I mean, did Donald Dewar do that, when he was First Minister? Was he constantly going into the khazi at Catholic monasteries asking for samples? No. He didn’t. Nor was he ever seen in convents angrily insisting the abbess micturate into a tiny bottle
So this is another example of the SNP bending the rules as they see fit
Nor was he ever accused of conspiring to pervert the course of justice, noted for destroying crucial records or arrested on suspicion of embezzlement.
I know people say it's just bad memories and standards aren't really dropping, but when I compare Morgan and Dewar to Drakeford and Sturgeon, I have an answer.
I mean, did Donald Dewar do that, when he was First Minister? Was he constantly going into the khazi at Catholic monasteries asking for samples? No. He didn’t. Nor was he ever seen in convents angrily insisting the abbess micturate into a tiny bottle
So this is another example of the SNP bending the rules as they see fit
Nor was he ever accused of conspiring to pervert the course of justice, noted for destroying crucial records or arrested on suspicion of embezzlement.
I know people say it's just bad memories and standards aren't really dropping, but when I compare Morgan and Dewar to Drakeford and Sturgeon, I have an answer.
I don't recollect what your answer is going *to be*.
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
Me in 2017 on David Davis
‘He’s useless. He’s absolutely useless. He’s as useless as a marzipan dildo.’
Ruy Teixeira has an answer: "But there was a catch. After he clinched the nomination, he felt it was necessary to incorporate the views of the party’s left into his campaign’s policy stances and outlook. Usually, candidates try to move toward the center ahead of a general election campaign. But Biden did the reverse. He formed six “unity task forces” jointly coordinated by Biden and Sanders campaign figures, covering climate change, criminal justice reform, the economy, education, health care and immigration." https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/03/trump-biden-again-2024-repeat-stuck/
Unfortunately for Biden, those Sanders people and policies do not appeal to majorities in the US, just as Corbyn people and policies do not appeal to majorities in the UK.
(Sanders has damaged the US and the Democratic Party, but has done very well for himself; he's a millionaire, and now owns three houses.
He describes himself as a democratic socialist, but I think it fair to conclude that a man who honeymooned in the old Soviet Union thinks the second far more important than the first.)
Personally I think it's a shame Biden and Harris haven't both moved aside for say, Whitmer or Newsom or Beshear (although he's young enough to be one to watch).
But he hasn't. And ultimately therefore for all our sakes if Trump is the candidate he has to win.
Indeed, arguably for the sake of the Republican Party he has to win - not that they deserve help.
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
Me in 2017 on David Davis
‘He’s useless. He’s absolutely useless. He’s as useless as a marzipan dildo.’
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
It's not Carol's language. She's quoting Nippy.
Perhaps Nippy acquired her potty mouth when she was married to Rab C. Nesbitt. Has anyone seen Nippy and Elaine C. Smith in the same room?
No, she's quoting a satirical or parody account, as isam noted earlier. Otoh:-
Just shows what PBers will believe when it comes to Scotland and especially Glasgow, like terrorist refuse carts.
Which is worse - believing a parody account or believing Carol Vorderman?
It just beggars belief that so many Tory MPs are on the record as wanting Trump to win.
Why? Trump in power would be great for the current nationalist-populist spasm of the tory party. It will also give PM Starmer a party management nightmare when he has to go to DC and rim Trump which would be to their advantage in opposition.
If Trump gets back in office, Boris will almost certainly try to here too once the Tories as is likely go into Opposition and Sunak has resigned and with Hunt (his 2 previous final round Conservative leadership opponents) carried the can for defeat
Is Johnson quite as populist right wing as the Tories want now, though? Yes he’s Brexity and all, but he’s one of those loony green folk the right dislikes. And beyond all else, he will still carry the lockdown parties as a giant albatross round his neck.
The MAGA crowd in the US still love Trump because they subscribe to some (often reality bending) views that he would’ve been much better in office if the deep state hadn’t stopped him (or he was just genuinely amazing and did nothing wrong at all ever). Boris attracts nothing near that level of adoration.
Boris as Leader, Farage as Deputy would the be Brexit right's ideal
I’m semi serious. For all its admirable growth and tech prowess, America is seriously fucked in weirdly different and multiple ways. Tipping culture is one
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
Me in 2017 on David Davis
‘He’s useless. He’s absolutely useless. He’s as useless as a marzipan dildo.’
I’m semi serious. For all its admirable growth and tech prowess, America is seriously fucked in weirdly different and multiple ways. Tipping culture is one
I always struggle with tipping culture in the states. Its just so alien. Its not dissimilar to members of the British Civil Service getting a gong for DOING THEIR JOB. Oy - waiter - have some extra money for doing your job...
On topic, since when has saying you don’t want someone’s money been a “threat”? Politicians have turned down donations for decades, and Trump’s not going to be taking money from Democrat donors or the Kochs, who have been bankrolling Haley so far.
I’m semi serious. For all its admirable growth and tech prowess, America is seriously fucked in weirdly different and multiple ways. Tipping culture is one
I always struggle with tipping culture in the states. Its just so alien. Its not dissimilar to members of the British Civil Service getting a gong for DOING THEIR JOB. Oy - waiter - have some extra money for doing your job...
Tipping culture was always a bit crazy in the USA but in recent years it has spiraled out of control
See here:
“20% is minimum”
“People tipping for a takeaway coffee”
When I was in Colorado last year I got into a big debate about this and some of the younger people said they felt pressure to leave 25 or 30% tips.
On topic, since when has saying you don’t want someone’s money been a “threat”? Politicians have turned down donations for decades, and Trump’s not going to be taking money from Democrat donors or the Kochs, who have been bankrolling Haley so far.
This is one of those occasions in which it helps if you can read.
Why is “nun’s piss” considered “weak”? That seems baselessly anti-nun
Perhaps nuns are particularly well hydrated?
That does seem to be the implication, but I see no evidence for it - nuns buying lots of mineral water, queues of nuns at water fountains, nuns jogging as they constantly sip from trendy hydration bottles. You don’t really see that do you. So it’s baseless prejudice from Sturgeon
It also implies that she has personally tested the urine of multiple religious orders for “weakness” - vicars, imams, abbots, rabbis, hermits, as well as nuns, so as to be able to make this statement - which is surely outside her remit as Scottish First Minister
#moreresearchneeded
probably an IgNobel in it for the intrepid researcher willing to take the piss
Every time I think the US Republicans can sink no lower,,, they manage to plumb the depths. Right now, they're on the bottom of the ocean with the whale shit.
Ruy Teixeira has an answer: "But there was a catch. After he clinched the nomination, he felt it was necessary to incorporate the views of the party’s left into his campaign’s policy stances and outlook. Usually, candidates try to move toward the center ahead of a general election campaign. But Biden did the reverse. He formed six “unity task forces” jointly coordinated by Biden and Sanders campaign figures, covering climate change, criminal justice reform, the economy, education, health care and immigration." https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/03/trump-biden-again-2024-repeat-stuck/
Unfortunately for Biden, those Sanders people and policies do not appeal to majorities in the US, just as Corbyn people and policies do not appeal to majorities in the UK.
(Sanders has damaged the US and the Democratic Party, but has done very well for himself; he's a millionaire, and now owns three houses.
He describes himself as a democratic socialist, but I think it fair to conclude that a man who honeymooned in the old Soviet Union thinks the second far more important than the first.)
Let me see if I understand your argument here. The policies that Biden talked about in 2020, where he won the election, were unpopular because we see that his polling now, after governing for four years and not enacting the policies he campaigned on (such as wiping out student debt or making the child tax credit which more than halved child poverty permanent), has gone down? And that it isn't because those actually popular policies were defeated by Democratic infighting and annoyances like Kyrsten Sinema and Jo Manchin and made it therefore look like the Democratic party couldn't actually legislate to make people's lives better? That the reason one of the biggest demographics who voted for Joe Biden, college graduates, have seen such a large drop in support is not because of the lack of student debt relief but because they think Sanders is too left wing? The most popular currently elected politician, Bernie Sanders, is dragging Joe Biden's numbers down?
(although I'm sure one of our posters (now more a lurker) would agree, given on his own admission he was a teacher thirty years and never did any work. But then, he worked in a rather different era with easier exams and limited OFSTED.)
Every time I think the US Republicans can sink no lower,,, they manage to plumb the depths. Right now, they're on the bottom of the ocean with the whale shit.
Meh. Call me back when there's a story about cow tipping on the moon.
Cow tipping is 6x easier on the moon!
(But you’ll need to get a bovine space suit designed, and it’s one hell of a lot of weight to get there).
Edit: oh, and a ‘pat’ disposal system designed, that be the bigger issue!
Interesting that - they're lighter, but so are you, so is it actually any easier to exert the required force? Easier if you were anchored down, of course...
Lab 43, Con 29, LD 10, Reform 8, Green 4, SNP 3, Other 4
Quite a lot of copium in the replies of the "only a 14% lead" variety.
Hopium more like...
Genuinely think the run up to the election are going to be fascinating (grim too). Logic says there won't be swingback - Tories are more widely detested in the nation than Edmund Blackadder, they have a track record of 14 years of not exactly stellar success to defend, the key plank of Brexit is widely seen as a mistake and everyone feels skint.
And yet.
So far Starmer having cleaned the Augean Stables of the Labour left has had very little scrutiny in terms of answers to the big questions. We pay huge amounts of tax yet services are shit. We are getting older and sicker and need more care - how do we pay for it and who will do it? Do we need an army and does it need to be bigger and better in case Gilead genuinely occurs and withdraws from Nato? How do you grow economies in 2024? Should we aim to rejoin the EU or is moving closer enough? Should we ban pineapple on pizza?
(Okay the last is obvious).
So whatever the leads are now is unlikely to be what we see on polling day. Twas ever thus. But it is going to be fascinating.
(although I'm sure one of our posters (now more a lurker) would agree, given on his own admission he was a teacher thirty years and never did any work. But then, he worked in a rather different era with easier exams and limited OFSTED.)
I'll have you know I prepared the odd lesson at home, and God knows they were odd!!
Lab 43, Con 29, LD 10, Reform 8, Green 4, SNP 3, Other 4
Quite a lot of copium in the replies of the "only a 14% lead" variety.
Hopium more like...
Genuinely think the run up to the election are going to be fascinating (grim too). Logic says there won't be swingback - Tories are more widely detested in the nation than Edmund Blackadder, they have a track record of 14 years of not exactly stellar success to defend, the key plank of Brexit is widely seen as a mistake and everyone feels skint.
And yet.
So far Starmer having cleaned the Augean Stables of the Labour left has had very little scrutiny in terms of answers to the big questions. We pay huge amounts of tax yet services are shit. We are getting older and sicker and need more care - how do we pay for it and who will do it? Do we need an army and does it need to be bigger and better in case Gilead genuinely occurs and withdraws from Nato? How do you grow economies in 2024? Should we aim to rejoin the EU or is moving closer enough? Should we ban pineapple on pizza?
(Okay the last is obvious).
Indeed.
The only question on the last one is,should people who violate the ban be executed or merely forced to wear TSE's shoes for three days?
(although I'm sure one of our posters (now more a lurker) would agree, given on his own admission he was a teacher thirty years and never did any work. But then, he worked in a rather different era with easier exams and limited OFSTED.)
I was recently promoted and received my new contract with its laughable minimum hours and agreeing to do what ever is needed to get the job done. My wife considers it illegal.
That said teaching is a tough job because we have all BEEN taught and just imaged that teachers went home when we did and had all the holidays off etc. Its not unlike how most people regard Uni academics "so you get three months off for the summer then?"
Its an argument you will never win, and I suspect some of the older teachers, once they had cracked it, probably did have a fairly easy run at life. But not now, I suspect. Too many league tables to find data for.
Every time I think the US Republicans can sink no lower,,, they manage to plumb the depths. Right now, they're on the bottom of the ocean with the whale shit.
Lab 43, Con 29, LD 10, Reform 8, Green 4, SNP 3, Other 4
Quite a lot of copium in the replies of the "only a 14% lead" variety.
Hopium more like...
Genuinely think the run up to the election are going to be fascinating (grim too). Logic says there won't be swingback - Tories are more widely detested in the nation than Edmund Blackadder, they have a track record of 14 years of not exactly stellar success to defend, the key plank of Brexit is widely seen as a mistake and everyone feels skint.
And yet.
So far Starmer having cleaned the Augean Stables of the Labour left has had very little scrutiny in terms of answers to the big questions. We pay huge amounts of tax yet services are shit. We are getting older and sicker and need more care - how do we pay for it and who will do it? Do we need an army and does it need to be bigger and better in case Gilead genuinely occurs and withdraws from Nato? How do you grow economies in 2024? Should we aim to rejoin the EU or is moving closer enough? Should we ban pineapple on pizza?
(Okay the last is obvious).
Indeed.
The only question on the last one is,should people who violate the ban be executed or merely forced to wear TSE's shoes for three days?
Or executed by pineapple pizza (not sure how that works, but someone will find a way).
This could seriously kick off in the next few days.
It’s not yet c***l w*r, but it’s getting damn close.
Biden’s Army are wanting to dismantle Abbott’s Army’s border fence, to allow illegal immigarants into the US - and the Supreme Court are so far siding with Biden.
(although I'm sure one of our posters (now more a lurker) would agree, given on his own admission he was a teacher thirty years and never did any work. But then, he worked in a rather different era with easier exams and limited OFSTED.)
I was recently promoted and received my new contract with its laughable minimum hours and agreeing to do what ever is needed to get the job done. My wife considers it illegal.
That said teaching is a tough job because we have all BEEN taught and just imaged that teachers went home when we did and had all the holidays off etc. Its not unlike how most people regard Uni academics "so you get three months off for the summer then?"
Its an argument you will never win, and I suspect some of the older teachers, once they had cracked it, probably did have a fairly easy run at life. But not now, I suspect. Too many league tables to find data for.
As a private tutor, I find I work more hours on planning than I ever did as a teacher. Because, of course, not only do I have to have individual lessons for each client but they have to cover a lot more content.
Equally, I quite enjoy planning and marking is now much easier.
Every time I think the US Republicans can sink no lower,,, they manage to plumb the depths. Right now, they're on the bottom of the ocean with the whale shit.
So they've risen slightly?
Whale shit is actually a valuable part of the ocean ecosystem. It is believed that the recovery of some whale populations is having a massive effect - removing whole "desert" areas in the ocean.
US Republicans are not a valuable part of any ecosystem.
This could seriously kick off in the next few days.
It’s not yet c***l w*r, but it’s getting damn close.
Biden’s Army are wanting to dismantle Abbott’s Army’s border fence, to allow illegal immigarants into the US - and the Supreme Court are so far siding with Biden.
If they side against Trump over the 14th, that lunch I share with @Peter_the_Punter will be the sweetest meal I ever had. Even though I'll be paying for it.
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
(although I'm sure one of our posters (now more a lurker) would agree, given on his own admission he was a teacher thirty years and never did any work. But then, he worked in a rather different era with easier exams and limited OFSTED.)
This could seriously kick off in the next few days.
It’s not yet c***l w*r, but it’s getting damn close.
Biden’s Army are wanting to dismantle Abbott’s Army’s border fence, to allow illegal immigarants into the US - and the Supreme Court are so far siding with Biden.
Er, isn’t this exactly what I predicted a few days ago?
That the illlegal immigration problem, if it continues and worsens, will end with violence and gunfire - especially on the southern US border where there are so many guns and a fairly ornery citizenry
I was scorned for being some kind of Fash-adjacent provocateur, imagining things that could never happen
Why is “nun’s piss” considered “weak”? That seems baselessly anti-nun
Perhaps nuns are particularly well hydrated?
That does seem to be the implication, but I see no evidence for it - nuns buying lots of mineral water, queues of nuns at water fountains, nuns jogging as they constantly sip from trendy hydration bottles. You don’t really see that do you. So it’s baseless prejudice from Sturgeon
It also implies that she has personally tested the urine of multiple religious orders for “weakness” - vicars, imams, abbots, rabbis, hermits, as well as nuns, so as to be able to make this statement - which is surely outside her remit as Scottish First Minister
#moreresearchneeded
probably an IgNobel in it for the intrepid researcher willing to take the piss
It could, of course, be a reference to the relative strength of the stream ?
When I read @Sean_F 's comment about whale shit, I'm reminded of some of the famously acid reports my Head of Sixth used to write. (For context, he was a geographer.)
'This student appears to be bad at geography. He has yet to find a quick route to my classroom.'
'Your daughter has reached rock bottom. She is now drilling.'
'I am told you have mapped out your son's future. This is a good thing, because his efforts in geography suggest he is incapable of mapping anything himself.'
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
Trump has evidently planned with his lawyers to take the piss out of his current trial proceedings.
https://twitter.com/innercitypress/status/1750558802515018067 Carroll's lawyer: They want to put in new exhibits. DX 100, a text, 101, 23 and 97. We object. Judge Kaplan: Who's going to address this for Mr. Trump? Madaio: I will. 101 is already in evidence. The other is a text - Judge Kaplan: I'm only ask for a number Judge Kaplan: You have had these documents a long time, true? Madaio: We intend to use it to impeach - Judge Kaplan: To impeach your own witness? Madaio: She's an adverse party..
Mitt Romney: “I think the border is a very important issue for Donald Trump. And the fact that he would communicate to Republican senators and congresspeople that he doesn't want us to solve the border problem because he wants to blame Biden for it is is really appalling." https://twitter.com/mkraju/status/1750549690221752806
I’m semi serious. For all its admirable growth and tech prowess, America is seriously fucked in weirdly different and multiple ways. Tipping culture is one
I always struggle with tipping culture in the states. Its just so alien. Its not dissimilar to members of the British Civil Service getting a gong for DOING THEIR JOB. Oy - waiter - have some extra money for doing your job...
Australians and New Zealanders generally don’t tip, or, when they do, do so very sparingly. They get into difficulties in the US.
“As the Biden administration fails miserably to secure the southern border, Americans and our communities are paying the price. @GregAbbott_TX deserves our thanks for taking action to stop illegal crossings and disrupt drug and human trafficking.
This could seriously kick off in the next few days.
It’s not yet c***l w*r, but it’s getting damn close.
Biden’s Army are wanting to dismantle Abbott’s Army’s border fence, to allow illegal immigarants into the US - and the Supreme Court are so far siding with Biden.
Er, isn’t this exactly what I predicted a few days ago?
That the illlegal immigration problem, if it continues and worsens, will end with violence and gunfire - especially on the southern US border where there are so many guns and a fairly ornery citizenry
I was scorned for being some kind of Fash-adjacent provocateur, imagining things that could never happen
Here we are, a week later
You and I both, this one’s been brewing for a few days.
Also, have people here discussed Texas essentially arguing that they have the right to declare war on immigrants independent from the federal government? It isn't quite a secessionist move, but it's not not one.
It was discussed briefly yesterday.
Putin must be lapping this stuff up.
Then why doesn't the federal government protect the border? Are they in Putin's pocket?
"AlphaTauri becomes Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team for 2024"
The commentators are going to call them “RB2”, and there’s Jack that the sponsors can do about it.
(There’s actually some organisational changes, which could well attract serious scrutiny. Two teams sharing a lot of facilities, supposedly with Chinese Walls, and the second team working much more like the Haas/Ferrari relationship).
“As the Biden administration fails miserably to secure the southern border, Americans and our communities are paying the price. @GregAbbott_TX deserves our thanks for taking action to stop illegal crossings and disrupt drug and human trafficking.
“As the Biden administration fails miserably to secure the southern border, Americans and our communities are paying the price. @GregAbbott_TX deserves our thanks for taking action to stop illegal crossings and disrupt drug and human trafficking.
it is uncannily like the prelude to the First American Civil war. Ostensibly it is states rights v Fed rights, but underlying it is a deeper issue about who is and can be a full American citizen
The bad guy in me wants it all to kick off for the Bantz. It will be majestic entertainment. I also think it is pretty bad news for Biden, his polling on this issue is already through the floor
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
I read that earlier on what looked like a parody account
While you're on Isam could you recall those two troll flags you gave me yesterday in ten minute succession for my support for the banning of Zombie knives. Particularly as 24 hours later Chris Philp declared the banning of Zombie knives Government ( your Government) policy. Thanks. Pete.
No problem. I didn’t say banning them was a good or bad thing but, always on the front foot to get on my nerves, you felt the need to start trying to make an argument about it
Actually, the dig at St Keir was his writing exclusively for the paper he said he wouldn’t give interviews to during his leadership election campaign
So unflag me. I don't flag you. My point was a serious one, now agreed by HMG.
You bellyache about how hard done by, you are on here, and then you behave like that. Please unflag.
“As the Biden administration fails miserably to secure the southern border, Americans and our communities are paying the price. @GregAbbott_TX deserves our thanks for taking action to stop illegal crossings and disrupt drug and human trafficking.
“As the Biden administration fails miserably to secure the southern border, Americans and our communities are paying the price. @GregAbbott_TX deserves our thanks for taking action to stop illegal crossings and disrupt drug and human trafficking.
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
I read that earlier on what looked like a parody account
While you're on Isam could you recall those two troll flags you gave me yesterday in ten minute succession for my support for the banning of Zombie knives. Particularly as 24 hours later Chris Philp declared the banning of Zombie knives Government ( your Government) policy. Thanks. Pete.
No problem. I didn’t say banning them was a good or bad thing but, always on the front foot to get on my nerves, you felt the need to start trying to make an argument about it
Actually, the dig at St Keir was his writing exclusively for the paper he said he wouldn’t give interviews to during his leadership election campaign
So unflag me. I don't flag you. My point was a serious one, now agreed by HMG.
You bellyache about how hard done by, you are on here, and then you behave like that. Please unflag.
There's no need to flag me, because I don't constantly try to start arguments with the same person every day, plus I try to actually read what people are saying before jumping in.
I linked to St Keir's piece about Zombie knives in The Sun. I didn't say he was wrong or right in what he said at all. You decided to try and start an argument about something I hadn't said, because you always do. I couldn't be bothered with it, so flagged you as a troll. No big deal really
BMA advise consultants have rejected the government pay offer
Apparently it was just 51% who voted against accepting the offer. Further strike action might happen but a ballot on that given that percentage might not receive a majority .
Lab 43, Con 29, LD 10, Reform 8, Green 4, SNP 3, Other 4
Quite a lot of copium in the replies of the "only a 14% lead" variety.
It may be a way off happening, but there would be utter panic in Labour ranks if a poll has both Labour and the Tories in the thirties....
Survation is the most likely. It's been close and I thought we might see one this spring. Looks less likely at the moment but things do change.
The thing that will get the Telegraph et al very excited will be if the gap goes below the total RefUK vote share.
It’s a lab -1 Tories +2 mere noise poll from pollster who nearly always get Con share above average. The sky poll of polls now has Con under 25.
Having said that, I’m in the camp who would not be surprised if, as soon as campaign gun is fired, Ref drifted all the way down to 2 pushing the Tories to 32 or 33 on election day.
It’s not just the same as what happened last time, it’s not also that no one here can say for certain that it won’t happen, though both those things are true - it’s that even in this crazy parliament, Spring campaign seasons have gone well for the Tories. Campaign Media pressure on Labour has squeezed their vote, the Tories have benefited from it.
During the General Election campaign we will find out if 7or8% of Ref polling is soft and hastens back to the Tories.
Once parliament is closed, the Tory party will look to many people a more appetising option during the media airtime, cut and thrust arguments, and razzle dazzle of the campaign.
Large and very late swingback to the Conservatives is very believable, looking at these double digit Ref totals.
“As the Biden administration fails miserably to secure the southern border, Americans and our communities are paying the price. @GregAbbott_TX deserves our thanks for taking action to stop illegal crossings and disrupt drug and human trafficking.
“As the Biden administration fails miserably to secure the southern border, Americans and our communities are paying the price. @GregAbbott_TX deserves our thanks for taking action to stop illegal crossings and disrupt drug and human trafficking.
Also, have people here discussed Texas essentially arguing that they have the right to declare war on immigrants independent from the federal government? It isn't quite a secessionist move, but it's not not one.
It was discussed briefly yesterday.
Putin must be lapping this stuff up.
Then why doesn't the federal government protect the border? Are they in Putin's pocket?
The Federal government does protect the border. It's why they have scooped up 100k people in the last couple of weeks.
What they have failed to do is to deter people from making the trek across the desert. And while they are doing shit now, it may well be too late.
(although I'm sure one of our posters (now more a lurker) would agree, given on his own admission he was a teacher thirty years and never did any work. But then, he worked in a rather different era with easier exams and limited OFSTED.)
On my weekends? It's at the weekend in the UK.
I suspect it's one of those Americanisms that is gradually replacing its British equivalent. To be honest, both sound correct to me, but I used to live in the US so my vocab and grammar has gone a bit mid Atlantic. Anyone in this country under 20 pretty much speaks American English with a British accent these days as far as I can tell, thanks to the influence of US streaming services.
Holidaymakers driving to Europe face queues of 15 hours or more in Kent when new rules for Britons travelling to the European Union come into force later this year.
Officials have warned that the “reasonable worst-case scenario” would result in gridlock in the county and “welfare concerns for passengers”.
Passengers will be required to register their fingerprints and picture once the new entry/exit system (EES) is launched in October.
The system, which will apply to all non-EU passport holders, had been due to launch in May, but was delayed because of IT problems.
Bosses at the Channel Tunnel have previously said they estimate that the average time for processing a car through the French border will rise from under a minute to five to seven minutes. There are also concerns about bottlenecks at the Port of Dover and Eurostar terminal in London.
Holidaymakers driving to Europe face queues of 15 hours or more in Kent when new rules for Britons travelling to the European Union come into force later this year.
Officials have warned that the “reasonable worst-case scenario” would result in gridlock in the county and “welfare concerns for passengers”.
Passengers will be required to register their fingerprints and picture once the new entry/exit system (EES) is launched in October.
The system, which will apply to all non-EU passport holders, had been due to launch in May, but was delayed because of IT problems.
Bosses at the Channel Tunnel have previously said they estimate that the average time for processing a car through the French border will rise from under a minute to five to seven minutes. There are also concerns about bottlenecks at the Port of Dover and Eurostar terminal in London.
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
I read that earlier on what looked like a parody account
While you're on Isam could you recall those two troll flags you gave me yesterday in ten minute succession for my support for the banning of Zombie knives. Particularly as 24 hours later Chris Philp declared the banning of Zombie knives Government ( your Government) policy. Thanks. Pete.
No problem. I didn’t say banning them was a good or bad thing but, always on the front foot to get on my nerves, you felt the need to start trying to make an argument about it
Actually, the dig at St Keir was his writing exclusively for the paper he said he wouldn’t give interviews to during his leadership election campaign
So unflag me. I don't flag you. My point was a serious one, now agreed by HMG.
You bellyache about how hard done by, you are on here, and then you behave like that. Please unflag.
There's no need to flag me, because I don't constantly try to start arguments with the same person every day, plus I try to actually read what people are saying before jumping in.
I linked to St Keir's piece about Zombie knives in The Sun. I didn't say he was wrong or right in what he said at all. You decided to try and start an argument about something I hadn't said, because you always do. I couldn't be bothered with it, so flagged you as a troll. No big deal really
Isn't this supposed to be a debating forum? I don't flag you because I am not a child. Sometimes you post things which outrage me, but I am not minded to flag you several times over just to piss you off.
If the standard of debate is so demeaned by randomly flagging people on this site, you can stick your site and your flags where the sun don't shine.
For the record I was making a point I agreed with Starmer (and now the Government) over.
Holidaymakers driving to Europe face queues of 15 hours or more in Kent when new rules for Britons travelling to the European Union come into force later this year.
Officials have warned that the “reasonable worst-case scenario” would result in gridlock in the county and “welfare concerns for passengers”.
Passengers will be required to register their fingerprints and picture once the new entry/exit system (EES) is launched in October.
The system, which will apply to all non-EU passport holders, had been due to launch in May, but was delayed because of IT problems.
Bosses at the Channel Tunnel have previously said they estimate that the average time for processing a car through the French border will rise from under a minute to five to seven minutes. There are also concerns about bottlenecks at the Port of Dover and Eurostar terminal in London.
At this rate it'll be easier to get a dinghy across.
The queues at St Pancras are pretty bad most times I've been.
One day before the pandemic it must have taken me 30 mins to get from the entrance of St Pancras to platform 3 to catch the train to Sheffield because of all the Eurostar passengers waiting.
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
I read that earlier on what looked like a parody account
While you're on Isam could you recall those two troll flags you gave me yesterday in ten minute succession for my support for the banning of Zombie knives. Particularly as 24 hours later Chris Philp declared the banning of Zombie knives Government ( your Government) policy. Thanks. Pete.
No problem. I didn’t say banning them was a good or bad thing but, always on the front foot to get on my nerves, you felt the need to start trying to make an argument about it
Actually, the dig at St Keir was his writing exclusively for the paper he said he wouldn’t give interviews to during his leadership election campaign
So unflag me. I don't flag you. My point was a serious one, now agreed by HMG.
You bellyache about how hard done by, you are on here, and then you behave like that. Please unflag.
There's no need to flag me, because I don't constantly try to start arguments with the same person every day, plus I try to actually read what people are saying before jumping in.
I linked to St Keir's piece about Zombie knives in The Sun. I didn't say he was wrong or right in what he said at all. You decided to try and start an argument about something I hadn't said, because you always do. I couldn't be bothered with it, so flagged you as a troll. No big deal really
Isn't this supposed to be a debating forum? I don't flag you because I am not a child. Sometimes you post things which outrage me, but I am not minded to flag you several times over just to piss you off.
If the standard of debate is so demeaned by randomly flagging people on this site, you can stick your site and your flags where the sun don't shine.
For the record I was making a point I agreed with Starmer (and now the Government) over.
Idiot.
Forgive my ignorance but what does flagging someone do and how do you know who has flagged you
As I haven't ever done it I have often wondered what it's purpose was
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
I read that earlier on what looked like a parody account
While you're on Isam could you recall those two troll flags you gave me yesterday in ten minute succession for my support for the banning of Zombie knives. Particularly as 24 hours later Chris Philp declared the banning of Zombie knives Government ( your Government) policy. Thanks. Pete.
No problem. I didn’t say banning them was a good or bad thing but, always on the front foot to get on my nerves, you felt the need to start trying to make an argument about it
Actually, the dig at St Keir was his writing exclusively for the paper he said he wouldn’t give interviews to during his leadership election campaign
So unflag me. I don't flag you. My point was a serious one, now agreed by HMG.
You bellyache about how hard done by, you are on here, and then you behave like that. Please unflag.
There's no need to flag me, because I don't constantly try to start arguments with the same person every day, plus I try to actually read what people are saying before jumping in.
I linked to St Keir's piece about Zombie knives in The Sun. I didn't say he was wrong or right in what he said at all. You decided to try and start an argument about something I hadn't said, because you always do. I couldn't be bothered with it, so flagged you as a troll. No big deal really
Isn't this supposed to be a debating forum? I don't flag you because I am not a child. Sometimes you post things which outrage me, but I am not minded to flag you several times over just to piss you off.
If the standard of debate is so demeaned by randomly flagging people on this site, you can stick your site and your flags where the sun don't shine.
For the record I was making a point I agreed with Starmer (and now the Government) over.
Idiot.
Forgive my ignorance but what does flagging someone do and how do you know who has flagged you
As I haven't ever done it I have often wondered what it's purpose was
It is supposed to flag up spammers/trolls, it sends an alert to Robert and Mike.
Robert gets quite annoyed by people who misuse that button as it not supposed to be used as a disagree button.
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
I read that earlier on what looked like a parody account
While you're on Isam could you recall those two troll flags you gave me yesterday in ten minute succession for my support for the banning of Zombie knives. Particularly as 24 hours later Chris Philp declared the banning of Zombie knives Government ( your Government) policy. Thanks. Pete.
No problem. I didn’t say banning them was a good or bad thing but, always on the front foot to get on my nerves, you felt the need to start trying to make an argument about it
Actually, the dig at St Keir was his writing exclusively for the paper he said he wouldn’t give interviews to during his leadership election campaign
So unflag me. I don't flag you. My point was a serious one, now agreed by HMG.
You bellyache about how hard done by, you are on here, and then you behave like that. Please unflag.
There's no need to flag me, because I don't constantly try to start arguments with the same person every day, plus I try to actually read what people are saying before jumping in.
I linked to St Keir's piece about Zombie knives in The Sun. I didn't say he was wrong or right in what he said at all. You decided to try and start an argument about something I hadn't said, because you always do. I couldn't be bothered with it, so flagged you as a troll. No big deal really
Isn't this supposed to be a debating forum? I don't flag you because I am not a child. Sometimes you post things which outrage me, but I am not minded to flag you several times over just to piss you off.
If the standard of debate is so demeaned by randomly flagging people on this site, you can stick your site and your flags where the sun don't shine.
For the record I was making a point I agreed with Starmer (and now the Government) over.
Idiot.
Has anyone actually been stabbed with such a knife? Or is this another moral panic?
If we are going to have a PB Panic, I need to get the tea, coffee and biscuits out. And the chairs and tables. Last time we had a panic was during COVID so everything is going to be covered in dust.
"Carol Vorderman @carolvorders · 13m · Nicola Sturgeon used the following descriptors #CovidInquiry @PoliticoForYou #Satire
Matt Hancock - "weaker than a Nun's pis*" Liz Truss - "about as much use as a Marzipan Dildo" Suella Braverman - "Shitler" Boris Johnson - "A fu*king clown"
I haven't heard of a #MarzipanDildo…"
I read that earlier on what looked like a parody account
While you're on Isam could you recall those two troll flags you gave me yesterday in ten minute succession for my support for the banning of Zombie knives. Particularly as 24 hours later Chris Philp declared the banning of Zombie knives Government ( your Government) policy. Thanks. Pete.
No problem. I didn’t say banning them was a good or bad thing but, always on the front foot to get on my nerves, you felt the need to start trying to make an argument about it
Actually, the dig at St Keir was his writing exclusively for the paper he said he wouldn’t give interviews to during his leadership election campaign
So unflag me. I don't flag you. My point was a serious one, now agreed by HMG.
You bellyache about how hard done by, you are on here, and then you behave like that. Please unflag.
There's no need to flag me, because I don't constantly try to start arguments with the same person every day, plus I try to actually read what people are saying before jumping in.
I linked to St Keir's piece about Zombie knives in The Sun. I didn't say he was wrong or right in what he said at all. You decided to try and start an argument about something I hadn't said, because you always do. I couldn't be bothered with it, so flagged you as a troll. No big deal really
Isn't this supposed to be a debating forum? I don't flag you because I am not a child. Sometimes you post things which outrage me, but I am not minded to flag you several times over just to piss you off.
If the standard of debate is so demeaned by randomly flagging people on this site, you can stick your site and your flags where the sun don't shine.
For the record I was making a point I agreed with Starmer (and now the Government) over.
Idiot.
Forgive my ignorance but what does flagging someone do and how do you know who has flagged you
As I haven't ever done it I have often wondered what it's purpose was
It is supposed to flag up spammers/trolls, it sends an alert to Robert and Mike.
Robert gets quite annoyed by people who misuse that button as it not supposed to be used as a disagree button.
Thank you for that and I can understand their annoyance of its improper use
1. Immediately reissue 2020 executive order restoring the president’s authority to remove rogue bureaucrats and wield that power “very aggressively."
2. Clean out all the corrupt actors in our national security and intelligence apparatus.
3. Totally reform FISA courts.
4. Establish a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” to declassify and publish all documents on the deep state’s spying, censorship, and corruption.
5. Launch a major crackdown on government leakers who collude with “fake news to deliberately weave false narratives and subvert our government and democracy.”
6. Make every inspector general’s office independent and physically separated from the departments they oversee.
7. Ask Congress to establish an independent auditing system to continually monitor our intelligence agencies.
8. Continue the effort launched by the Trump administration to move parts of the federal bureaucracy to new locations outside the “Washington Swamp.”
9. Work to ban federal bureaucrats from taking jobs at the companies they deal with and regulate.
10. Push a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on members of Congress.
Outside of the fact that this is being proposed by Trump and therefore, of course, will mostly be used to deal with his petty grievances rather than increase scrutiny on the executive branch or Congress - these aren't all bad policies even as written. Like 1 and 5 are very questionable, and the invective about "fake news" and "Washington Swamp" are bad - but the overall idea if done in a sincere way would be a boon. A shame it will be imposed by a fascist to make the executive branch more fashy.
Some horrible and some sensible ideas in here, though like a delicious curry someone has thrown up in, kind of puts you off the whole thing.
1. Bonkers. 2. Fashy witch hunt alarm bells (also would've thought they'd be natural Trump allies having diligently read my James Ellroy). 3. Needs specifics. 4. Incoherent and bonkers. 5. A culture of leaking (if such a thing exists) is not good, however, leaking is unspokenly a necessary part of democracy. Ask Malcolm Tucker. 6. Sensible. 7. Sensible - though sounds like creating more State here. 8. 'Washington Swamp' aside, this is likely a 9. good idea anyway. 10. Very sensible and overdue. 11. Up for debate. Tend to disagree, though accept that there has defo been some safe-seat bed blocking by veteran pols.
7 + 6 is a disaster. It’s designed to put intelligence information in a less secure environment that can be compromised
“Peter Navarro...who claimed credit for devising a plan to overturn the 2020 election, was sentenced to four months behind bars Thursday morning for ignoring a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.”
Comments
I know people say it's just bad memories and standards aren't really dropping, but when I compare Morgan and Dewar to Drakeford and Sturgeon, I have an answer.
‘He’s useless. He’s absolutely useless. He’s as useless as a marzipan dildo.’
https://www2.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2017/11/30/the-last-48-hours-makes-me-content-to-keep-on-laying-david-davis-as-next-pmtory-leader/
Ruy Teixeira has an answer:
"But there was a catch. After he clinched the nomination, he felt it was necessary to incorporate the views of the party’s left into his campaign’s policy stances and outlook. Usually, candidates try to move toward the center ahead of a general election campaign. But Biden did the reverse. He formed six “unity task forces” jointly coordinated by Biden and Sanders campaign figures, covering climate change, criminal justice reform, the economy, education, health care and immigration."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/03/trump-biden-again-2024-repeat-stuck/
Unfortunately for Biden, those Sanders people and policies do not appeal to majorities in the US, just as Corbyn people and policies do not appeal to majorities in the UK.
(Sanders has damaged the US and the Democratic Party, but has done very well for himself; he's a millionaire, and now owns three houses.
He describes himself as a democratic socialist, but I think it fair to conclude that a man who honeymooned in the old Soviet Union thinks the second far more important than the first.)
But he hasn't. And ultimately therefore for all our sakes if Trump is the candidate he has to win.
Indeed, arguably for the sake of the Republican Party he has to win - not that they deserve help.
Does this make her a Scotch expert?
https://twitter.com/Savanta_UK/status/1750473600119795815
Lab 43, Con 29, LD 10, Reform 8, Green 4, SNP 3, Other 4
Quite a lot of copium in the replies of the "only a 14% lead" variety.
Anyone who supports Trump is an enemy of Ukraine and utter scum .
“a 100% automated store just asked me to tip. who am I tipping, a robot???”
https://x.com/armanddoma/status/1748447720262480326?s=61&t=GGp3Vs1t1kTWDiyA-odnZg
I’m semi serious. For all its admirable growth and tech prowess, America is seriously fucked in weirdly different and multiple ways. Tipping culture is one
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/01/what-brett-kavanaugh-supreme-court.html
See here:
“20% is minimum”
“People tipping for a takeaway coffee”
When I was in Colorado last year I got into a big debate about this and some of the younger people said they felt pressure to leave 25 or 30% tips.
THIRTY FECKING PERCENT
https://www.cnbc.com/select/new-tipping-culture-money-experts-weigh-in/
I have also been seriously pressured to tip at a breakfast buffet when literally no one did anything directly for me
(But you’ll need to get a bovine space suit designed, and it’s one hell of a lot of weight to get there).
Edit: oh, and a ‘pat’ disposal system designed, that be the bigger issue!
probably an IgNobel in it for the intrepid researcher willing to take the piss
My year 11s were astonished to find out that I plan my own revision lessons for them on my weekends/evenings.
One of them said to me “miss, no disrespect, your lessons are amazing, but if you’re doing this much, you need to re-evaluate your life.”
Oh, the joys of teaching😂🫠
https://twitter.com/hkateaching/status/1749573648678101319
(although I'm sure one of our posters (now more a lurker) would agree, given on his own admission he was a teacher thirty years and never did any work. But then, he worked in a rather different era with easier exams and limited OFSTED.)
And yet.
So far Starmer having cleaned the Augean Stables of the Labour left has had very little scrutiny in terms of answers to the big questions. We pay huge amounts of tax yet services are shit. We are getting older and sicker and need more care - how do we pay for it and who will do it? Do we need an army and does it need to be bigger and better in case Gilead genuinely occurs and withdraws from Nato? How do you grow economies in 2024? Should we aim to rejoin the EU or is moving closer enough? Should we ban pineapple on pizza?
(Okay the last is obvious).
So whatever the leads are now is unlikely to be what we see on polling day. Twas ever thus. But it is going to be fascinating.
https://x.com/betoorourke/status/1750283034799026532
The only question on the last one is,should people who violate the ban be executed or merely forced to wear TSE's shoes for three days?
That said teaching is a tough job because we have all BEEN taught and just imaged that teachers went home when we did and had all the holidays off etc. Its not unlike how most people regard Uni academics "so you get three months off for the summer then?"
Its an argument you will never win, and I suspect some of the older teachers, once they had cracked it, probably did have a fairly easy run at life. But not now, I suspect. Too many league tables to find data for.
It’s not yet c***l w*r, but it’s getting damn close.
Biden’s Army are wanting to dismantle Abbott’s Army’s border fence, to allow illegal immigarants into the US - and the Supreme Court are so far siding with Biden.
Equally, I quite enjoy planning and marking is now much easier.
US Republicans are not a valuable part of any ecosystem.
That the illlegal immigration problem, if it continues and worsens, will end with violence and gunfire - especially on the southern US border where there are so many guns and a fairly ornery citizenry
I was scorned for being some kind of Fash-adjacent provocateur, imagining things that could never happen
Here we are, a week later
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD79NZroV88
'This student appears to be bad at geography. He has yet to find a quick route to my classroom.'
'Your daughter has reached rock bottom. She is now drilling.'
'I am told you have mapped out your son's future. This is a good thing, because his efforts in geography suggest he is incapable of mapping anything himself.'
https://twitter.com/innercitypress/status/1750558802515018067
Carroll's lawyer: They want to put in new exhibits. DX 100, a text, 101, 23 and 97. We object.
Judge Kaplan: Who's going to address this for Mr. Trump?
Madaio: I will. 101 is already in evidence. The other is a text -
Judge Kaplan: I'm only ask for a number
Judge Kaplan: You have had these documents a long time, true?
Madaio: We intend to use it to impeach -
Judge Kaplan: To impeach your own witness?
Madaio: She's an adverse party..
Lots of red states are officially siding with Texas against the Federal Govt. Louisiana Governor:
“Louisiana stands with Texas.
Enough is enough.“
https://x.com/lagovjefflandry/status/1750542184292467023?s=61&t=GGp3Vs1t1kTWDiyA-odnZg
"AlphaTauri becomes Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team for 2024"
https://twitter.com/mkraju/status/1750549690221752806
“As the Biden administration fails miserably to secure the southern border, Americans and our communities are paying the price. @GregAbbott_TX deserves our thanks for taking action to stop illegal crossings and disrupt drug and human trafficking.
North Dakota stands with Texas.”
https://x.com/govdougburgum/status/1750540884439908619?s=61&t=GGp3Vs1t1kTWDiyA-odnZg
The thing that will get the Telegraph et al very excited will be if the gap goes below the total RefUK vote share.
https://thehill.com/business/4428612-economic-growth-crushes-expectations-to-close-out-strong-2023/
(There’s actually some organisational changes, which could well attract serious scrutiny. Two teams sharing a lot of facilities, supposedly with Chinese Walls, and the second team working much more like the Haas/Ferrari relationship).
The bad guy in me wants it all to kick off for the Bantz. It will be majestic entertainment. I also think it is pretty bad news for Biden, his polling on this issue is already through the floor
You bellyache about how hard done by, you are on here, and then you behave like that. Please unflag.
He is a grifter. The Presidency is the ultimate transactional position
You give me money. I do things for you. Any money you give to Nikki is money you might have given to me. Therefore you are the enemy
It’s without teeth though. Everyone knows he won’t turn down money from anyone or anywhere
I linked to St Keir's piece about Zombie knives in The Sun. I didn't say he was wrong or right in what he said at all. You decided to try and start an argument about something I hadn't said, because you always do. I couldn't be bothered with it, so flagged you as a troll. No big deal really
The sky poll of polls now has Con under 25.
Having said that, I’m in the camp who would not be surprised if, as soon as campaign gun is fired, Ref drifted all the way down to 2 pushing the Tories to 32 or 33 on election day.
It’s not just the same as what happened last time, it’s not also that no one here can say for certain that it won’t happen, though both those things are true - it’s that even in this crazy parliament, Spring campaign seasons have gone well for the Tories. Campaign Media pressure on Labour has squeezed their vote, the Tories have benefited from it.
During the General Election campaign we will find out if 7or8% of Ref polling is soft and hastens back to the Tories.
Once parliament is closed, the Tory party will look to many people a more appetising option during the media airtime, cut and thrust arguments, and razzle dazzle of the campaign.
Large and very late swingback to the Conservatives is very believable, looking at these double digit Ref totals.
How the border could cost Biden the election
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/01/25/how-the-border-could-cost-biden-the-election
from The Economist
Lab 45%
Con 25%
Reform 10%
LD 9%
Green 6%
SNP 3%
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_next_United_Kingdom_general_election
What they have failed to do is to deter people from making the trek across the desert. And while they are doing shit now, it may well be too late.
I think this will get sorted out but the junior doctors will rumble on .
This is all bad news for Sunak who has zero chance of meeting that NHS pledge .
Holidaymakers driving to Europe face queues of 15 hours or more in Kent when new rules for Britons travelling to the European Union come into force later this year.
Officials have warned that the “reasonable worst-case scenario” would result in gridlock in the county and “welfare concerns for passengers”.
Passengers will be required to register their fingerprints and picture once the new entry/exit system (EES) is launched in October.
The system, which will apply to all non-EU passport holders, had been due to launch in May, but was delayed because of IT problems.
Bosses at the Channel Tunnel have previously said they estimate that the average time for processing a car through the French border will rise from under a minute to five to seven minutes. There are also concerns about bottlenecks at the Port of Dover and Eurostar terminal in London.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/drivers-face-15-hour-queue-at-dover-when-new-eu-checks-start-32sp28cjl
If the standard of debate is so demeaned by randomly flagging people on this site, you can stick your site and your flags where the sun don't shine.
For the record I was making a point I agreed with Starmer (and now the Government) over.
Idiot.
One day before the pandemic it must have taken me 30 mins to get from the entrance of St Pancras to platform 3 to catch the train to Sheffield because of all the Eurostar passengers waiting.
As I haven't ever done it I have often wondered what it's purpose was
Robert gets quite annoyed by people who misuse that button as it not supposed to be used as a disagree button.
If we are going to have a PB Panic, I need to get the tea, coffee and biscuits out. And the chairs and tables. Last time we had a panic was during COVID so everything is going to be covered in dust.
“Peter Navarro...who claimed credit for devising a plan to overturn the 2020 election, was sentenced to four months behind bars Thursday morning for ignoring a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/01/25/peter-navarro-sentence-contempt/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social