Of course they are not doing this for perceived political advantage.
Will it be condemned on here by those who were so opposed to Voter ID measures?
Well, I was opposed to Voter Photo ID, and I'm opposed to this.
Which is entirely reasonable - I disagree but your position is consistent in not liking change 😉
It’s the hypocritics I dislike
I don't have a strong view on the voting age question, but I think you can be consistent in both:
* disapproving of voter photo ID because it reduces the number of people who vote * approving of reducing the voting age because it increases the number of people who vote
I think I would file changing the voting age in the same bucket as the assisted dying bill: probably on balance reasonable, but I would really rather the government kept its focus on more important things. At least this one was in the manifesto...
TBH I'd far rather they sorted out the fiasco that is photo ID. If you can't be trusted to drive a car at 16 why should you be trusted to vote?
I see votes at 16 as an opportunity. Voting like many things is a learnt activity and allowing it while at school means it can be brought in with other learning. The age threshold is otherwise arbitrary with no right or wrong whether it's 16 or 18.
Votes at 16 do seem to get strong pushback on here, but in Scotland we do already have votes at 16 with no controversy at all.
Not just on here, it was the most unpopular policy in Labour's manifesto by quite some margin:
So I've been away a couple of days and national treasure Leon is now no more. I miss all the excitement.
It's like a 12 year old running around a classroom scribbling "FUCK" on a blackboard. Just too boring. I don't even read the site if I see him here. I'm sure he's attention seeking because he's lonely but there are more deserving charities this time of year
Merry Christmas Roger! Which of your mansions are you spending it at this year?
16 and 17 year old girls probably go green with the boys voting reform lol
How many will even bother voting.
I suspect anyone about to be stung in the tens of thousands for university fees might be inclined to. Which actually changes my mind. I think I'm now in favour of votes for 16 year olds.
I'm still vaguely tempted by votes for anyone over the age of 6 months - but your parents exercise it for you up to the age of 16.
I doubt it makes much difference electorally, 18 year olds have a low turnout at election time and 16 year olds will likely have an even lower one.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
I'm resigned to it happening, though I don't agree with it, not least because we generally infantilise adults more now rather than empower children. But it is a pretty simple change to make, so I'm not surprised it would be done quickly.
Of course they are not doing this for perceived political advantage.
Will it be condemned on here by those who were so opposed to Voter ID measures?
One increases participation the other dampens it. So you can perfectly well support one and not the other with a straight face and an unblemished heart.
Are we talking about the gate Keepers scene in the Scottish play or something else?
I doubt it makes much difference electorally, 18 year olds have a low turnout at election time and 16 year olds will likely have an even lower one.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
If they are enfranchised, they are at least able to influence this state of affairs. Perhaps some party might see votes among the new franchisees in lowering the drinking age.
It’s not up to them. It’s up to people on random bulletin boards.
Hah
If Trump offered the UK American statehood, and we were allowed to swerve American gun law, avoid the American healthcare system, and find some compromise over the monarchy where we get to keep it but they don't have to adopt it, I would absolutely say Yes
Probably I'm alone in PB. on that
I will never get over the propensity of the rich to be patriotic to every country but their own. What was the point of Brexit if the first thing you do is to kneel to another country? First it was CANZUK, now it's USA.
There's a sense in which CANZ and the USA are not really foreign but part of Greater Britain.
Yes. And that sense was "we used to be close in the past but aren't any more". There is a difference between alliances and identities, and the British aren't American, Canadian, whatevs. May and Goodhart were correct about "citizens of nowhere", but since when was being right an advantage in politics?
On the other hand, the growth of the internet means that we have never been closer. We share memes on social media and are part of the same political conversation. In addition the rise of China means that we will inevitably be pushed closer together geopolitically as well.
The UK becoming part of the USA would guarantee 70 or so electoral college votes for the Democrats. Let's do it!
Would have kept Trump out. I think I'd give up our sovereignty for that. Just as a temporary emergency measure you understand.
No, Trump would still have won 312 to 296 for Harris even with 70 UK EC votes. It would have needed Canada or Australia/NZ too to defeat him
16 and 17 year old girls probably go green with the boys voting reform lol
How many will even bother voting.
I suspect anyone about to be stung in the tens of thousands for university fees might be inclined to. Which actually changes my mind. I think I'm now in favour of votes for 16 year olds.
I'm still vaguely tempted by votes for anyone over the age of 6 months - but your parents exercise it for you up to the age of 16.
My 16 year old daughter was one of the best canvassers on my team for Better Together. She’s now a newly qualified lawyer funnily enough.
It’s not up to them. It’s up to people on random bulletin boards.
Hah
If Trump offered the UK American statehood, and we were allowed to swerve American gun law, avoid the American healthcare system, and find some compromise over the monarchy where we get to keep it but they don't have to adopt it, I would absolutely say Yes
Probably I'm alone in PB. on that
I will never get over the propensity of the rich to be patriotic to every country but their own. What was the point of Brexit if the first thing you do is to kneel to another country? First it was CANZUK, now it's USA.
There's a sense in which CANZ and the USA are not really foreign but part of Greater Britain.
Yes. And that sense was "we used to be close in the past but aren't any more". There is a difference between alliances and identities, and the British aren't American, Canadian, whatevs. May and Goodhart were correct about "citizens of nowhere", but since when was being right an advantage in politics?
On the other hand, the growth of the internet means that we have never been closer. We share memes on social media and are part of the same political conversation. In addition the rise of China means that we will inevitably be pushed closer together geopolitically as well.
The UK becoming part of the USA would guarantee 70 or so electoral college votes for the Democrats. Let's do it!
Would have kept Trump out. I think I'd give up our sovereignty for that. Just as a temporary emergency measure you understand.
No, Trump would still have won 312 to 296 for Harris even with 70 UK EC votes. It would have needed Canada or Australia/NZ too to defeat him
Not quite correct. The other votes would be redistributed by population so that 312 would reduce.
It would in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland create three small states that would be very left wing, reducing the bias in the Electoral College.
Assuming there were eight senators for the Dems, as well, that would shake up the Senate.
Of course they are not doing this for perceived political advantage.
Will it be condemned on here by those who were so opposed to Voter ID measures?
Well, I was opposed to Voter Photo ID, and I'm opposed to this.
Which is entirely reasonable - I disagree but your position is consistent in not liking change 😉
It’s the hypocritics I dislike
I don't have a strong view on the voting age question, but I think you can be consistent in both:
* disapproving of voter photo ID because it reduces the number of people who vote * approving of reducing the voting age because it increases the number of people who vote
I think I would file changing the voting age in the same bucket as the assisted dying bill: probably on balance reasonable, but I would really rather the government kept its focus on more important things. At least this one was in the manifesto...
TBH I'd far rather they sorted out the fiasco that is photo ID. If you can't be trusted to drive a car at 16 why should you be trusted to vote?
I see votes at 16 as an opportunity. Voting like many things is a learnt activity and allowing it while at school means it can be brought in with other learning. The age threshold is otherwise arbitrary with no right or wrong whether it's 16 or 18.
Votes at 16 do seem to get strong pushback on here, but in Scotland we do already have votes at 16 with no controversy at all.
Not just on here, it was the most unpopular policy in Labour's manifesto by quite some margin:
Indeed. It is completely baffling that an arbitrary age limit should generate such a visceral reaction, especially when we already have voting at 16 in Scotland and no-one gives it a second thought.
Of course they are not doing this for perceived political advantage.
Will it be condemned on here by those who were so opposed to Voter ID measures?
Well, I was opposed to Voter Photo ID, and I'm opposed to this.
Which is entirely reasonable - I disagree but your position is consistent in not liking change 😉
It’s the hypocritics I dislike
I don't have a strong view on the voting age question, but I think you can be consistent in both:
* disapproving of voter photo ID because it reduces the number of people who vote * approving of reducing the voting age because it increases the number of people who vote
I think I would file changing the voting age in the same bucket as the assisted dying bill: probably on balance reasonable, but I would really rather the government kept its focus on more important things. At least this one was in the manifesto...
TBH I'd far rather they sorted out the fiasco that is photo ID. If you can't be trusted to drive a car at 16 why should you be trusted to vote?
I see votes at 16 as an opportunity. Voting like many things is a learnt activity and allowing it while at school means it can be brought in with other learning. The age threshold is otherwise arbitrary with no right or wrong whether it's 16 or 18.
Votes at 16 do seem to get strong pushback on here, but in Scotland we do already have votes at 16 with no controversy at all.
Not just on here, it was the most unpopular policy in Labour's manifesto by quite some margin:
Indeed. It is completely baffling that an arbitrary age limit should generate such a visceral reaction, especially when we already have voting at 16 in Scotland and no-one gives it a second thought.
Absolutely. Also in Wales. Though NI seems to be 17?
So I've been away a couple of days and national treasure Leon is now no more. I miss all the excitement.
It's like a 12 year old running around a classroom scribbling "FUCK" on a blackboard. Just too boring. I don't even read the site if I see him here. I'm sure he's attention seeking because he's lonely but there are more deserving charities this time of year
Merry Christmas Roger! Which of your mansions are you spending it at this year?
Merry christmas!
I don't have a mansion or a yacht. But on the off chance you actually wanted to know-and you are one of my favourite Toryish posters-I'm going to be in the south of France in the New Year in the hope I'll be able to walk the streets without wellingtons.
My own personal view is that if you're not old enough to be punished for a crime, you're not old enough to vote.
It's all a bit more phased than that. Criminal responsibility is 10. 18-25yos are treated as adults in court, but differently in the prisons system, and 25+ is "adult" all round.
"Ministry officials noted that the government’s wider mission included the protection of Japan’s industrial base, meaning it broadly supported a deal that appeared to preserve that."
"Ministry officials noted that the government’s wider mission included the protection of Japan’s industrial base, meaning it broadly supported a deal that appeared to preserve that."
If the voting age is reduced to 16 there should also be a maximum voting age of 80.
Hang on, that's a double bubble blow to the Tories and Reform. How about we reach a compromise for anxious PBers? Reducing the franchise age to 16 for Tory/Reform voting teenagers and maximisising it to 80 just for non Tory/Reform octogenarian voters.
If the voting age is reduced to 16 there should also be a maximum voting age of 80.
Hang on, that's a double bubble blow to the Tories and Reform. How about we reach a compromise for anxious PBers? Reducing the franchise age to 16 for Tory/Reform voting teenagers and maximisising it to 80 just for non Tory/Reform octogenarian voters.
Don't. That's roughly how Salisbury shafted Gladstone over the 1884-1885 Reform Acts.
Why are the media and governing classes content to maintain the sort of polite silence that greets a great aunt's post prandial fart when Rachel 'Stagflation' Reeves' budget has now elevated bond yields beyond those seen at the height of the LDI crisis? Where are the calls for an urgent course correction? Where are the calls for Reeves to go? Where are the calls for Starmer to go?
The parallels with 2022 are glaring. Back then, Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-Budget sparked a media feeding frenzy. The BBC, politicians, and pundits spent weeks pinning the blame squarely on Truss, using the spike in bond yields as evidence of incompetence and recklessness. And yet today, when bond yields are even higher and the UK is paying the steepest premium in decades, the media is curiously silent.
So I've been away a couple of days and national treasure Leon is now no more. I miss all the excitement.
It's like a 12 year old running around a classroom scribbling "FUCK" on a blackboard. Just too boring. I don't even read the site if I see him here. I'm sure he's attention seeking because he's lonely but there are more deserving charities this time of year
Merry Christmas Roger! Which of your mansions are you spending it at this year?
Merry christmas!
I don't have a mansion or a yacht. But on the off chance you actually wanted to know-and you are one of my favourite Toryish posters-I'm going to be in the south of France in the New Year in the hope I'll be able to walk the streets without wellingtons.
How about you?
If you were there in 1814 you'd be able to walk the streets with Wellington.
My own personal view is that if you're not old enough to be punished for a crime, you're not old enough to vote.
It's all a bit more phased than that. Criminal responsibility is 10. 18-25yos are treated as adults in court, but differently in the prisons system, and 25+ is "adult" all round.
My own personal view is that if you're not old enough to be punished for a crime, you're not old enough to vote.
It's all a bit more phased than that. Criminal responsibility is 10. 18-25yos are treated as adults in court, but differently in the prisons system, and 25+ is "adult" all round.
In 2021, the sentencing council suggested changes to the treatment of under-25s. Lady Dorrian, the council’s chairwoman, said: “We understand that cognitive maturity does not develop fully until one’s mid-20s and are persuaded that there is a case for sentencing young adults under the age of 25 on a different basis to older people.”
I doubt it makes much difference electorally, 18 year olds have a low turnout at election time and 16 year olds will likely have an even lower one.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
Yep. I would suggest that the only way it would be aceptable is if we decided on a single age of adulthood for everything. So give children the vote but also allow them to serve on juries, drink, get married without parental consent, drive and serve on the front line in wars. Why should we trust them with the future of the country if we don't trust them with alcohol, cars or the fate of the accused.
The leaders of @eurofighter and #NETMA (the @NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) today signed the contract for up to 24 @ItalianAirForce Eurofighters in #Rome. The announcement comes at a strategically important time for the Eurofighter programme and follows the contract signing last Friday (20 December) for 25 Eurofighters for the Spanish Air Force. The new Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets will replace Italian Tranche 1 versions that are currently in service. https://x.com/Leonardo_live/status/1871239691758104867
I doubt it makes much difference electorally, 18 year olds have a low turnout at election time and 16 year olds will likely have an even lower one.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
Yep. I would suggest that the only way it would be aceptable is if we decided on a single age of adulthood for everything. So give children the vote but also allow them to serve on juries, drink, get married without parental consent, drive and serve on the front line in wars. Why should we trust them with the future of the country if we don't trust them with alcohol, cars or the fate of the accused.
Though with a 5 year parliament they will be 23 at the end of it, while a million older voters will have met their maker before the parliament is through.
I doubt it makes much difference electorally, 18 year olds have a low turnout at election time and 16 year olds will likely have an even lower one.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
Yep. I would suggest that the only way it would be aceptable is if we decided on a single age of adulthood for everything. So give children the vote but also allow them to serve on juries, drink, get married without parental consent, drive and serve on the front line in wars. Why should we trust them with the future of the country if we don't trust them with alcohol, cars or the fate of the accused.
Though with a 5 year parliament they will be 23 at the end of it, while a million older voters will have met their maker before the parliament is through.
I doubt it makes much difference electorally, 18 year olds have a low turnout at election time and 16 year olds will likely have an even lower one.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
Yep. I would suggest that the only way it would be aceptable is if we decided on a single age of adulthood for everything. So give children the vote but also allow them to serve on juries, drink, get married without parental consent, drive and serve on the front line in wars. Why should we trust them with the future of the country if we don't trust them with alcohol, cars or the fate of the accused.
Though with a 5 year parliament they will be 23 at the end of it, while a million older voters will have met their maker before the parliament is through.
A point that has no relevance to what I was saying.
It’s not up to them. It’s up to people on random bulletin boards.
Hah
If Trump offered the UK American statehood, and we were allowed to swerve American gun law, avoid the American healthcare system, and find some compromise over the monarchy where we get to keep it but they don't have to adopt it, I would absolutely say Yes
Probably I'm alone in PB. on that
I will never get over the propensity of the rich to be patriotic to every country but their own. What was the point of Brexit if the first thing you do is to kneel to another country? First it was CANZUK, now it's USA.
There's a sense in which CANZ and the USA are not really foreign but part of Greater Britain.
Yes. And that sense was "we used to be close in the past but aren't any more". There is a difference between alliances and identities, and the British aren't American, Canadian, whatevs. May and Goodhart were correct about "citizens of nowhere", but since when was being right an advantage in politics?
On the other hand, the growth of the internet means that we have never been closer. We share memes on social media and are part of the same political conversation. In addition the rise of China means that we will inevitably be pushed closer together geopolitically as well.
The UK becoming part of the USA would guarantee 70 or so electoral college votes for the Democrats. Let's do it!
Would have kept Trump out. I think I'd give up our sovereignty for that. Just as a temporary emergency measure you understand.
No, Trump would still have won 312 to 296 for Harris even with 70 UK EC votes. It would have needed Canada or Australia/NZ too to defeat him
Not quite correct. The other votes would be redistributed by population so that 312 would reduce.
It would in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland create three small states that would be very left wing, reducing the bias in the Electoral College.
Assuming there were eight senators for the Dems, as well, that would shake up the Senate.
Northern Ireland isn't leftwing, it is arguably more rightwing than GB on cultural matters and certainly more socially conservative than many coastal US states. Wales voted for Brexit. Scotland is more left liberal but even there its rural areas less so
I doubt it makes much difference electorally, 18 year olds have a low turnout at election time and 16 year olds will likely have an even lower one.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
Yep. I would suggest that the only way it would be aceptable is if we decided on a single age of adulthood for everything. So give children the vote but also allow them to serve on juries, drink, get married without parental consent, drive and serve on the front line in wars. Why should we trust them with the future of the country if we don't trust them with alcohol, cars or the fate of the accused.
Though with a 5 year parliament they will be 23 at the end of it, while a million older voters will have met their maker before the parliament is through.
As an innovation, maybe people should be able to leave a vote in their will that would apply at the following general election.
Mauritius is a despicable country, and any Government worth its salt would grasp this opportunity to say OK, f**k off then.
A nice country to lie on a beach at and explore with a friendly population but its government leaves a bit to be desired.
Though I once went to a wedding there with its then PM who was surrounded by security staff and spent most of the reception half asleep
Mauritius is a lovely country, peaceful, prosperous, comfortably multicultural, democratic and full of free enterprise. Indeed you could make a case for it as the most successful African economy since independence. It was impoverished then.
It's not our poodle any more which is perhaps the PB Blimps resent it so much.
Blanche's bonus Christmas cash tips total is up to £340, with a day to go. Three more people today checked that I'm working tomorrow so that they can give me my card; it's never just a card
I've also been given two boxes of biscuits, five boxes of chocolates, two bottles of wine and a pack of six bottles of beer
One very kind family gave me SIXTY QUID! I think that their lovely labrador, Puddles, who I make a fuss of every day, must have put in a good word for me
The leaders of @eurofighter and #NETMA (the @NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) today signed the contract for up to 24 @ItalianAirForce Eurofighters in #Rome. The announcement comes at a strategically important time for the Eurofighter programme and follows the contract signing last Friday (20 December) for 25 Eurofighters for the Spanish Air Force. The new Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets will replace Italian Tranche 1 versions that are currently in service. https://x.com/Leonardo_live/status/1871239691758104867
The tranche 1 Eurofighters aren't *that* old - surely their airframes are serviceable, and their avionics could be upgraded to the latest version.
There are still some Block 15 (early 80s) F-16s in use, albeit mostly for training purposes. And I believe Israel still flies some of the very earliest F-16s made.
So I've been away a couple of days and national treasure Leon is now no more. I miss all the excitement.
It's like a 12 year old running around a classroom scribbling "FUCK" on a blackboard. Just too boring. I don't even read the site if I see him here. I'm sure he's attention seeking because he's lonely but there are more deserving charities this time of year
Merry Christmas Roger! Which of your mansions are you spending it at this year?
At least leon has never supported child sodomy rapists
Blanche's bonus Christmas cash tips total is up to £340, with a day to go. Three more people today checked that I'm working tomorrow so that they can give me my card; it's never just a card
I've also been given two boxes of biscuits, five boxes of chocolates, two bottles of wine and a pack of six bottles of beer
One very kind family gave me SIXTY QUID! I think that their lovely labrador, Puddles, who I make a fuss of every day, must have put in a good word for me
We give our lovely postie a bottle of wine each year. In return, he is jolly diligent, even using his sleuthing abilities to track down for us a coffee machine that had been delivered to the wrong address (the recipient had just kept it in her hall for a fortnight).
So I've been away a couple of days and national treasure Leon is now no more. I miss all the excitement.
It's like a 12 year old running around a classroom scribbling "FUCK" on a blackboard. Just too boring. I don't even read the site if I see him here. I'm sure he's attention seeking because he's lonely but there are more deserving charities this time of year
Merry Christmas Roger! Which of your mansions are you spending it at this year?
At least leon has never supported child sodomy rapists
So I've been away a couple of days and national treasure Leon is now no more. I miss all the excitement.
It's like a 12 year old running around a classroom scribbling "FUCK" on a blackboard. Just too boring. I don't even read the site if I see him here. I'm sure he's attention seeking because he's lonely but there are more deserving charities this time of year
Merry Christmas Roger! Which of your mansions are you spending it at this year?
At least leon has never supported child sodomy rapists
How do you know?
Well he hasn't posted it here if he has, unlike roger
A niche piece. Novara Media visits Ashfield before the General Election - recommended. 25 minutes total, and I think a heavily skewed narrative. The algorithm only threw this at me now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQB_IpQY3-8
Snippets:
80+ year old Grannies ranting about immigration, and any young people won't talk to them. Novara's reporter visited from from about mid-morning to mid-afternoon to just a small area in two town centres on a weekday, when 90% of people around will be pensioners drinking tea or drifters / possibly crims, and everyone else will most likely be at work . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQB_IpQY3-8&t=617s
Novara discovers Ashfield's (imo: paper) lesser spotted Conservative Candidate (a Councillor from 25 miles away) . Rwanda will fix it ! https://youtu.be/eQB_IpQY3-8?t=536
Novara meets Jason Zadrozny (follows previous). Fair representation of his current positioning, for those who ahve never seen him performing. https://youtu.be/eQB_IpQY3-8?t=617
Novara reporter, summarising. This is OK and insightful but reflects imo the narrative Novara wish to create. It's clear to me that they have not really done their homework - like most other media I have seen reporting. https://youtu.be/eQB_IpQY3-8?t=1401
I think they came looking for a particular story of 'left behind, declining Reform constituency;. Whilst a balanced story would have also looked, for example, into the local companies growing since mining decline providing hundreds of jobs each.
I think the real warning here is how easy it is to play the electorate. Scare narratives about immigration really take route either where a) "Different colour people" presence feels overwhelming or b) "Different colour people" are hardly present, so there is no personal experience to refute the narrative. That's the wedge that RefUK, and some elements of the Tories, are trying to drive.
I wish more people understood that ChatGPT and all its brethren are exactly the same as fortune tellers or spirit mediums throughout history: they spit out generic ideas and guesses based on information you offer, and if they happen to hit pay dirt, you're a lifelong convert.
Farage at 15% is astonishing there. Scotland, Farage, it makes no sense. Mind you they do allow the orange fool to flatten and make comedy out of some acres of their country too.
Mauritius is a despicable country, and any Government worth its salt would grasp this opportunity to say OK, f**k off then.
A nice country to lie on a beach at and explore with a friendly population but its government leaves a bit to be desired.
Though I once went to a wedding there with its then PM who was surrounded by security staff and spent most of the reception half asleep
Mauritius is a lovely country, peaceful, prosperous, comfortably multicultural, democratic and full of free enterprise. Indeed you could make a case for it as the most successful African economy since independence. It was impoverished then.
It's not our poodle any more which is perhaps the PB Blimps resent it so much.
Doesn't allow Chagos Islanders independence though
I doubt it makes much difference electorally, 18 year olds have a low turnout at election time and 16 year olds will likely have an even lower one.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
Yep. I would suggest that the only way it would be aceptable is if we decided on a single age of adulthood for everything. So give children the vote but also allow them to serve on juries, drink, get married without parental consent, drive and serve on the front line in wars. Why should we trust them with the future of the country if we don't trust them with alcohol, cars or the fate of the accused.
Though with a 5 year parliament they will be 23 at the end of it, while a million older voters will have met their maker before the parliament is through.
A point that has no relevance to what I was saying.
As true as it might be, it is rather unpleasant thing to say not least because both myself and @OldKingCole have health issues and are grateful for each and every precious day
The leaders of @eurofighter and #NETMA (the @NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) today signed the contract for up to 24 @ItalianAirForce Eurofighters in #Rome. The announcement comes at a strategically important time for the Eurofighter programme and follows the contract signing last Friday (20 December) for 25 Eurofighters for the Spanish Air Force. The new Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets will replace Italian Tranche 1 versions that are currently in service. https://x.com/Leonardo_live/status/1871239691758104867
The tranche 1 Eurofighters aren't *that* old - surely their airframes are serviceable, and their avionics could be upgraded to the latest version.
There are still some Block 15 (early 80s) F-16s in use, albeit mostly for training purposes. And I believe Israel still flies some of the very earliest F-16s made.
Fundamental structural issues in the Tranche 1 prevent them receiving various upgrades. Including significant air-ground capabilities.
That one's more than a fortnight old. I'm sure Labour will be under 5% by now.
I suspect when it comes to it much of that Reform vote will hold their nose and vote for SLAB come 2026. At the least when it comes to the constituency vote.
Labour down to Brown 2010 levels? Only divide on right between Tories and Reform would see Starmer scrape home with a small majority and Opinium has the best figures for Labour of any recent poll
Mauritius is a despicable country, and any Government worth its salt would grasp this opportunity to say OK, f**k off then.
A nice country to lie on a beach at and explore with a friendly population but its government leaves a bit to be desired.
Though I once went to a wedding there with its then PM who was surrounded by security staff and spent most of the reception half asleep
Mauritius is a lovely country, peaceful, prosperous, comfortably multicultural, democratic and full of free enterprise. Indeed you could make a case for it as the most successful African economy since independence. It was impoverished then.
It's not our poodle any more which is perhaps the PB Blimps resent it so much.
I am calling them despicable over their money-grubbing entitled tactics over a territory they've never owned. It wasn't a long-term assessment of the country - in general I don't give a hoot about the place and when this snafu is over I look forward to returning to that blissful state.
Mauritius is a despicable country, and any Government worth its salt would grasp this opportunity to say OK, f**k off then.
A nice country to lie on a beach at and explore with a friendly population but its government leaves a bit to be desired.
Though I once went to a wedding there with its then PM who was surrounded by security staff and spent most of the reception half asleep
Mauritius is a lovely country, peaceful, prosperous, comfortably multicultural, democratic and full of free enterprise. Indeed you could make a case for it as the most successful African economy since independence. It was impoverished then.
It's not our poodle any more which is perhaps the PB Blimps resent it so much.
Doesn't allow Chagos Islanders independence though
Are there any real Chagos Islanders any more?
The reality is that people were pushed out over a half century ago (and sent to Mauritius or the Seychelles), and there is nowhere on the islands for them to live.
Farage at 15% is astonishing there. Scotland, Farage, it makes no sense. Mind you they do allow the orange fool to flatten and make comedy out of some acres of their country too.
Farage at 15% is astonishing there. Scotland, Farage, it makes no sense. Mind you they do allow the orange fool to flatten and make comedy out of some acres of their country too.
I think there’s a certain type of Scottish voter who would be prepared to vote for a more right wing party but who would never, ever be able to bring themselves to vote Tory, such is the incredibly deep seated distrust and aversion to the party among large swathes of Scottish society. Those are the sorts of voters I could see Reform attracting. There must be similar potential in places like Merseyside.
That one's more than a fortnight old. I'm sure Labour will be under 5% by now.
I suspect when it comes to it much of that Reform vote will hold their nose and vote for SLAB come 2026. At the least when it comes to the constituency vote.
I think what is is telling us is the SNP are finally getting their act together, and Farage continues to attrack the protest vote, though our Scots colleagues will have their own view no doubt on Labour's collapse in Scotland
That one's more than a fortnight old. I'm sure Labour will be under 5% by now.
I suspect when it comes to it much of that Reform vote will hold their nose and vote for SLAB come 2026. At the least when it comes to the constituency vote.
I think what is is telling us is the SNP are finally getting their act together, and Farage continues to attrack the protest vote, though our Scots colleagues will have their own view no doubt on Labour's collapse in Scotland
No they aren't SNP are still miles behind their 2015, 2019 and even 2017 voteshares, what is clear is that some of the nationalist Scottish vote that backed Salmond has now switched to Farage after his passing and some of the Scottish Tory vote has gone to Farage too. SLab are down to 2021 levels
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I mean, would the world be significantly worse off if Amanda Spielman, Dominic Cummings and Nick Gibb were disenfranchised?
https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/6-10-britons-think-labour-manifesto-represents-positive-change-britain
More unpopular than national service.
Which actually changes my mind. I think I'm now in favour of votes for 16 year olds.
I'm still vaguely tempted by votes for anyone over the age of 6 months - but your parents exercise it for you up to the age of 16.
Given 16 year olds cannot drive, watch an 18 film or play an 18 rated computer game, be interviewed by police without an appropriate adult present, be on a jury, buy and drink alcohol at a bar or get married without parental consent not sure why they should be entitled to vote on who their government is yet. Given 16 and 17 year olds can't stand as an MP or councillor yet not sure why they should be voting for them yet either
It would in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland create three small states that would be very left wing, reducing the bias in the Electoral College.
Assuming there were eight senators for the Dems, as well, that would shake up the Senate.
I don't have a mansion or a yacht. But on the off chance you actually wanted to know-and you are one of my favourite Toryish posters-I'm going to be in the south of France in the New Year in the hope I'll be able to walk the streets without wellingtons.
How about you?
https://www.gov.uk/age-of-criminal-responsibility
Why are the media and governing classes content to maintain the sort of polite silence that greets a great aunt's post prandial fart when Rachel 'Stagflation' Reeves' budget has now elevated bond yields beyond those seen at the height of the LDI crisis? Where are the calls for an urgent course correction? Where are the calls for Reeves to go? Where are the calls for Starmer to go?
https://conservativepost.co.uk/uk-bond-yields-soar-past-2022-crisis-levels-so-wheres-the-same-media-outrage-for-labour-that-liz-truss-faced/
I'd send a gunboat.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage_age_in_the_United_States
Mind you, they've got Sir Surrender's number. Perhaps we should thank them for highlighting what a ghastly shower his Government is.
@PolitlcsUK
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🚨 NEW: No 10 has confirmed Keir Starmer is going on first holiday abroad since taking office over the Christmas break
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Let's hope he has a proper rest and comes back refreshed.
In 2021, the sentencing council suggested changes to the treatment of under-25s. Lady Dorrian, the council’s chairwoman, said: “We understand that cognitive maturity does not develop fully until one’s mid-20s and are persuaded that there is a case for sentencing young adults under the age of 25 on a different basis to older people.”
Should we disenfranchise the under 25s?
(It's a sin.)
That or use it for a bit of nuclear testing.
https://x.com/Leonardo_live/status/1871239691758104867
Though I once went to a wedding there with its then PM who was surrounded by security staff and spent most of the reception half asleep
The last post I saw said as he is about to travel to Cornwell for xmas he will not the trouble the moderators with anymore AI whitter.
I guess he did not follow through?
(It's amazing that Moira was listed 3rd on the poster isn't it)
(You have 16 years left on average if you make it to 70).
It's not our poodle any more which is perhaps the PB Blimps resent it so much.
Blanche's bonus Christmas cash tips total is up to £340, with a day to go. Three more people today checked that I'm working tomorrow so that they can give me my card; it's never just a card
I've also been given two boxes of biscuits, five boxes of chocolates, two bottles of wine and a pack of six bottles of beer
One very kind family gave me SIXTY QUID! I think that their lovely labrador, Puddles, who I make a fuss of every day, must have put in a good word for me
There are still some Block 15 (early 80s) F-16s in use, albeit mostly for training purposes. And I believe Israel still flies some of the very earliest F-16s made.
https://x.com/ElectionMapsUK/status/1871256076584374592?t=dpRpwVLwL0yjAgeuzP17Vw&s=19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQB_IpQY3-8
Snippets:
80+ year old Grannies ranting about immigration, and any young people won't talk to them. Novara's reporter visited from from about mid-morning to mid-afternoon to just a small area in two town centres on a weekday, when 90% of people around will be pensioners drinking tea or drifters / possibly crims, and everyone else will most likely be at work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQB_IpQY3-8&t=617s
Novara discovers Ashfield's Green Voter.
https://youtu.be/eQB_IpQY3-8?t=1262
Novara discovers Ashfield's (imo: paper) lesser spotted Conservative Candidate (a Councillor from 25 miles away) . Rwanda will fix it !
https://youtu.be/eQB_IpQY3-8?t=536
Novara meets Jason Zadrozny (follows previous). Fair representation of his current positioning, for those who ahve never seen him performing.
https://youtu.be/eQB_IpQY3-8?t=617
Novara reporter, summarising. This is OK and insightful but reflects imo the narrative Novara wish to create. It's clear to me that they have not really done their homework - like most other media I have seen reporting.
https://youtu.be/eQB_IpQY3-8?t=1401
I think they came looking for a particular story of 'left behind, declining Reform constituency;. Whilst a balanced story would have also looked, for example, into the local companies growing since mining decline providing hundreds of jobs each.
I think the real warning here is how easy it is to play the electorate. Scare narratives about immigration really take route either where a) "Different colour people" presence feels overwhelming or b) "Different colour people" are hardly present, so there is no personal experience to refute the narrative. That's the wedge that RefUK, and some elements of the Tories, are trying to drive.
@ashleyesqueda.com
I wish more people understood that ChatGPT and all its brethren are exactly the same as fortune tellers or spirit mediums throughout history: they spit out generic ideas and guesses based on information you offer, and if they happen to hit pay dirt, you're a lifelong convert.
https://bsky.app/profile/ashleyesqueda.com/post/3ldygj3otre2e
I'm sure Labour will be under 5% by now.
Big gainers on that poll in Scotland are Reform up 8% to 15%. More now back Reform in Scotland than the 12% who voted UKIP UK wide in 2015
IIRC there is no plausible way round this.
Westminster Voting Intention:
LAB: 29% (=)
CON: 23% (-2)
RFM: 22% (+1)
LDM: 11% (+1)
GRN: 10% (+1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @opiniumresearch.bsky.social, 18-20 Dec.
Changes w/ 27-29 Nov.
https://bsky.app/profile/electionmaps.uk/post/3ldu3zuvkfk2c
The reality is that people were pushed out over a half century ago (and sent to Mauritius or the Seychelles), and there is nowhere on the islands for them to live.