security and questions will need to be answered about that in time. The assualts were designed to maximise death and accentuate fear but beyond that to enhance the division between Arab and non-Arab.
Hamas's enemy isn't just Israel or the Jews - indeed, one might argue they need them to justify their own existence. No, the opposition for Hamas is moderate opinion, those within the Palestinian and Israeli communities who seek peace and reconciliation. Violence such as last Saturday's shuts down the voices of conciliation, moderation and progress and divides opinion into adversarial camps.
Let's not forget Hamas's idea of a unified Palestine isn't that of a democratic modern state but a feudalist Islamic theocracy.
Hamas would also have expected the Israeli reaction and the likely assualt by Tel Aviv's forces is the last part of the scheme - to forge a shared Palestinian memory of suffering perpetrated by Israel, supported by their allies in the West and propagate that across the Arab world. In addition, the aim is to radicalise a new generation of potential martyrs - the children orphaned as their parents are killed by Israeli missiles or tanks or the memory of having to leave a beloved home in pain.
The problem is violence is cyclical - terrorists care little for their own lives or the lives of their people. They are as nothing compared to the cause and the cause is forever.
How then do we break the cycle? I don't have any answers.
This is a great response to a question I asked this evening while discussing this vexing situation - "what is it that Hamas were hoping to get from their actions?" eternal discord and grievance - horrifying but entirely plausible.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
France for the Cup
I’d rather play France than SA.
Yes. Not sure France have been in a final before (I could be wrong). Home pressure may get to them.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
France for the Cup
I’d rather play France than SA.
Yes. Not sure France have been in a final before (I could be wrong). Home pressure may get to them.
France have been in three finals, all losses to the All Blacks. If France lose tonight then it extends the run that England have been in more finals than the whole of the rest of the Six Nations together (4).
A France-England semi will be much better for the tournament. France would have easily beaten Fiji; England could test them. France will be nervous and wary. Tho I still expect France to win
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
France for the Cup
I’d rather play France than SA.
Yes. Not sure France have been in a final before (I could be wrong). Home pressure may get to them.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
So the idea is they could lose a bunch of MPs and use that as a mandate for another independence referendum. Hmm. Run that past me again. Humza.
If they have a majority that's it. It was good enough for Mrs Thatcher, remember.
You need momentum to generate political change. I suppose losing seats is a form of momentum but is scarcely likely to be in the direction you are seeking. No?
(I think, with respect, the majority Mrs T would have been thinking of would not have borne much resemblance to, or would have any bearing on, the type of majority Mr Yousaf is contemplating. Which in any event is just an exercise in keeping his troops happy. Mrs T was interested in effecting change, Mr Y on keeping his job.)
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
So the idea is they could lose a bunch of MPs and use that as a mandate for another independence referendum. Hmm. Run that past me again. Humza.
That it was passed overwhelmingly shows there is no Plan B. None that they feel they can take to the voters anyway.
Here's one. Try governing in a way that inspires you know what you are doing, and could be trusted to run an independent Scotland. Not remotely there yet.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
My predictions for this weekend are now 0-3. I am nothing if not consistent...
Who are you on for tonight?
France - better get your cash on the Bokke
To rally briefly to Penddu's cause, I too am 0 out of 3 this weekend and also had France to win.
Also, if Marquee Mark is not right about this being the best set of quarter finals in any sport ever, I can't think what beats them. Superb weekend's entertainment.
I'm 2 from 3 and also say France. But RU is not one of my Hot Topics so dyor and caveat emptor and markets can go down as well as up (and smoking hardens your arteries).
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
Just a couple of thoughts on the Middle East this evening.
The atrocities perpetrated by Hamas last weekend were the epitome of barbarity, depravity and evil. We are rightly appalled and condemn them unreservedly - some of the images and symbolism verged on the biblical albeit too often repeated in more modern times.
Hamas are not stupid - far from it, they set the tone and we were still dancing to that music a week later.
They discovered and ruthlessly exploited a flaw in Israel's security and questions will need to be answered about that in time. The assualts were designed to maximise death and accentuate fear but beyond that to enhance the division between Arab and non-Arab.
Hamas's enemy isn't just Israel or the Jews - indeed, one might argue they need them to justify their own existence. No, the opposition for Hamas is moderate opinion, those within the Palestinian and Israeli communities who seek peace and reconciliation. Violence such as last Saturday's shuts down the voices of conciliation, moderation and progress and divides opinion into adversarial camps.
Let's not forget Hamas's idea of a unified Palestine isn't that of a democratic modern state but a feudalist Islamic theocracy.
Hamas would also have expected the Israeli reaction and the likely assualt by Tel Aviv's forces is the last part of the scheme - to forge a shared Palestinian memory of suffering perpetrated by Israel, supported by their allies in the West and propagate that across the Arab world. In addition, the aim is to radicalise a new generation of potential martyrs - the children orphaned as their parents are killed by Israeli missiles or tanks or the memory of having to leave a beloved home in pain.
The problem is violence is cyclical - terrorists care little for their own lives or the lives of their people. They are as nothing compared to the cause and the cause is forever.
How then do we break the cycle? I don't have any answers.
This is a great response to a question I asked this evening while discussing this vexing situation - "what is it that Hamas were hoping to get from their actions?" eternal discord and grievance - horrifying but entirely plausible.
Warlords have an interest in sustaining a state of violence and terror.
In many ways it's amazing that we have largely moved away from that in much of the world.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
So they have 43 seats now, and are the 3rd party in the Commons, with all that brings.
They think that losing a third of their seats, and that third party status, gives them a ‘mandate’ for what exactly?
It is a difficult strategy to understand.
I do think the SNP already have a moral mandate for a ref via Holyrood, and can sympathise with their frustration that has been brushed off and will continue to be so. They have a difficult choice to make about how to respond to continued blockage of their plans despite electoral success.
But simply as a rallying call for supporters it sounds a hard sell when those supporters can surely see that winning many more than 29 didn't shift the dial at Westminster. Would making it a 'demand' in that case really make much difference to Keir Starmer?
All expectation management. Getting the faithful to keep the faith even though they are expecting to lose seats.
Taz, they have already lost most of the faithful, just throwing out as many carrots as they can to try and stay on the gravy train.
"This was in no way the reason for his arrest and forms no part of the charges against him."
Good of the police to clarify that we are still allowed to wave our own nation’s flag.
You'll be arrested for not having one under the Braverman regime.
A true patriot has the flag tattooed on their buttocks (right cheek, obviously), so will be in no danger. I'm a little disturbed you served in the armed forces and did not have that take place.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
SNP delegates have backed Humza Yousaf's plan to use the next general election result to push for a second independence referendum.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
On current polls they may achieve neither given the swing from SNP to Labour.
Not that Sunak or Starmer will care less what Yousaf proposed and the SNP conference decided
There is every chance they could be bigger than the rump of the Tory party left given current popularity.
There really isn't.
Although it's instructive to note that in pretty much every country on the planet the government in power during Covid is either out, or coming under pressure. Trump lost in 2020. Putin launched a war to cement his position. The ayatollahs are trying to control mass unrest. Morrison and Ardern (well, her party) were both booted out in the antipodes. China is clearly struggling and the less said about Ireland and Sweden the better.
Scotland and England are no different.
Wales is, unfortunately. Come rain, shine, Covid or Viking raids they will still elect Drakeford's twats.
Comments
(Sadly spot on with their media and politics)
(Is that the right pronoun for Eddie?)
The Argus decision will have been no more complex than what do we have afloat than we can send to the Med this weekend.
https://x.com/bfmtv/status/1713271171662106698
England's shittest team ever and we get to the semi finals at least.
Celts cannot play rugby, fact.
TBF I think your Welshness makes you too optimistic for Wales and too pessimistic for England, other than that you do know your rugger
https://twitter.com/DavidDPaxton/status/1713600757608354227
Are they, by any chance, related?
I think we should be told
Only way Labour has another white male is if they are trans.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003–04_UEFA_Champions_League_knockout_stage
This is especially so as the other semi will be a doddle for NZ
France for the Cup
Benjamin Netanyahu must be in with a shout or Tommy Robinson
@TheScreamingEagles Posts: 110,794
Fiji are going to win this I fear.
5:32PM
@TheScreamingEagles said:
5:34pm
Called it.
1. Beating NZ in the pool
2. Beating the Boks in the Quarters
3. Beating England in the semis
4. Beathing NZ again in the Final
That is a deserved triumph
The only big team they would have avoided is Ireland
You can also suggest the moon is made of cream cheese.
(Actually I was there for all three matches that week between Liverpool and Arsenal.)
To be fair they are so rare it's not a problem.
An amended version of the strategy was voted through overwhelmingly at the party's annual conference in Aberdeen.
It is based on winning a majority of Scottish seats, at least 29.
This would provide a mandate to for another referendum, according to the proposals.
Under the agreed strategy, if the SNP win the majority of seats in Scotland in the next general election, it will demand the powers to hold a referendum are transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
Alternatively, the strategy said the party should consider using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-67116489
It's almost worth seeing England totally humiliated to see this.
They think that losing a third of their seats, and that third party status, gives them a ‘mandate’ for what exactly?
Just a couple of thoughts on the Middle East this evening.
The atrocities perpetrated by Hamas last weekend were the epitome of barbarity, depravity and evil. We are rightly appalled and condemn them unreservedly - some of the images and symbolism verged on the biblical albeit too often repeated in more modern times.
Hamas are not stupid - far from it, they set the tone and we were still dancing to that music a week later.
They discovered and ruthlessly exploited a flaw in Israel's security and questions will need to be answered about that in time. The assualts were designed to maximise death and accentuate fear but beyond that to enhance the division between Arab and non-Arab.
Hamas's enemy isn't just Israel or the Jews - indeed, one might argue they need them to justify their own existence. No, the opposition for Hamas is moderate opinion, those within the Palestinian and Israeli communities who seek peace and reconciliation. Violence such as last Saturday's shuts down the voices of conciliation, moderation and progress and divides opinion into adversarial camps.
Let's not forget Hamas's idea of a unified Palestine isn't that of a democratic modern state but a feudalist Islamic theocracy.
Hamas would also have expected the Israeli reaction and the likely assualt by Tel Aviv's forces is the last part of the scheme - to forge a shared Palestinian memory of suffering perpetrated by Israel, supported by their allies in the West and propagate that across the Arab world. In addition, the aim is to radicalise a new generation of potential martyrs - the children orphaned as their parents are killed by Israeli missiles or tanks or the memory of having to leave a beloved home in pain.
The problem is violence is cyclical - terrorists care little for their own lives or the lives of their people. They are as nothing compared to the cause and the cause is forever.
How then do we break the cycle? I don't have any answers.
Israeli casualties would be better off in an Israeli hospital though and they certainly won't taking any Palestinians.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/comment/article-12630377/JEFF-PRESTRIDGE-March-cashless-society-continues.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67115772
"A man accused of making racist comments at a pro-Palestine march in London has been charged, the Met Police has said.
The 67-year-old was charged with intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress after being arrested on Saturday.
The man is alleged to have made racist remarks towards people gathered in Whitehall and a police officer.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 2 November.
The Met said on X, formerly Twitter: "The man was arrested after shouting racial abuse at those gathered in Whitehall and making similar racist comments to an officer who spoke with him.
"The man was in possession of a UK flag.
"This was in no way the reason for his arrest and forms no part of the charges against him."
The force did not offer further information about what the alleged comments were."
I do think the SNP already have a moral mandate for a ref via Holyrood, and can sympathise with their frustration that has been brushed off and will continue to be so. They have a difficult choice to make about how to respond to continued blockage of their plans despite electoral success.
But simply as a rallying call for supporters it sounds a hard sell when those supporters can surely see that winning many more than 29 didn't shift the dial at Westminster. Would making it a 'demand' in that case really make much difference to Keir Starmer?
Also, if Marquee Mark is not right about this being the best set of quarter finals in any sport ever, I can't think what beats them. Superb weekend's entertainment.
In the cricket England were beaten by Afghanistan, perhaps fairly as we left them with the Taliban
Not that Sunak or Starmer will care less what Yousaf proposed and the SNP conference decided
(I think, with respect, the majority Mrs T would have been thinking of would not have borne much resemblance to, or would have any bearing on, the type of majority Mr Yousaf is contemplating. Which in any event is just an exercise in keeping his troops happy. Mrs T was interested in effecting change, Mr Y on keeping his job.)
Here's one. Try governing in a way that inspires you know what you are doing, and could be trusted to run an independent Scotland. Not remotely there yet.
Instead as the UK SC confirmed if Unionists have a majority across the UK, then Westminster can block an indyref2 indefinitely
In many ways it's amazing that we have largely moved away from that in much of the world.
Huge success for the Liberals today - on the Aland Islands.
Looks like they were fighting the battle of Trafalgar
https://x.com/goodbadrugby/status/1713589401194811467?s=61&t=s0ae0IFncdLS1Dc7J0P_TQ
Although it's instructive to note that in pretty much every country on the planet the government in power during Covid is either out, or coming under pressure. Trump lost in 2020. Putin launched a war to cement his position. The ayatollahs are trying to control mass unrest. Morrison and Ardern (well, her party) were both booted out in the antipodes. China is clearly struggling and the less said about Ireland and Sweden the better.
Scotland and England are no different.
Wales is, unfortunately. Come rain, shine, Covid or Viking raids they will still elect Drakeford's twats.