"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
It is nonsense, depending whether you classify the ex-Soviet states as European countries or as breakaway regions of Russia.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
It is nonsense, depending whether you classify the ex-Soviet states as European countries or as breakaway regions of Russia.
Looking forward to Novgorod demanding that Moscow cedes authority to it again.
Before the Mongols shifted the chief tributary state of the Rus, Novgorod (which had some degree of democracy) was the primary city of the realm.
EXC: Morgan McSweeney’s mission statement for 2026 - “the year Britain turns a corner” and “starts to feel the difference” - government is “not technocratic” (despite what Wes said) - Farage and Reform are a “moral abomination” with “pockets filled with Russian money”
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
"Independent" enquiries either take for ever in the hopr that by time they come out of the long grass everyone is dead or they are vehicle for proving the innicence of those who commissioned them.
They are independent in the sense that Lavarov is independent of Putin
Putin says no more wars if Russia is respected. Considering he considers defending against Russian attacks disrespectful it's not the most encouraging statement.
There's a lot of demanding "respect" going on between political leaders. Poland's newish President was demanding that Ukraine be more "grateful" for the Polish help it is receiving, aka, grovel and show respect for the privilege of fighting to defend Poland from Russia.
It's a sickening trend in world politics. The attitude of a violent school playground.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainians hit a Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean, and tease about hitting another Black Sea warship.
Not the Black Sea, but the Caspian Sea. The Ukrainians hit a Russian Navy patrol boat in the Caspian Sea.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
The implication being that there will be more wars, if Russia is not treated “with respect.” And he gets to define what is meant by “respect.”
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
"Independent" enquiries either take for ever in the hopr that by time they come out of the long grass everyone is dead or they are vehicle for proving the innicence of those who commissioned them.
They are independent in the sense that Lavarov is independent of Putin
This one is due to report in March. Make of that what you will. It did seem to me, a layman, to be quite a quick one.
I wonder if it will forensically dive into Chinese jnfluences too on the main two parties.
I’m guessing it will find Reform, and some other minor parties, and possibly the greens (we know the Russians have helped fund some environmental protests) are dodgy and the main three parties are fine.
The last time I had a similar feeling was coming out of COVID and speaking to people who were out partying and spending like nobodies business and from speaking to lots of clients who had massive order books they couldn't handle while the ONS were saying that the UK was the only major country not to have come out of the COVID recessions.
I remember posting extensively on here suggesting that the official data seemed to be out of step with what I and many others were seeing out in the real world and I also remember getting shouted down by the same usual suspects that speaking to real people and "anecdata" was no substitute for official data. As it turned out I was right and the ONS was wrong, the UK exited the COVID recession the fastest of any major European nation and grew faster post-COVID than comparable European countries too but the ONS had just completely fucked it and understated key sectors while overstating the impact of state output.
It's just a feeling and it's just conversations with people, though I think the Tory party has turned a corner. Labour opened the door and I don't think they know how to close it again because they are unable to cut spending and keep taxes down.
My anecdata imply the opposite to be honest. I’ve been surprised how many people during party season have raised politics to say they’ll vote Refom. Some Remainers too. I agree that the breakdown in the two party system is likely breaking the polls, but I wouldn’t like to say which way.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
"Independent" enquiries either take for ever in the hopr that by time they come out of the long grass everyone is dead or they are vehicle for proving the innicence of those who commissioned them.
They are independent in the sense that Lavarov is independent of Putin
This one is due to report in March. Make of that what you will. It did seem to me, a layman, to be quite a quick one.
I wonder if it will forensically dive into Chinese jnfluences too on the main two parties.
I’m guessing it will find Reform, and some other minor parties, and possibly the greens (we know the Russians have helped fund some environmental protests) are dodgy and the main three parties are fine.
Trebles all round.
Timed to be released just ahead of the May elections. Or those that have been allowed to take place.
We sort of know the outcome already but need to dosh up some lawyers first before it is released.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
The implication being that there will be more wars, if Russia is not treated “with respect.” And he gets to define what is meant by “respect.”
Because otherwise we will treat the drunken old weirdo with exactly the respect he deserves, and his country too.
The last time I had a similar feeling was coming out of COVID and speaking to people who were out partying and spending like nobodies business and from speaking to lots of clients who had massive order books they couldn't handle while the ONS were saying that the UK was the only major country not to have come out of the COVID recessions.
I remember posting extensively on here suggesting that the official data seemed to be out of step with what I and many others were seeing out in the real world and I also remember getting shouted down by the same usual suspects that speaking to real people and "anecdata" was no substitute for official data. As it turned out I was right and the ONS was wrong, the UK exited the COVID recession the fastest of any major European nation and grew faster post-COVID than comparable European countries too but the ONS had just completely fucked it and understated key sectors while overstating the impact of state output.
It's just a feeling and it's just conversations with people, though I think the Tory party has turned a corner. Labour opened the door and I don't think they know how to close it again because they are unable to cut spending and keep taxes down.
My anecdata imply the opposite to be honest. I’ve been surprised how many people during party season have raised politics to say they’ll vote Refom. Some Remainers too. I agree that the breakdown in the two party system is likely breaking the polls, but I wouldn’t like to say which way.
The mood music around the Tories seems a little better, arising from Labour’s increasing unpopularity and Badenoch finally finding her feet in the Commons. But I am not convinced we are at the stage where very many people have forgotten their myriad failings as a (former) party of government.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
"Independent" enquiries either take for ever in the hopr that by time they come out of the long grass everyone is dead or they are vehicle for proving the innicence of those who commissioned them.
They are independent in the sense that Lavarov is independent of Putin
This one is due to report in March. Make of that what you will. It did seem to me, a layman, to be quite a quick one.
I wonder if it will forensically dive into Chinese jnfluences too on the main two parties.
I’m guessing it will find Reform, and some other minor parties, and possibly the greens (we know the Russians have helped fund some environmental protests) are dodgy and the main three parties are fine.
Trebles all round.
Timed to be released just ahead of the May elections. Or those that have been allowed to take place.
We sort of know the outcome already but need to dosh up some lawyers first before it is released.
Cancelling elections is only bad when others do it. That seems to be PB lore.
I’d not quite joined the dots on the timing but, yes, that makes sense too and lots of client journalists to plug the findings.
Meanwhile the Greens have yet to suspend this guys membership.
The last time I had a similar feeling was coming out of COVID and speaking to people who were out partying and spending like nobodies business and from speaking to lots of clients who had massive order books they couldn't handle while the ONS were saying that the UK was the only major country not to have come out of the COVID recessions.
I remember posting extensively on here suggesting that the official data seemed to be out of step with what I and many others were seeing out in the real world and I also remember getting shouted down by the same usual suspects that speaking to real people and "anecdata" was no substitute for official data. As it turned out I was right and the ONS was wrong, the UK exited the COVID recession the fastest of any major European nation and grew faster post-COVID than comparable European countries too but the ONS had just completely fucked it and understated key sectors while overstating the impact of state output.
It's just a feeling and it's just conversations with people, though I think the Tory party has turned a corner. Labour opened the door and I don't think they know how to close it again because they are unable to cut spending and keep taxes down.
My anecdata imply the opposite to be honest. I’ve been surprised how many people during party season have raised politics to say they’ll vote Refom. Some Remainers too. I agree that the breakdown in the two party system is likely breaking the polls, but I wouldn’t like to say which way.
The mood music around the Tories seems a little better, arising from Labour’s increasing unpopularity and Badenoch finally finding her feet in the Commons. But I am not convinced we are at the stage where very many people have forgotten their myriad failings as a (former) party of government.
All of the worst things were done by the tories. Monetising spending largesse with funny money, the transformation of Britain with escalated multicultural, softness on law breaking, wokism in state an educational organisations, the hollowing out of our military deterrent, the negligence and spite towards our energy sector, superinjunctions to protect the rich and the powerful etc… etc… etc…
That Kemi is now getting a hearing due to some sassy PMQs performances, doesn’t correct the party’s failures.
The last time I had a similar feeling was coming out of COVID and speaking to people who were out partying and spending like nobodies business and from speaking to lots of clients who had massive order books they couldn't handle while the ONS were saying that the UK was the only major country not to have come out of the COVID recessions.
I remember posting extensively on here suggesting that the official data seemed to be out of step with what I and many others were seeing out in the real world and I also remember getting shouted down by the same usual suspects that speaking to real people and "anecdata" was no substitute for official data. As it turned out I was right and the ONS was wrong, the UK exited the COVID recession the fastest of any major European nation and grew faster post-COVID than comparable European countries too but the ONS had just completely fucked it and understated key sectors while overstating the impact of state output.
It's just a feeling and it's just conversations with people, though I think the Tory party has turned a corner. Labour opened the door and I don't think they know how to close it again because they are unable to cut spending and keep taxes down.
My anecdata imply the opposite to be honest. I’ve been surprised how many people during party season have raised politics to say they’ll vote Refom. Some Remainers too. I agree that the breakdown in the two party system is likely breaking the polls, but I wouldn’t like to say which way.
The mood music around the Tories seems a little better, arising from Labour’s increasing unpopularity and Badenoch finally finding her feet in the Commons. But I am not convinced we are at the stage where very many people have forgotten their myriad failings as a (former) party of government.
All of the worst things were done by the tories. Monetising spending largesse with funny money, the transformation of Britain with escalated multicultural, softness on law breaking, wokism in state an educational organisations, the hollowing out of our military deterrent, the negligence and spite towards our energy sector, superinjunctions to protect the rich and the powerful etc… etc… etc…
That Kemi is now getting a hearing due to some sassy PMQs performances, doesn’t correct the party’s failures.
No, it doesn’t, and a few empty statements show they haven’t learnt from them either.
A.J went easy so it lasted a few rounds, Jake Paul ran further then Forest Gump, got some really decent hugs in and spent more time on his knees than Bonnie Blue.
The first proper shot Jake took broke his jaw put him on his arse and ended the fight in the 6th.
Now we are all patiently waiting for Tysons Fury’s thoughts.
A.J went easy so it lasted a few rounds, Jake Paul ran further then Forest Gump, got some really decent hugs in and spent more time on his knees than Bonnie Blue.
The first proper shot Jake took broke his jaw put him on his arse and ended the fight in the 6th.
Now we are all patiently waiting for Tysons Fury’s thoughts.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
The number of times Putin has promised no more wards cannot be counted on both hands.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
The number of times Putin has promised no more wards cannot be counted on both hands.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
The number of times Putin has promised no more wards cannot be counted on both hands.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
Agreed. Unless it's comprehensive it's no good.
Given Trump's newly stated aim of subverting European politics, an enquiry should include US money.
A.J went easy so it lasted a few rounds, Jake Paul ran further then Forest Gump, got some really decent hugs in and spent more time on his knees than Bonnie Blue.
The first proper shot Jake took broke his jaw put him on his arse and ended the fight in the 6th.
Now we are all patiently waiting for Tysons Fury’s thoughts.
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
Agreed. Unless it's comprehensive it's no good.
Given Trump's newly stated aim of subverting European politics, an enquiry should include US money.
Yes it should. Foreign money/influence, wherever it is from. Trump, Musk, Putin, China, wherever.
As Alan says, these things take time, will they really cover it all by March ?
Will,they really forensically look at Labour and China, for instance.
Just a reminder that the MoD officially accepted this vehicle into service. With everyone but ministers in full knowledge that it's not workable.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard announces a further casualty linked to Ajax and says he has extended the “do not use” order to include vehicles involved in trials.
A.J went easy so it lasted a few rounds, Jake Paul ran further then Forest Gump, got some really decent hugs in and spent more time on his knees than Bonnie Blue.
The first proper shot Jake took broke his jaw put him on his arse and ended the fight in the 6th.
Now we are all patiently waiting for Tysons Fury’s thoughts.
Longhi was a Boris loyalist more than a Tory loyalist, that may have some appeal in the redwall like the Dudley seat he used to represent but less so in the bluewall where Tugendhat is an MP still
Good point. The Boris brand was (is) separate to the Tory one. It grew and consumed its host.
Surely the reverse is true. The host consumed the brand.
“As a matter of principle, we do not think that capacity constraints are a legitimate reason for delaying long planned elections. Extending existing mandates risks affecting the legitimacy of local decision making and damaging public confidence.”'
Hmmm, given the latter statement in Russian money can we really expect the independent enquiry into foreign money in our politics to be that and, as Ed Davey had asked, be across the board or just a short term partisan stitch up.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
Agreed. Unless it's comprehensive it's no good.
Given Trump's newly stated aim of subverting European politics, an enquiry should include US money.
Theil, Musk and those shadowy people that finance right wing think tanks.
They all need a bit of sunlight on their activities as much as Putin.
“As a matter of principle, we do not think that capacity constraints are a legitimate reason for delaying long planned elections. Extending existing mandates risks affecting the legitimacy of local decision making and damaging public confidence.”'
I agree with the general thrust of ‘it’s a bad idea to cancel elections,’ but I’m not sure if that’s a wise statement to put out. After all it’s not as though there is any legitimacy to local decision making or there is any confidence in local government.
UK borrowing costs are expected to fall further next year, according to the average forecast from nine big investment banks, as investors increasingly price in interest rate cuts from the Bank of England (BoE) after a prolonged period of restrictive monetary policy.
Britain's 10-year bond yield, which hit a 16-year high of 4.95% at the start of 2025 — due to worries about near-record debt issuance and a global bond sell-off — is expected to come down to 4.32% by the end of 2026.
Investment bankers expect UK gilts to be the best performers amongst peer countries. They are impressed by the brilliance of Rachel Reeves budget.
Just highlighting the bit that doesn’t appear in the article but which you have formatted to make it look like it does
I paraphrase of course.
Gilts rallied in the run-up to the budget on the expectation of such an investor-friendly shift and gained in price on the day, helped by the government announcing that it would sell less long-term debt in particular.
"The Chancellor of the Exchequer doing a decent job according to bank economists" probably shouldn't be newsworthy. Given the general vibe of catastrophe that people condemn Rachel Reeves for, it actually is newsworthy.
F1: much on TwX about Mercedes (possibly also Red Bull) engines having a loophole for an extra 15bhp, current line is things can't change before Australia.
As always, DYOR, but something to consider for Oz. Complaints seem to be from Honda, Ferrari, and Audi.
Early Christmas in the Foxy household as both Foxjr's are with girlfriends family this year.
Full Monty Christmas Dinner today, Kings Speech and Prezzies around the tree, then boardgames and see who is up for watching Die Hard.
(Last years Kings Speech of course, but it doesnt change much)
Lol. We regularly had our family Christmases on the day after Boxing Day, as my brother and his family used to run a restaurant and were always busy until then. But having it early must be more unusual, and must seem more strange.
Early Christmas in the Foxy household as both Foxjr's are with girlfriends family this year.
Full Monty Christmas Dinner today, Kings Speech and Prezzies around the tree, then boardgames and see who is up for watching Die Hard.
(Last years Kings Speech of course, but it doesnt change much)
Lol. We regularly had our family Christmases on the day after Boxing Day, as my brother and his family used to run a restaurant and were always busy until then. But having it early must be more unusual, and must seem more strange.
I have done it a number of times over the years when working on the day etc. Just a bit of a timeshift!
So we have anecdata three and a half years from a likely General Election to keep the old Conservative spirits up?
I'll cheerfully acknowledge (and have done) Badenoch has had a decent autumn aided and abetted by the implosion of her most likely opponent. She and Stride are trying to regain the ground of sound economic management lost by Johnson, Truss and Sunak and there are some interesting policy pronouncements but if you're going to make a serious impact on borrowing and spending then we need to see some serious policy on, for example, pensions, benefits and the rising costs of adult social care.
It will be interesting to see how the Conservatives square that circle with their (presumably) promise of tax cuts or will they simply be one more fiscally incoherent party (among so many)?
Yes, they gained a seat off the LDs this week - one of only two since May, both in the same Ward. Otherwise, it was the same old tale of collapsing vote share everywhere from Blackpool to Cornwall via Suffolk. It may well be that, pace the LDs, the Conservatives are becoming a party with small islands of strength surrounded by vast oceans of weakness, no longer a national political movement.
We all know what parties say before elections and what they do after the votes have been cast are two different things - I don't rule out the Tories saying "no deal" with Reformbefore an election and then their 30-40 seat rump agreeing to support a Reform minority Government after the vote.
Both Badenoch and Davey have to be careful with their positioning - Davey can probably take equidistance a bit further than Badenoch who only realistically has two options - join with Reform or sit as a rump on the opposition backbenches watching her supporters drift away as the party votes with the Reform Government more often than not.
I know that C is silent but I can't read the word 'chutzpah' without the 'ch' sound coming into my head. It's a bit like quay and 'kway'.
I don't think that will ever hange now.
The c isn't silent - it's modified by the h. The effect varies in different languages. In Yiddish (also German, Scots and Welsh) it generates a guttural sound; in English, as in church; in French it makes the 'sh' sound and in Italian it hardens it into a k. A good way to impress your Italian waiter is to pronounce Verdicchio correctly. He'll still expect a tip, though.
I know that C is silent but I can't read the word 'chutzpah' without the 'ch' sound coming into my head. It's a bit like quay and 'kway'.
I don't think that will ever hange now.
The c isn't silent - it's modified by the h. The effect varies in different languages. In Yiddish (also German, Scots and Welsh) it generates a guttural sound; in English, as in church; in French it makes the 'sh' sound and in Italian it hardens it into a k. A good way to impress your Italian waiter is to pronounce Verdicchio correctly. He'll still expect a tip, though.
In Italian it is only a k if followed by an h (therefore having the opposite function to in English), a o or u; followed by i or e it is a ch
Early Christmas in the Foxy household as both Foxjr's are with girlfriends family this year.
Full Monty Christmas Dinner today, Kings Speech and Prezzies around the tree, then boardgames and see who is up for watching Die Hard.
(Last years Kings Speech of course, but it doesnt change much)
Lol. We regularly had our family Christmases on the day after Boxing Day, as my brother and his family used to run a restaurant and were always busy until then. But having it early must be more unusual, and must seem more strange.
We’ve got the in laws and a family friends daughter coming for Xmas.
All prep done by Wednesday.
I genuinely loathe Xmas and cannot wait for it all to be over.
“It’s not clear who attacked whom,” Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán said today at a presser on the Russia–Ukraine war, after an EU summit where he opposed any financial help for Ukraine.. https://x.com/panyiszabolcs/status/2002066328321229172
Later, Ursula von der Leyen punched Orban in the face, saying “It’s not clear who attacked whom.”
Quite. It wasn't Zelensky that trespassed on Estonia's land borders a couple of days ago. It wasn't Zelensky who sent his airforce into NATO territory a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't because of Zelensky that we have been practicing air raid drills in Tallinn for months.
Orban is a barefaced liar and we can only hope that when he finally goes, he ends up in the gaol that his festering corruption richly deserves.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
The implication being that there will be more wars, if Russia is not treated “with respect.” And he gets to define what is meant by “respect.”
Mafia bosses. It's the only language they understand...
Comments
Kuzovkev is dead, his wife found him in Moscow, its not clear if he drank tea, jumped out a window, or shot himself 13 times.
The body of Colonel General Sergei Kuzovlev, commander of the Western group of forces, was discovered by his wife on the afternoon of December 17
https://x.com/SanderRegter/status/2001985717963292972
Kylie is Christmas Number One.
Jase won series 92 of Countdown.
Ginger won Celebrity Masterchef.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp89p082y2xo
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no more wars after Ukraine, if Russia is treated with respect - and dismissed claims that Moscow is planning to attack European countries as "nonsense"."
Man who has repeatedly invaded a European country pretends the notion he might invade a European country is nonsense. Hmm.
Before the Mongols shifted the chief tributary state of the Rus, Novgorod (which had some degree of democracy) was the primary city of the realm.
Not technocratic is a terrible mission.
Moral abomination is a bad phrase.
Pockets filled with Russian money is good.
I had high hopes that it would be a deep dive, we have had Labour and Tories too in bed with the Russians at one time or other, and a true effort to root out the problem. Now I’m less sure it will.
They are independent in the sense that Lavarov is independent of Putin
I wonder if it will forensically dive into Chinese jnfluences too on the main two parties.
I’m guessing it will find Reform, and some other minor parties, and possibly the greens (we know the Russians have helped fund some environmental protests) are dodgy and the main three parties are fine.
Trebles all round.
We sort of know the outcome already but need to dosh up some lawyers first before it is released.
I’d not quite joined the dots on the timing but, yes, that makes sense too and lots of client journalists to plug the findings.
Meanwhile the Greens have yet to suspend this guys membership.
https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2001996271876559264?s=61
That Kemi is now getting a hearing due to some sassy PMQs performances, doesn’t correct the party’s failures.
@dapperlaughs
If you missed the fight don't worry I got you.
A.J went easy so it lasted a few rounds, Jake Paul ran further then Forest Gump, got some really decent hugs in and spent more time on his knees than Bonnie Blue.
The first proper shot Jake took broke his jaw put him on his arse and ended the fight in the 6th.
Now we are all patiently waiting for Tysons Fury’s thoughts.
https://x.com/dapperlaughs/status/2002253150326026303?s=20
When I saw a video of them doing the old face to face thing Joshua towered over him.
But finally Jake Paul hit the floor
Now it's Christmas dinner through a straw
And every one was a lie.
Given Trump's newly stated aim of subverting European politics, an enquiry should include US money.
I don't think that will ever hange now.
At which point AJ realised it wasn’t worth the paycheck to play games, and quickly smacked the **** of of the idiot.
Hopefully authorities stop licensing these farces, and bookies stop taking bets on them. They’re as scripted as WWE wrestling.
As Alan says, these things take time, will they really cover it all by March ?
Will,they really forensically look at Labour and China, for instance.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/barry-gardiner-chinese-lee-sky-news-jeremy-corbyn-b1992752.html
With everyone but ministers in full knowledge that it's not workable.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard announces a further casualty linked to Ajax and says he has extended the “do not use” order to include vehicles involved in trials.
That suggests the situation has deteriorated since the incident four weeks ago - when 31 soldiers fell ill.
https://x.com/jameswharton/status/2001651273431683136
https://x.com/JamesCleverly/status/2002016328488472868
'Punchy statement from the Electoral Commission.
“As a matter of principle, we do not think that capacity constraints are a legitimate reason for delaying long planned elections. Extending existing mandates risks affecting the legitimacy of local decision making and damaging public confidence.”'
They all need a bit of sunlight on their activities as much as Putin.
Gilts rallied in the run-up to the budget on the expectation of such an investor-friendly shift and gained in price on the day, helped by the government announcing that it would sell less long-term debt in particular.
"The Chancellor of the Exchequer doing a decent job according to bank economists" probably shouldn't be newsworthy. Given the general vibe of catastrophe that people condemn Rachel Reeves for, it actually is newsworthy.
As always, DYOR, but something to consider for Oz. Complaints seem to be from Honda, Ferrari, and Audi.
Full Monty Christmas Dinner today, Kings Speech and Prezzies around the tree, then boardgames and see who is up for watching Die Hard.
(Last years Kings Speech of course, but it doesnt change much)
NEW THREAD
So we have anecdata three and a half years from a likely General Election to keep the old Conservative spirits up?
I'll cheerfully acknowledge (and have done) Badenoch has had a decent autumn aided and abetted by the implosion of her most likely opponent. She and Stride are trying to regain the ground of sound economic management lost by Johnson, Truss and Sunak and there are some interesting policy pronouncements but if you're going to make a serious impact on borrowing and spending then we need to see some serious policy on, for example, pensions, benefits and the rising costs of adult social care.
It will be interesting to see how the Conservatives square that circle with their (presumably) promise of tax cuts or will they simply be one more fiscally incoherent party (among so many)?
Yes, they gained a seat off the LDs this week - one of only two since May, both in the same Ward. Otherwise, it was the same old tale of collapsing vote share everywhere from Blackpool to Cornwall via Suffolk. It may well be that, pace the LDs, the Conservatives are becoming a party with small islands of strength surrounded by vast oceans of weakness, no longer a national political movement.
We all know what parties say before elections and what they do after the votes have been cast are two different things - I don't rule out the Tories saying "no deal" with Reformbefore an election and then their 30-40 seat rump agreeing to support a Reform minority Government after the vote.
Both Badenoch and Davey have to be careful with their positioning - Davey can probably take equidistance a bit further than Badenoch who only realistically has two options - join with Reform or sit as a rump on the opposition backbenches watching her supporters drift away as the party votes with the Reform Government more often than not.
All prep done by Wednesday.
I genuinely loathe Xmas and cannot wait for it all to be over.
I’ll enjoy the cooking, the rest, meh.
Orban is a barefaced liar and we can only hope that when he finally goes, he ends up in the gaol that his festering corruption richly deserves.