Deal between House GOP moderates (Fitz, Kiggans, Valadao, Lawler) and House Republican leadership is breaking down.
Disagreement over the language in the amendment to extend Obamacare premium subsidies.
THE FOUR will go to rules Tues to offer amendment. If they're rejected, they will be free agents, could put JEFFRIES 3-YEAR ACA extension over the finish line
Big Phama and Big Insurance lobbyists for the win!
Maybe we could look to Trump's healthcare plan instead. It's coming up to 10 years since he promised one and we're still waiting, but any day now...
This isn’t Trump’s healthcare plan, this is the expiry of the Democrat COVID-era subsidies that Democrats want to renew. All they’ve done is shovel hundreds of billions of dollars from the federal government to insurance companies and phama.
Effectively it is about Trump's healthcare plan. Except he doesn't have one.
The GOP controls both Houses and the presidency. Trump has promised to reform US healthcare for the better for the last decade. He has yet to provide a single detail of what that might mean. So any tactical manoeuvrings, when the GOP are the party unquestionably in power, are down to them.
February 2016, that's when he first promised a plan. So, two months to go to the 10-year anniversary. Maybe he's busy working out how to get Mexico to pay for the wall first...
Healthcare reform beyond rhetoric requires some grey matter and elbow grease. It's not a Donald Trump sort of thing.
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
I simply do not accept that
As Badenoch says minimum levels of service would be required
Ultimately the country cannot be blackmailed by vested interests
Imagine if the police went on strike
Tough. You can't coerce people into working in the NHS - you have to pay them a fair wage.
NHS productivity has grown by 5%* since 2010, and their wages cut by 20%. If it were a free labour market they'd be paid much more than they are now.
*14% before 2020.
Indeed, if they don't like the wage, they're welcome to resign and let someone else fill the vacancy.
Striking is not the same as resigning.
I'd have thought a libertarian like you would have been all for the right to strike.
You are surely not saying we should legislate to limit such an individual liberty?
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
They have to pay back all their training costs even if they stay
I bought a £10 bottle of cocktail mix and had a security tag on it...
In one of my local Tescos the shopping baskets have security tags on them...
Our local supermarket's security tags have security tags on them.
Beat me to it.
Since we moved from Chesterfield to Bolsover noticed a massive increase in thd security on stuff. Shopping trolleys, meat, toiletories and anything with other than a tiny price is tagged.
Also noticed total non compliance with blue badge parking spots co.pared to Chezzy.
@viewcode, I believe you are writing a piece on sex/gender equality and discrimination. You might find this article interesting on the For Women Scotland case and the far reaching implications of the Supreme Court judgment.
Thank you for the contribution. I will read it but I don't know if I will have space to fit it it.
The article is on its sixth draft and is over 2,200 words not including the 16 appendices and the three of the four (@DavidL hasn't kicked in yet) discussants. The subheadings are:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT “FWS VS THE SCOTTISH MINISTERS”: 16APR2025
3. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND TOILETS
4. THE EHRC INTERIM GUIDANCE: APR-JUN 2025
5. THE EQUAL TREATMENT BENCH BOOK: MAY 2025 UPDATE
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
They have to pay back all their training costs even if they stay
Writing off training costs owed as a condition of staying is something that has been suggested before and seems reasonable to me.
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
If everyone who threatened to go to Oz actually sent there’d be hardly anyone left.
For many it’s just talk to try to screw more money.
One of the funniest things about PB is the idea that wage incentives only apply to people in the private sector. Endless posts about laffer curves - but when it's doctors, suddenly it's all about values and fairness.
The bigger issue in the long run isn't Australia - it's whether smart British kids even consider medicine in the first place given the pay and conditions on offer - and that's before you get to their ungrateful and entitled patients.
What’s even more funny about PB is people who reply to a comment someone makes having a dig about something that person hasn’t said and has never said. 😜
You mean like this ? ..But since this war started PB has been full of experts proclaiming the war will be over by Xmas etc..
I've said it'll be over by Xmas loads of fucking times so The Tazmeister isn't wrong.
@viewcode, I believe you are writing a piece on sex/gender equality and discrimination. You might find this article interesting on the For Women Scotland case and the far reaching implications of the Supreme Court judgment.
Thank you for the contribution. I will read it but I don't know if I will have space to fit it it.
The article is on its sixth draft and is over 2,200 words not including the 16 appendices and the three of the four (@DavidL hasn't kicked in yet) discussants. The subheadings are:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT “FWS VS THE SCOTTISH MINISTERS”: 16APR2025
3. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND TOILETS
4. THE EHRC INTERIM GUIDANCE: APR-JUN 2025
5. THE EQUAL TREATMENT BENCH BOOK: MAY 2025 UPDATE
6. KELLY AND PEGGIE DEC 2025
6B. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: 03DEC2025
7. SULLIVAN REPORT AT RSS CONFERENCE 02SEP2025
8. GLP v EHRC NOV 2025
9. THE EHRC FINAL GUIDANCE NOV 2025
10. HARWOOD AND FORAN SUBSTACKS
11. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND RIGHTS
12. SUMMARY
13. AFTERWORD
When the Peggie case first started I read he name as Sandy Pegging and I can no longer take it seriously. 🥺
@viewcode, I believe you are writing a piece on sex/gender equality and discrimination. You might find this article interesting on the For Women Scotland case and the far reaching implications of the Supreme Court judgment.
Thank you for the contribution. I will read it but I don't know if I will have space to fit it it.
The article is on its sixth draft and is over 2,200 words not including the 16 appendices and the three of the four (@DavidL hasn't kicked in yet) discussants. The subheadings are:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT “FWS VS THE SCOTTISH MINISTERS”: 16APR2025
3. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND TOILETS
4. THE EHRC INTERIM GUIDANCE: APR-JUN 2025
5. THE EQUAL TREATMENT BENCH BOOK: MAY 2025 UPDATE
6. KELLY AND PEGGIE DEC 2025
6B. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: 03DEC2025
7. SULLIVAN REPORT AT RSS CONFERENCE 02SEP2025
8. GLP v EHRC NOV 2025
9. THE EHRC FINAL GUIDANCE NOV 2025
10. HARWOOD AND FORAN SUBSTACKS
11. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND RIGHTS
12. SUMMARY
13. AFTERWORD
This paper brings up a new angle which is the impact of EU law. Did Brexit change the status of trans people, and did the SC miss this?
One of the problems with the resident doctors which previous generations of doctors did not have is student debt. They are facing a much higher rate of tax than the previous generation in the form of loan repayments and this is what is making them feel worse off.
A possible solution to this would be to introduce a form of redemption of the debt in return for commitment to the NHS. So, if you work for the NHS for 5 years as a qualified doctor say 50% of your debt is written off. This would have the effect of giving real term wage increases (because their monthly contributions would fall) but without the inflation in base salaries (and the consequential pension entitlements). We need to be a bit more innovative in seeking a resolution here.
I am extremely disappointed in the resident doctors' response but I can't say I am surprised. The proposition that the BMA has been taken over by a bunch of radicals who were not really representative of their membership has been proven to be a fantasy. If Streeting is going to be Starmer's replacement his mettle is about to be tested.
I have long thought that doctors should have their fees covered in exchange for a 10 - 15 year commitment to the NHS
Same here. And teachers.
The one method (used by some companies paying for expensive professional qualifications) would be to
- cover the interest and freeze repayment while employed. So immediate relief. - pay down the principle in accelerating schedule. That is, small in the early years, but finish off with a couple of big payments in years 6 & 7, say.
@viewcode, I believe you are writing a piece on sex/gender equality and discrimination. You might find this article interesting on the For Women Scotland case and the far reaching implications of the Supreme Court judgment.
Thank you for the contribution. I will read it but I don't know if I will have space to fit it it.
The article is on its sixth draft and is over 2,200 words not including the 16 appendices and the three of the four (@DavidL hasn't kicked in yet) discussants. The subheadings are:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT “FWS VS THE SCOTTISH MINISTERS”: 16APR2025
3. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND TOILETS
4. THE EHRC INTERIM GUIDANCE: APR-JUN 2025
5. THE EQUAL TREATMENT BENCH BOOK: MAY 2025 UPDATE
6. KELLY AND PEGGIE DEC 2025
6B. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: 03DEC2025
7. SULLIVAN REPORT AT RSS CONFERENCE 02SEP2025
8. GLP v EHRC NOV 2025
9. THE EHRC FINAL GUIDANCE NOV 2025
10. HARWOOD AND FORAN SUBSTACKS
11. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND RIGHTS
12. SUMMARY
13. AFTERWORD
When the Peggie case first started I read he name as Sandy Pegging and I can no longer take it seriously. 🥺
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
If everyone who threatened to go to Oz actually sent there’d be hardly anyone left.
For many it’s just talk to try to screw more money.
One of the funniest things about PB is the idea that wage incentives only apply to people in the private sector. Endless posts about laffer curves - but when it's doctors, suddenly it's all about values and fairness.
The bigger issue in the long run isn't Australia - it's whether smart British kids even consider medicine in the first place given the pay and conditions on offer - and that's before you get to their ungrateful and entitled patients.
What’s even more funny about PB is people who reply to a comment someone makes having a dig about something that person hasn’t said and has never said. 😜
You mean like this ? ..But since this war started PB has been full of experts proclaiming the war will be over by Xmas etc..
I've said it'll be over by Xmas loads of fucking times so The Tazmeister isn't wrong.
The original call was three days. But that wasn't a PBer, AFAIK.
What a disgraceful decision to continue with the strike . Streeting offered to extended their mandate for a strike so they could take this action in January .
Those that supported the strike should be under no illusion that they’ve destroyed any public goodwill towards them .
For those that voted to accept the offer sorry that your whole professions reputation is being trashed .
As Clare Short might have put it, "they want golden elephants."
It’s human nature.
They got 27% last time, from the same people. So they are trying to get another bite.
I bought a £10 bottle of cocktail mix and had a security tag on it...
In one of my local Tescos the shopping baskets have security tags on them...
Our local supermarket's security tags have security tags on them.
Beat me to it.
Since we moved from Chesterfield to Bolsover noticed a massive increase in thd security on stuff. Shopping trolleys, meat, toiletories and anything with other than a tiny price is tagged.
Also noticed total non compliance with blue badge parking spots co.pared to Chezzy.
Very annoying.
If you're feeling bold, do what we saw a wheelchair user in York do.
Get some A5 sticky notices printed with the glue on the printed side and stick one right in the middle of the driver's side of the windscreen. They should say something like "You shouldn't be parked here without a valid Blue Badge on display."
The stickier the glue the better - ideally the driver has to spend >10 mins scraping the sticker off before driving away.
The Economist: Do you use AI yourself? Sir Keir: Yes, I do use AI. The Economist: What for? Sir Keir: We’re using it within government for a whole bunch of roles. The Economist: But what about you personally? Are you on ChatGPT of an evening? Sir Keir: No, but my children are.
@viewcode, I believe you are writing a piece on sex/gender equality and discrimination. You might find this article interesting on the For Women Scotland case and the far reaching implications of the Supreme Court judgment.
Thank you for the contribution. I will read it but I don't know if I will have space to fit it it.
The article is on its sixth draft and is over 2,200 words not including the 16 appendices and the three of the four (@DavidL hasn't kicked in yet) discussants. The subheadings are:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT “FWS VS THE SCOTTISH MINISTERS”: 16APR2025
3. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND TOILETS
4. THE EHRC INTERIM GUIDANCE: APR-JUN 2025
5. THE EQUAL TREATMENT BENCH BOOK: MAY 2025 UPDATE
6. KELLY AND PEGGIE DEC 2025
6B. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: 03DEC2025
7. SULLIVAN REPORT AT RSS CONFERENCE 02SEP2025
8. GLP v EHRC NOV 2025
9. THE EHRC FINAL GUIDANCE NOV 2025
10. HARWOOD AND FORAN SUBSTACKS
11. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND RIGHTS
12. SUMMARY
13. AFTERWORD
At this point, I have to ask if you’ve considered publication in a more formal setting?
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
If everyone who threatened to go to Oz actually sent there’d be hardly anyone left.
For many it’s just talk to try to screw more money.
One of the funniest things about PB is the idea that wage incentives only apply to people in the private sector. Endless posts about laffer curves - but when it's doctors, suddenly it's all about values and fairness.
The bigger issue in the long run isn't Australia - it's whether smart British kids even consider medicine in the first place given the pay and conditions on offer - and that's before you get to their ungrateful and entitled patients.
What’s even more funny about PB is people who reply to a comment someone makes having a dig about something that person hasn’t said and has never said. 😜
You mean like this ? ..But since this war started PB has been full of experts proclaiming the war will be over by Xmas etc..
I've said it'll be over by Xmas loads of fucking times so The Tazmeister isn't wrong.
The original call was three days. But that wasn't a PBer, AFAIK.
The Economist: Do you use AI yourself? Sir Keir: Yes, I do use AI. The Economist: What for? Sir Keir: We’re using it within government for a whole bunch of roles. The Economist: But what about you personally? Are you on ChatGPT of an evening? Sir Keir: No, but my children are.
Well he's not going to admit to using AI to generate nudie pictures of Kemi, is he?
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
If everyone who threatened to go to Oz actually sent there’d be hardly anyone left.
For many it’s just talk to try to screw more money.
One of the funniest things about PB is the idea that wage incentives only apply to people in the private sector. Endless posts about laffer curves - but when it's doctors, suddenly it's all about values and fairness.
The bigger issue in the long run isn't Australia - it's whether smart British kids even consider medicine in the first place given the pay and conditions on offer - and that's before you get to their ungrateful and entitled patients.
What’s even more funny about PB is people who reply to a comment someone makes having a dig about something that person hasn’t said and has never said. 😜
You mean like this ? ..But since this war started PB has been full of experts proclaiming the war will be over by Xmas etc..
I've said it'll be over by Xmas loads of fucking times so The Tazmeister isn't wrong.
The original call was three days. But that wasn't a PBer, AFAIK.
@viewcode, I believe you are writing a piece on sex/gender equality and discrimination. You might find this article interesting on the For Women Scotland case and the far reaching implications of the Supreme Court judgment.
Thank you for the contribution. I will read it but I don't know if I will have space to fit it it.
The article is on its sixth draft and is over 2,200 words not including the 16 appendices and the three of the four (@DavidL hasn't kicked in yet) discussants. The subheadings are:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT “FWS VS THE SCOTTISH MINISTERS”: 16APR2025
3. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND TOILETS
4. THE EHRC INTERIM GUIDANCE: APR-JUN 2025
5. THE EQUAL TREATMENT BENCH BOOK: MAY 2025 UPDATE
6. KELLY AND PEGGIE DEC 2025
6B. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: 03DEC2025
7. SULLIVAN REPORT AT RSS CONFERENCE 02SEP2025
8. GLP v EHRC NOV 2025
9. THE EHRC FINAL GUIDANCE NOV 2025
10. HARWOOD AND FORAN SUBSTACKS
11. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND RIGHTS
12. SUMMARY
13. AFTERWORD
At this point, I have to ask if you’ve considered publication in a more formal setting?
Given the effort and peer review…
No. As mentioned previously, I have more than one job. One of them includes writing articles for various publications, albeit unpaid. I don't want to endanger that stream with this, and informal convos make me think it wouldn't be published anyway.
@ChristopherJM News: Ukrainian SBU special operation has hit a $400mn Russian submarine in Novorossiysk.
The Security Service of Ukraine conducted what it called a “unique special operation” targeting the port of Novorossiysk. “For the first time in history, underwater ‘Sub Sea Baby’ drones blew up a Russian submarine of the class 636.3 ‘Varshavyanka’ (according to NATO classification - Kilo). As a result of the explosion, the submarine suffered critical damage and was actually put out of action.”
The SBU claimed: “On board the submarine were four launchers of Kaliber cruise missiles, which the enemy uses to strike the territory of Ukraine.”
This was a joint operation of the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU and the Naval Forces of Ukraine.
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
They have to pay back all their training costs even if they stay
Writing off training costs owed as a condition of staying is something that has been suggested before and seems reasonable to me.
Lots of talk locally that Prince George will be attending his Mater’s Alma Mater, ie Marlborough College. We might see some increased security; he might be in the boarding house that I deliver to
I already deliver to good friends of theirs. He was at prep school and Eton with William, and he used to stay at her place In Edinburgh when visiting from St Andrews
They (the royal friends, not the royals) sent me a lovely card and a delicious box of chocolates after I got hit by the car. I ate all of the chocolates in one sitting; they were so good, it was worth feeling sick for an hour afterwards
Lots of talk locally that Prince George will be attending his Mater’s Alma Mater, ie Marlborough College. We might see some increased security; he might be in the boarding house that I deliver to
I already deliver to good friends of theirs. He was at prep school and Eton with William, and he used to stay at her place In Edinburgh when visiting from St Andrews
They (the royal friends, not the royals) sent me a lovely card and a delicious box of chocolates after I got hit by the car. I ate all of the chocolates in one sitting; they were so good, it was worth feeling sick for an hour afterwards
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
They have to pay back all their training costs even if they stay
Lots of talk locally that Prince George will be attending his Mater’s Alma Mater, ie Marlborough College. We might see some increased security; he might be in the boarding house that I deliver to
I already deliver to good friends of theirs. He was at prep school and Eton with William, and he used to stay at her place In Edinburgh when visiting from St Andrews
They (the royal friends, not the royals) sent me a lovely card and a delicious box of chocolates after I got hit by the car. I ate all of the chocolates in one sitting; they were so good, it was worth feeling sick for an hour afterwards
You’ll have to get him up to Devil’s End !
Is that a posh version of the Devils Arse in Castleton.
Even extreme MAGA aren't incapable of showing class at such times. James Woods, who was nominated for an Oscar for starring in Reiner's 1996 drama Ghosts of Mississippi, said he was "devastated by this terrible event".
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
@viewcode, I believe you are writing a piece on sex/gender equality and discrimination. You might find this article interesting on the For Women Scotland case and the far reaching implications of the Supreme Court judgment.
Thank you for the contribution. I will read it but I don't know if I will have space to fit it it.
The article is on its sixth draft and is over 2,200 words not including the 16 appendices and the three of the four (@DavidL hasn't kicked in yet) discussants. The subheadings are:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT “FWS VS THE SCOTTISH MINISTERS”: 16APR2025
3. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND TOILETS
4. THE EHRC INTERIM GUIDANCE: APR-JUN 2025
5. THE EQUAL TREATMENT BENCH BOOK: MAY 2025 UPDATE
6. KELLY AND PEGGIE DEC 2025
6B. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: 03DEC2025
7. SULLIVAN REPORT AT RSS CONFERENCE 02SEP2025
8. GLP v EHRC NOV 2025
9. THE EHRC FINAL GUIDANCE NOV 2025
10. HARWOOD AND FORAN SUBSTACKS
11. THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND RIGHTS
12. SUMMARY
13. AFTERWORD
You might want to look at this - but IANAE and leave it entirely to you to decide if it is any interest.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
If everyone who threatened to go to Oz actually sent there’d be hardly anyone left.
For many it’s just talk to try to screw more money.
Maybe all the doctors can hang out with the high net worth individuals who have supposedly fled high taxes.
NEW: Keir Starmer says he is "frustrated" with the number of regulations he faces
"Every time I go to pull a lever, there are a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arms-length bodies that mean the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be"
In rural Derbyshire this week where today at least has been pretty bleak with rain on and off.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) got us here and to be honest not bad at all. A very busy five coach train which was taken out of service at Derby and everyone heading on to Chesterfield and Sheffield had to switch to another train on an adjacent platform at Derby but all well organised.
We’ve discovered we can now travel direct to Lincoln and Cleethorpes from our local stop - Mrs Stodge did wonder about the attraction of a December afternoon in the latter to which I could provide no real answer.
EMR is run by Transport UK who took over the Abellio franchises in the UK a couple of years ago.
NEW: Keir Starmer says he is "frustrated" with the number of regulations he faces
"Every time I go to pull a lever, there are a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arms-length bodies that mean the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be"
You'd think they'd have worked that one out before getting into government, if they were serious. It's not as though it's some big secret.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Doctors reject government offer and strikes will go ahead
Time to bring in Badenoch promise to outlaw strikes by doctors, same as police
The NHS already has massive monopsonistic power in the UK - it's why drugs are so cheap and why NHS wages have been cut by 20% in real terms in the last 20 years. 11% of GDP v 18% in the US.
Banning strikes will turn the stream of doctors to Australia into a flood, and it's your demographic that will suffer the worst.
Comparing with US is utter bollox and if they want to go to Australia they should make sure they pay back all their traing costs and F*** off
They have to pay back all their training costs even if they stay
Not quite. They have to pay fees and pay back loans for those fees, but their fees don't cover the full cost of their training, which the government subsidises.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
NEW: Keir Starmer says he is "frustrated" with the number of regulations he faces
"Every time I go to pull a lever, there are a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arms-length bodies that mean the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be"
If only there was something he was in a position to do about it.
NEW: Keir Starmer says he is "frustrated" with the number of regulations he faces
"Every time I go to pull a lever, there are a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arms-length bodies that mean the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be"
Not that it's of any consequence, but a personal milestone today: since roughly 2012, I've been going to my kids' Christmas nativities. Reckon I've done 30-odd. Last one today - my youngest daughter leaves primary school next summer. It wasn't the most memorable of nativities, but it was pleasingly typical - the familiar words, a mixture of songs traditional and primary-school-inane, the always-incongruous desert scene in the background, the rag, tag and bobtail of kids taking part (I particularly enjoyed the king in the too-large crown which had to balance on his ears, making them stick out; and the fact that the Angel Gabriel was wearing deely boppers bearing the legend 'Ho Ho Ho'. A slight lump in the throat as I reflected on that period of my life passing on; happiness that the rituals still go on albeit with different people doing them. I'm generally not keen on religion but this is a bit of religion I'll happily allow into Christmas.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
Perhaps if Reform does achieve a majority and then falls apart, the resulting sort-of coalition government will change the voting system and then call a fresh election.
Altering the voting system without a mandate is a rather alarming precedent to set.
It’s already been set.
Holyrood - voting system set up by Lab and LDs, in a very, erm, *specific* way that I don't recall (admittedly it was a long time ago) being put in any manifesto.
Edit: No specific mandate, except in suchlike as voting at Holyrood was seen as legitimising it, as it was agreed at and implemented by Westminster.
A system of gerrymandering set up to keep Labour in power permanently, with the help of the Lib Dems, which was successful until Labour were so useless that they were deservedly kicked out.
If Holyrood had been set up with FPTP would Scotland now be independent? (of course on the dubious premise of Westminster paying any attention to repeated SNP majorities)
HYUFD would have driven his tank to Holyrood to prevent independence even if 100% of Scottish voters had voted SNP.
HYUFD is English.
His tank started to be built in 1998, and is not finished yet.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
I once did that and three days later it hadn’t been cashed. I popped in on my way home from work to ask about it and it was still in the letterbox. The teller said they only check the post sporadically !!
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
Don’t they charge for accepting cheques now? Our U3a has had to go transfers only because of the costs of banking. It’s upset some of the anti-internet members.
@ChristopherJM News: Ukrainian SBU special operation has hit a $400mn Russian submarine in Novorossiysk.
The Security Service of Ukraine conducted what it called a “unique special operation” targeting the port of Novorossiysk. “For the first time in history, underwater ‘Sub Sea Baby’ drones blew up a Russian submarine of the class 636.3 ‘Varshavyanka’ (according to NATO classification - Kilo). As a result of the explosion, the submarine suffered critical damage and was actually put out of action.”
The SBU claimed: “On board the submarine were four launchers of Kaliber cruise missiles, which the enemy uses to strike the territory of Ukraine.”
This was a joint operation of the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU and the Naval Forces of Ukraine.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
I once did that and three days later it hadn’t been cashed. I popped in on my way home from work to ask about it and it was still in the letterbox. The teller said they only check the post sporadically !!
So that means send it by signed-for delivery. Wow. Clearly they don't intend cheque use to continue, whatever authorities may say.
Not that it's of any consequence, but a personal milestone today: since roughly 2012, I've been going to my kids' Christmas nativities. Reckon I've done 30-odd. Last one today - my youngest daughter leaves primary school next summer. It wasn't the most memorable of nativities, but it was pleasingly typical - the familiar words, a mixture of songs traditional and primary-school-inane, the always-incongruous desert scene in the background, the rag, tag and bobtail of kids taking part (I particularly enjoyed the king in the too-large crown which had to balance on his ears, making them stick out; and the fact that the Angel Gabriel was wearing deely boppers bearing the legend 'Ho Ho Ho'. A slight lump in the throat as I reflected on that period of my life passing on; happiness that the rituals still go on albeit with different people doing them. I'm generally not keen on religion but this is a bit of religion I'll happily allow into Christmas.
Wait 'til they leave home. It's all over way too quickly.
NEW: Keir Starmer says he is "frustrated" with the number of regulations he faces
"Every time I go to pull a lever, there are a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arms-length bodies that mean the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be"
You'd think they'd have worked that one out before getting into government, if they were serious. It's not as though it's some big secret.
And don't get your hopes up (though TBF this doesn't seem to be official yet).
The Government is considering requiring that everyone hire an architect in order to submit a planning application or a building control application.
This would be a mistake. If the state wants buildings to meet certain standards, it should simply require that they do so. We have a system for this – two systems, in fact, namely building regulations and planning.
There is no good reason to require hiring people with architecture degrees to sign off designs. This is a classic case of valuing process over outcomes. Developers could and would simply employ tame architects to rubber-stamp whatever they were doing anyway. 'Protection of function' is a completely toothless instrument for improving design standards.
What it would do, of course, is add cost -- exactly what British housebuilding does not need at the moment.
The Government should discard this idea immediately.
NEW: Keir Starmer says he is "frustrated" with the number of regulations he faces
"Every time I go to pull a lever, there are a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arms-length bodies that mean the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be"
You'd think they'd have worked that one out before getting into government, if they were serious. It's not as though it's some big secret.
And don't get your hopes up (though TBF this doesn't seem to be official yet).
The Government is considering requiring that everyone hire an architect in order to submit a planning application or a building control application.
This would be a mistake. If the state wants buildings to meet certain standards, it should simply require that they do so. We have a system for this – two systems, in fact, namely building regulations and planning.
There is no good reason to require hiring people with architecture degrees to sign off designs. This is a classic case of valuing process over outcomes. Developers could and would simply employ tame architects to rubber-stamp whatever they were doing anyway. 'Protection of function' is a completely toothless instrument for improving design standards.
What it would do, of course, is add cost -- exactly what British housebuilding does not need at the moment.
The Government should discard this idea immediately.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
I once did that and three days later it hadn’t been cashed. I popped in on my way home from work to ask about it and it was still in the letterbox. The teller said they only check the post sporadically !!
So that means send it by signed-for delivery. Wow. Clearly they don't intend cheque use to continue, whatever authorities may say.
I just dropped it in the bank letterbox when I was cycling in to work.
I think you’re right. The day of the cheque is coming to an end.
That is quite funny. The only death I've ever seen him genuinely sad about was the Notorious RBG. Even the overwrought emoting over that piece of shit Charlie Kirk was obviously feigned.
Not that it's of any consequence, but a personal milestone today: since roughly 2012, I've been going to my kids' Christmas nativities. Reckon I've done 30-odd. Last one today - my youngest daughter leaves primary school next summer. It wasn't the most memorable of nativities, but it was pleasingly typical - the familiar words, a mixture of songs traditional and primary-school-inane, the always-incongruous desert scene in the background, the rag, tag and bobtail of kids taking part (I particularly enjoyed the king in the too-large crown which had to balance on his ears, making them stick out; and the fact that the Angel Gabriel was wearing deely boppers bearing the legend 'Ho Ho Ho'. A slight lump in the throat as I reflected on that period of my life passing on; happiness that the rituals still go on albeit with different people doing them. I'm generally not keen on religion but this is a bit of religion I'll happily allow into Christmas.
There's likely to be grandkids at some point, so you can enjoiy it all again.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
Don’t they charge for accepting cheques now? Our U3a has had to go transfers only because of the costs of banking. It’s upset some of the anti-internet members.
And Good Evening all!
I haven't come across a charge for accepting cheques, except in small businesses when someone wants to pay by cheque. But the cost of a stamp or the cost of signed-for delivery will effectively be a charge for receiving a cheque.
In rural Derbyshire this week where today at least has been pretty bleak with rain on and off.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) got us here and to be honest not bad at all. A very busy five coach train which was taken out of service at Derby and everyone heading on to Chesterfield and Sheffield had to switch to another train on an adjacent platform at Derby but all well organised.
We’ve discovered we can now travel direct to Lincoln and Cleethorpes from our local stop - Mrs Stodge did wonder about the attraction of a December afternoon in the latter to which I could provide no real answer.
EMR is run by Transport UK who took over the Abellio franchises in the UK a couple of years ago.
More importantly, is there a train back from Cleethorpes?
That Reiner post from the President of the United States. I mean c'mon. This surely isn't tolerable for much longer. It's beyond bad, it's just wrong. There has to be a way. If it gives us Vance so be it.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
I once did that and three days later it hadn’t been cashed. I popped in on my way home from work to ask about it and it was still in the letterbox. The teller said they only check the post sporadically !!
So that means send it by signed-for delivery. Wow. Clearly they don't intend cheque use to continue, whatever authorities may say.
I just dropped it in the bank letterbox when I was cycling in to work.
I think you’re right. The day of the cheque is coming to an end.
If you are a legacy bank like Lloyds, Barclays etc. you are competing these days with the e-banks like Monzo who will absolutely not be giving you a cheque book or a branch service.
I imagine at some point legacy banks will offer paid for services, like use of branches, cheque books etc. whilst they have free accounts for customers who are happy to do everything online to complete with the e-banks offerings.
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
I thought Post Offices will bank cheques for you. (As a bonus, you could end up with a double credit if they use Horizon.)
Edit: According to Gemini: "Yes, you can bank cheques at thousands of Post Office branches across the UK, provided your bank offers this service. Most major UK banks participate in this service, but you should confirm with your specific bank. Note that some banks like Halifax and Lloyds are ending this service from December 31, 2025"
Grumble: Just discovered that from 31 December I can't pay in cheques (for Lloyds) at the banking hub. Apparently it's not worth their while serving customers who don't have smartphones.
Some cheques you cannot pay in on a phone either.
Can one post cheques to one's bank or does one need to travel to walk in through the door (assuming one can walk, of course)?
I once did that and three days later it hadn’t been cashed. I popped in on my way home from work to ask about it and it was still in the letterbox. The teller said they only check the post sporadically !!
So that means send it by signed-for delivery. Wow. Clearly they don't intend cheque use to continue, whatever authorities may say.
To be fair cheque use is dwindling whatever the banks do. In 2023 the UK stood at 2 cheques per inhabitant (US was 28 and France at 13.4). This is despite all the investment in cheque imaging. If the Government move away from cheques (they are still the biggest issuer I believe - classically DVLA, but also HMRC I think) then the system will be moribund.
In rural Derbyshire this week where today at least has been pretty bleak with rain on and off.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) got us here and to be honest not bad at all. A very busy five coach train which was taken out of service at Derby and everyone heading on to Chesterfield and Sheffield had to switch to another train on an adjacent platform at Derby but all well organised.
We’ve discovered we can now travel direct to Lincoln and Cleethorpes from our local stop - Mrs Stodge did wonder about the attraction of a December afternoon in the latter to which I could provide no real answer.
EMR is run by Transport UK who took over the Abellio franchises in the UK a couple of years ago.
More importantly, is there a train back from Cleethorpes?
Surely it would be unnecessarily cruel for there NOT to be one?
I bought a £10 bottle of cocktail mix and had a security tag on it...
In one of my local Tescos the shopping baskets have security tags on them...
Our local supermarket's security tags have security tags on them.
Beat me to it.
Since we moved from Chesterfield to Bolsover noticed a massive increase in thd security on stuff. Shopping trolleys, meat, toiletories and anything with other than a tiny price is tagged.
Also noticed total non compliance with blue badge parking spots co.pared to Chezzy.
Very annoying.
If you're feeling bold, do what we saw a wheelchair user in York do.
Get some A5 sticky notices printed with the glue on the printed side and stick one right in the middle of the driver's side of the windscreen. They should say something like "You shouldn't be parked here without a valid Blue Badge on display."
The stickier the glue the better - ideally the driver has to spend >10 mins scraping the sticker off before driving away.
One of the (many) things currently annoying me is blue badge spaces being reduced or moved further away in order to make more convenient spaces for EV parking.
Comments
You are surely not saying we should legislate to limit such an individual liberty?
I had no idea shopping baskets were a lucrative target for thieves
Since we moved from Chesterfield to Bolsover noticed a massive increase in thd security on stuff. Shopping trolleys, meat, toiletories and anything with other than a tiny price is tagged.
Also noticed total non compliance with blue badge parking spots co.pared to Chezzy.
Very annoying.
The article is on its sixth draft and is over 2,200 words not including the 16 appendices and the three of the four (@DavidL hasn't kicked in yet) discussants. The subheadings are:
https://x.com/JonLemire/status/2000580941966676247?s=20
I very much look forward to a world where we no longer mention his name, like Voldemort.
The one method (used by some companies paying for expensive professional qualifications) would be to
- cover the interest and freeze repayment while employed. So immediate relief.
- pay down the principle in accelerating schedule. That is, small in the early years, but finish off with a couple of big payments in years 6 & 7, say.
About the fourth in a couple of weeks.
Is it 'cos it is the season of goodwill?
But that wasn't a PBer, AFAIK.
They got 27% last time, from the same people. So they are trying to get another bite.
And this is the guy who is deciding (or at least influencing) the fate of 40m Ukrainians.
This must be the most lurid period in history since the madder of the Roman emperors. But no-one voted for them.
Get some A5 sticky notices printed with the glue on the printed side and stick one right in the middle of the driver's side of the windscreen. They should say something like "You shouldn't be parked here without a valid Blue Badge on display."
The stickier the glue the better - ideally the driver has to spend >10 mins scraping the sticker off before driving away.
https://x.com/hkanji/status/2000230089934401621
The Economist: Do you use AI yourself?
Sir Keir: Yes, I do use AI.
The Economist: What for?
Sir Keir: We’re using it within government for a whole bunch of roles.
The Economist: But what about you personally? Are you on ChatGPT of an evening?
Sir Keir: No, but my children are.
Given the effort and peer review…
Gobsmacked.
News: Ukrainian SBU special operation has hit a $400mn Russian submarine in Novorossiysk.
The Security Service of Ukraine conducted what it called a “unique special operation” targeting the port of Novorossiysk. “For the first time in history, underwater ‘Sub Sea Baby’ drones blew up a Russian submarine of the class 636.3 ‘Varshavyanka’ (according to NATO classification - Kilo). As a result of the explosion, the submarine suffered critical damage and was actually put out of action.”
The SBU claimed: “On board the submarine were four launchers of Kaliber cruise missiles, which the enemy uses to strike the territory of Ukraine.”
This was a joint operation of the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU and the Naval Forces of Ukraine.
https://x.com/ChristopherJM/status/2000583971432718829?s=20
#Explodey
Especially after Rob Reiners dignified comments in the aftermath of the Kirk shooting, given they were politically miles apart.
Vance: "Every affordability crisis that's confronting the American people today, is traceable directly to a problem caused by Joe Biden”
https://x.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/2000010748928364888
The Strong Cannot Always Do As They Will
C:\Users\Sean\OneDrive\Documents\The Strong Cannot Always Do As They Will.docx
O/T, but I have a chapter in this year's edition of Militaria.
I already deliver to good friends of theirs. He was at prep school and Eton with William, and he used to stay at her place In Edinburgh when visiting from St Andrews
They (the royal friends, not the royals) sent me a lovely card and a delicious box of chocolates after I got hit by the car. I ate all of the chocolates in one sitting; they were so good, it was worth feeling sick for an hour afterwards
https://x.com/barackobama/status/2000442913885712602?s=61
https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/bma-staff-escalate-pay-dispute-following-disappointing-offer
Seen Richard Hawley playing a set in there.
Great acousics
James Woods, who was nominated for an Oscar for starring in Reiner's 1996 drama Ghosts of Mississippi, said he was "devastated by this terrible event".
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25693712.sandie-peggie-judgment-doesnt-necessarily-contradict-supreme-court/
dag
@davidallengreen.bsky.social
In a fitting tribute, Trump turns his inanity up to eleven.
NEW: Keir Starmer says he is "frustrated" with the number of regulations he faces
"Every time I go to pull a lever, there are a whole bunch of regulations, consultations, arms-length bodies that mean the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be"
In rural Derbyshire this week where today at least has been pretty bleak with rain on and off.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) got us here and to be honest not bad at all. A very busy five coach train which was taken out of service at Derby and everyone heading on to Chesterfield and Sheffield had to switch to another train on an adjacent platform at Derby but all well organised.
We’ve discovered we can now travel direct to Lincoln and Cleethorpes from our local stop - Mrs Stodge did wonder about the attraction of a December afternoon in the latter to which I could provide no real answer.
EMR is run by Transport UK who took over the Abellio franchises in the UK a couple of years ago.
Sam Freedman
@samfr.bsky.social
Starting to think that the President going completely mad might force his party to act next year.
https://bsky.app/profile/samfr.bsky.social/post/3m7zy644azu2q
It's not as though it's some big secret.
I'm generally not keen on religion but this is a bit of religion I'll happily allow into Christmas.
I genuinely thought it was a parody at first.
His tank started to be built in 1998, and is not finished yet.
Our U3a has had to go transfers only because of the costs of banking. It’s upset some of the anti-internet members.
And Good Evening all!
Another Russian oil rig in the Capital Sea has been damaged too.
The Ukrainians are amazing. I hope we don't sell them down the river.
We're already making allowances for his brand of odium.
It's all over way too quickly.
The Government is considering requiring that everyone hire an architect in order to submit a planning application or a building control application.
This would be a mistake. If the state wants buildings to meet certain standards, it should simply require that they do so. We have a system for this – two systems, in fact, namely building regulations and planning.
There is no good reason to require hiring people with architecture degrees to sign off designs. This is a classic case of valuing process over outcomes. Developers could and would simply employ tame architects to rubber-stamp whatever they were doing anyway. 'Protection of function' is a completely toothless instrument for improving design standards.
What it would do, of course, is add cost -- exactly what British housebuilding does not need at the moment.
The Government should discard this idea immediately.
Reporting in @ArchitectsJrnal..
https://x.com/SCP_Hughes/status/2000548649479123429
I think you’re right. The day of the cheque is coming to an end.
I imagine at some point legacy banks will offer paid for services, like use of branches, cheque books etc. whilst they have free accounts for customers who are happy to do everything online to complete with the e-banks offerings.
Edit: According to Gemini: "Yes, you can bank cheques at thousands of Post Office branches across the UK, provided your bank offers this service. Most major UK banks participate in this service, but you should confirm with your specific bank. Note that some banks like Halifax and Lloyds are ending this service from December 31, 2025"
Ooops