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  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001

    At what point will Labour ever get serious about defence…

    Since they left defence spending at 2.5%, the Tories slashed it, hollowed put all services and destroyed our capability.

    So the question is when are Tories responsible going to be hung for Treason
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 61,139

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Nowhere near unless China takes the opportunity to move on Taiwan, or Russia gets involved.

    The former is more likely than the latter, but still very unlikely for now.
    The Russians have reportedly abandoned the Iranians.
  • boulayboulay Posts: 8,375
    Watched Sky news for the first time in about 20 years earlier. Their reporter on the spot in Dubai managed to refer to “fast jets” about 30 times in her piece to camera. What are these “fast jets” that air forces use please? I’m an old fashioned sort and only used to “jets”, “fighter jets” and similar. These are, I’m assuming, slower than “fast jets”?
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001

    Israel doing over Beirut.

    I suspect Netanyahu and Huckerbee have been the masterminds behind this entire enterprise. Doesn't Huckerbee want the entire biblical Middle East to be a single Judaist-Christian homeland?

    A significant strand of thinking on the American right has for decades argued for the reshaping of the ME by force. It is worth bearing that in mind when we see the current scenes - in Trump they have found someone trigger happy enough to go for it (and a conveniently distracted Russia) but this is just the culmination of something they’ve been after for years. Iraq was the first step. If that war hadn’t turned into such an unpopular quagmire Iran would have followed much quicker than today.
    Zionism is a cancer as bad as fascism, coomunism and anything utterly repulsive.

    While Netanyahu breathes the globe is in danger.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,906

    isam said:

    Morrissey sold out the o2 on Saturday night. A topical header could be "I've been dreaming of a time when the English are sick to death of Labour and Tory"

    Heaven knows we're miserable now.
    I was looking for a party that matched my narrow ideological views and then I found a party that matched my narrow ideological views, and heaven knows I’m miserable now.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 22,326
    Brixian59 said:

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    With Netanyahu gong rogue, what a surprise... Not, very soon.

    If Trump wants to de escalate he'll have to take Netanyahu out.
    It's difficult to know who is the crazy one or which one is leading the other. It feels like Netanyahu but could it be something as simple as Epstein? The possibility of being exposed? Could this have been a long time in the planning? Seems far fetched but after the walkie talkie episode it's possible to believe anything
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001
    Nigelb said:

    Anyone know if there's anything behind these "credible stories" ?

    Credible stories beginning to emerge that Israel pre-empted the strikes on Iran to catch the leadership napping, and that US claims they had warning of a pre-emptive Iranian attack are not true. Trump is now trying to recapture the narrative but it may be unravelling for him. 1/5
    https://x.com/gregbagwell/status/2028408105302712422

    I mean, it's credible as in 'credible scenario', but is there any actual evidence for it ?

    Completely true I'd say.

    Been warning about this cnut for years.

    Take Netanyahu out and the area and planet would be inherently safer.

    People who support him deserve locking up.

    If Trump has option to take Putin or Netanyahu out he should devote 100%fire power on the Zionist.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 61,139
    edited 11:58AM
    boulay said:

    Watched Sky news for the first time in about 20 years earlier. Their reporter on the spot in Dubai managed to refer to “fast jets” about 30 times in her piece to camera. What are these “fast jets” that air forces use please? I’m an old fashioned sort and only used to “jets”, “fighter jets” and similar. These are, I’m assuming, slower than “fast jets”?

    This may help



  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,123
    Brixian59 said:

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    With Netanyahu gong rogue, what a surprise... Not, very soon.

    If Trump wants to de escalate he'll have to take Netanyahu out.
    Err - its Iran attacking Cyprus

    Cyprus is a soveriegn airbase and accordingly we can take whatever action needed to remove the threat and Greece to defend it's territory
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 60,275
    edited 11:58AM
    Looks like something went seriously wrong with US command and Kuwaiti Air Force this morning.

    https://x.com/centcom/status/2028424933794087326

    Three F-15 planes supposedly shot down by friendly air defences. Looks like a major communications error.

    Crews all said to be safe, thankfully.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 66,849
    Sandpit said:

    Leon said:

    Greetings from The Bund. What you can’t see is the amazing skyline of Podung behind me

    Shangers. What a city



    Did you find the wine shop again?
    Yes. The other two bottles had gone

    I think they realised their mistake
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 70,435
    boulay said:

    Watched Sky news for the first time in about 20 years earlier. Their reporter on the spot in Dubai managed to refer to “fast jets” about 30 times in her piece to camera. What are these “fast jets” that air forces use please? I’m an old fashioned sort and only used to “jets”, “fighter jets” and similar. These are, I’m assuming, slower than “fast jets”?

    You don't know them. They go to a different school.
  • isamisam Posts: 43,776

    isam said:

    Morrissey sold out the o2 on Saturday night. A topical header could be "I've been dreaming of a time when the English are sick to death of Labour and Tory"

    Heaven knows we're miserable now.
    Keir started something he couldn't finish
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,725
    Simon Marks on LBC suggesting Netanyahu pulled the trigger and Trump hung on to his coat tails.

    It would appear this was Netanyahu's operation. Apparently the Omanis were suggesting the Iranian regime were giving a great deal of ground last week, but that wasn't good enough for Bibi (or the Saudis).
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 8,411
    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    Nigelb said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    Ffs Akrotiri under attack again.
    Requires military retaliation by Britain

    Not according to the Lib Dem’s. Ed Davey doesn’t want us dragged into a war by Trump.
    And Ed Davey would be right.
    I think it appropriate his parties colour is yellow.

    Our bases are under attack in Cyprus. We have to take defensive action.
    With what ?
    What are you proposing ?

    What SKS has agreed already.
    But nothing has crossed his desk...


    ..

    "Grips podium firmly" is genius. He does seem to do so with six digits, though.
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 9,949

    boulay said:

    Watched Sky news for the first time in about 20 years earlier. Their reporter on the spot in Dubai managed to refer to “fast jets” about 30 times in her piece to camera. What are these “fast jets” that air forces use please? I’m an old fashioned sort and only used to “jets”, “fighter jets” and similar. These are, I’m assuming, slower than “fast jets”?

    You don't know them. They go to a different school.
    And have loose morals, these fast jets?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 86,736
    Taz said:

    Nigelb said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    Ffs Akrotiri under attack again.
    Requires military retaliation by Britain

    Not according to the Lib Dem’s. Ed Davey doesn’t want us dragged into a war by Trump.
    And Ed Davey would be right.
    I think it appropriate his parties colour is yellow.

    Our bases are under attack in Cyprus. We have to take defensive action.
    With what ?
    What are you proposing ?

    What SKS has agreed already.
    Well that's fair enough.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 22,326

    Simon Marks on LBC suggesting Netanyahu pulled the trigger and Trump hung on to his coat tails.

    It would appear this was Netanyahu's operation. Apparently the Omanis were suggesting the Iranian regime were giving a great deal of ground last week, but that wasn't good enough for Bibi (or the Saudis).

    That sounds most likely. This has the potential to screw Trump's future and legacy. If it does I hope he takes his revenge big time.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,611
    edited 12:07PM
    What a glorious day!

    Just stopped for an early lunch break in one of my favourite spots. For the first time this year at work I’m sans jacket





  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,238
    carnforth said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    Nigelb said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    Ffs Akrotiri under attack again.
    Requires military retaliation by Britain

    Not according to the Lib Dem’s. Ed Davey doesn’t want us dragged into a war by Trump.
    And Ed Davey would be right.
    I think it appropriate his parties colour is yellow.

    Our bases are under attack in Cyprus. We have to take defensive action.
    With what ?
    What are you proposing ?

    What SKS has agreed already.
    But nothing has crossed his desk...


    "Grips podium firmly" is genius. He does seem to do so with six digits, though.
    Mebbe he's from Norfolk?
  • Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 42,674
    @annmarie

    Aramco shut the 550,000 barrel-per-day Ras Tanura plant, on Monday as a precaution while assessing damage, the people familiar with developments said, asking not to be named because the information is not yet public.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 22,326

    Simon Marks on LBC suggesting Netanyahu pulled the trigger and Trump hung on to his coat tails.

    It would appear this was Netanyahu's operation. Apparently the Omanis were suggesting the Iranian regime were giving a great deal of ground last week, but that wasn't good enough for Bibi (or the Saudis).

    I doubt the Saudis would be in favour. Fear of the 'Arab Street' is very powerful in the region and none are more frightened of it than Saudi Arabia.
  • WhisperingOracleWhisperingOracle Posts: 10,998
    edited 12:16PM
    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the British Empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,197

    Has jenrick made his statement about Reeves?

    Yes.
    https://x.com/i/status/2028387011137089598

    Embarassing stuff from Bobbins
    I think this is very damaging for Reeves.

    This could lead to her resignation.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 60,275
    Scott_xP said:

    @annmarie

    Aramco shut the 550,000 barrel-per-day Ras Tanura plant, on Monday as a precaution while assessing damage, the people familiar with developments said, asking not to be named because the information is not yet public.

    The difference between the Saudi plants and the Russian plants, is that within a few days all the suppliers will be at the Saudi plant fixing what’s broken.
  • isamisam Posts: 43,776
    edited 12:12PM
    HERE is the spirit of Dubai in one act. My daughter has a severely disabled teacher who gives her extra lessons at weekends. He’s wheelchair bound. Today we expected him to cancel. Yet he’s taking a special vehicle across town to get to her. 😍 That’s how we are. 🇦🇪
    https://x.com/IsabelOakeshott/status/2028048233260319091?s=20

    This is indeed the “spirit of Dubai”! Entitled Westerner expecting a disabled employee to travel across a city to serve them when the advice was to stay at home. Would this awful human not have told him to stay at home and paid him anyway? Nah. That’s the spirit Isabel. 🙄

    https://x.com/MaiaDunphy/status/2028378412365005253?s=20
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,238

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The Trumpian mardiness is strong with these wankers...
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 70,435

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    They are British Trump and should be nowhere near power.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,123
    Brixian59 said:

    At what point will Labour ever get serious about defence…

    Since they left defence spending at 2.5%, the Tories slashed it, hollowed put all services and destroyed our capability.

    So the question is when are Tories responsible going to be hung for Treason
    You do talk uninformed nonsense

    Defence spending in 2024 was 2.3% and Starmer set out plans to raise it to 2.5% by 2027 by cutting aid

    https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/uk-defence-spending#:~:text=The UK government has committed,also inform its spending plans.

  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,238

    What a glorious day!

    Just stopped for an early lunch break in one of my favourite spots. For the first time this year at work I’m sans jacket





    Yep, truly gorgeous out. Lovely weather for changing a tyre...
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 60,275

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,150

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    What empire? 🤣
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,123

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    It's pathetic
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 60,275
    isam said:

    HERE is the spirit of Dubai in one act. My daughter has a severely disabled teacher who gives her extra lessons at weekends. He’s wheelchair bound. Today we expected him to cancel. Yet he’s taking a special vehicle across town to get to her. 😍 That’s how we are. 🇦🇪
    https://x.com/IsabelOakeshott/status/2028048233260319091?s=20

    This is indeed the “spirit of Dubai”! Entitled Westerner expecting a disabled employee to travel across a city to serve them when the advice was to stay at home. Would this awful human not have told him to stay at home and paid him anyway? Nah. That’s the spirit Isabel. 🙄

    https://x.com/MaiaDunphy/status/2028378412365005253?s=20

    She got shat on for that, and rightly so.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,906
    https://x.com/faytuksnetwork/status/2028439316830011577

    QatarEnergy, acounting for 18-20% of global liquified natural gas (LNG) traded has stopped the production of LNG
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 86,736

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The tendency to adopt the Trump playbook wholesale is disturbing.
  • Also Reform is now within touching distance of being overtaken by the Tories.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 57,747

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Nowhere near unless China takes the opportunity to move on Taiwan, or Russia gets involved.

    The former is more likely than the latter, but still very unlikely for now.
    The Russians have reportedly abandoned the Iranians.
    Yet another indication of the disaster (for Russia) that Putin has wrought. It is not that many years since their intervention swung the war in Syria in Assad's favour, where they had naval bases on the Med, where their mercenaries were influencing the outcome of local wars across northern Africa and where Iran was a close ally offsetting the control America had over Saudi. Where they had the largest tank reserves on the planet. Where most of the Stans were under their influence or control. Where they were a major player in world affairs. Its remarkable that a Russian patriot has not killed him for his treachery.

  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 8,813
    Has our government actually said anything about the fact that our sovereign base territory has now been targeted twice?
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,197

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    Of course, whatever they can do to antagonise Turkey.

    Wherever you look around the world, everyone with long standing hatred with their neighbours. 😕 what’s wrong with the message “love thy neighbour?”
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 86,736

    Brixian59 said:

    At what point will Labour ever get serious about defence…

    Since they left defence spending at 2.5%, the Tories slashed it, hollowed put all services and destroyed our capability.

    So the question is when are Tories responsible going to be hung for Treason
    You do talk uninformed nonsense

    Defence spending in 2024 was 2.3% and Starmer set out plans to raise it to 2.5% by 2027 by cutting aid

    https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/uk-defence-spending#:~:text=The UK government has committed,also inform its spending plans.

    The budget for defence equipment acquisitions (excepting the nuclear capacity) has fallen in real terms.
  • MightyAlexMightyAlex Posts: 1,874
    No more LNG from Qatar.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,123

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    Of course, whatever they can do to antagonise Turkey.

    Wherever you look around the world, everyone with long standing hatred with their neighbours. 😕 what’s wrong with the message “love thy neighbour?”
    Cyprus is under attack so of course they will defend it
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,586

    Has our government actually said anything about the fact that our sovereign base territory has now been targeted twice?

    The Lib Dem leader has commented ‘muh, Trump’
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001
    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

  • TazTaz Posts: 25,586

    No more LNG from Qatar.

    A price worth paying to keep Bart in a semi-priapic state and Bibi out of Gaol
  • bigglesbiggles Posts: 7,090
    I miss precedented times. At the minute, you have to say that any nation with the resources to do so would be well advised to invest in nuclear weapons. The trouble with that is that it makes a “small” nuclear war caused by a miscalculation almost inevitable.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 7,121

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    Of course, whatever they can do to antagonise Turkey.

    Wherever you look around the world, everyone with long standing hatred with their neighbours. 😕 what’s wrong with the message “love thy neighbour?”
    What drivel . Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 . Greece is just sending help to the island to defend against missile strikes from Iran. Zip all to do with Turkey .
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,197
    Nigelb said:

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The tendency to adopt the Trump playbook wholesale is disturbing.
    But it works, both in US and UK.

    There’s always been this “playbook” that works, but fair and democratic minded refuse to use it, for solid lessons from history not just to keep democracy and discourse balanced and decent. Perhaps it back in fashion only because these things go round and round in cycles.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 60,275
    Taz said:

    Has our government actually said anything about the fact that our sovereign base territory has now been targeted twice?

    The Lib Dem leader has commented ‘muh, Trump’
    Same as for the last 400 days then?
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 60,275
    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,197
    edited 12:28PM
    nico67 said:

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    Of course, whatever they can do to antagonise Turkey.

    Wherever you look around the world, everyone with long standing hatred with their neighbours. 😕 what’s wrong with the message “love thy neighbour?”
    What drivel . Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 . Greece is just sending help to the island to defend against missile strikes from Iran. Zip all to do with Turkey .
    “Drivel”

    You do know Greece and Turkey are not friends, and the history that brings them to why?

    The tension is driven by several key factors:
    Maritime and Air Space Disputes: Both nations contest the width of territorial waters, continental shelves, and air space in the Aegean Sea, leading to frequent military standoffs.
    Resource Competition: Disputes over the exploration of gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean have intensified, with both countries claiming overlapping areas.
    Historical Enmity: Deep-seated distrust persists from the 1920s Greco-Turkish War, the 1955 Istanbul pogrom, and centuries of Ottoman rule, often perpetuated by national education.
    Cyprus Conflict: The island remains divided, with Turkey supporting the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while the international community recognizes the Republic of Cyprus.
    Minority Rights: Both nations frequently accuse each other of mistreating their respective ethnic minorities.
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,586
    Sandpit said:

    Taz said:

    Has our government actually said anything about the fact that our sovereign base territory has now been targeted twice?

    The Lib Dem leader has commented ‘muh, Trump’
    Same as for the last 400 days then?
    It’s goes down well with the southern middle class, white, NIMBYs focus groups.
  • Dura_AceDura_Ace Posts: 15,249
    edited 12:25PM
    If we gave the Cyprus SBA back to Cyprus we wouldn’t have this fucking problem in the first place and would save a shitload of money.

    RAF Akrotiri exists to protect RAF Akrotiri. It's fucking nonsense.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,820

    Roger said:

    Stock market taken a big hit. That should wipe the smile off Trumps face.

    Err, the FTSE is down 1% from its all time high, and up over the last week.
    Roger is such a berk. He has no real sense of anything.
    He knows quite a bit about film, the Middle East and being Jewish, so that’s three more things than many of PB’s ‘experts’.
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 5,311
    Sandpit said:

    Taz said:

    Has our government actually said anything about the fact that our sovereign base territory has now been targeted twice?

    The Lib Dem leader has commented ‘muh, Trump’
    Same as for the last 400 days then?
    What's the problem with that?
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,906
    Dura_Ace said:

    If we gave the Cyprus SBA back to Cyprus we wouldn’t have this fucking problem in the first place and would save a shitload of money.

    RAF Akrotiri exists to protect RAF Akrotiri. It's fucking nonsense.

    But then we wouldn’t have a seat at the table when the US decides to bomb somewhere in the Middle East.
  • The issue is that Starmer is operating in a space that no longer exists.

    The concept of international law and precedents is completely gone with Trump around. Reform has taken this approach also and run with it.

    The fact he’s not been able to adapt to this is really going to be his undoing.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,123
    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Your comments are hysterical hyperbole

    You need to calm down

    Starmer has authorised the use of US airbases, and our base in Cyprus, which is sovereign territory, is under attack from Iran making it Starmer's responsibility to defend it
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 5,311
    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:

    Taz said:

    Has our government actually said anything about the fact that our sovereign base territory has now been targeted twice?

    The Lib Dem leader has commented ‘muh, Trump’
    Same as for the last 400 days then?
    It’s goes down well with the southern middle class, white, NIMBYs focus groups.
    :)
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 7,121
    Dura_Ace said:

    If we gave the Cyprus SBA back to Cyprus we wouldn’t have this fucking problem in the first place and would save a shitload of money.

    RAF Akrotiri exists to protect RAF Akrotiri. It's fucking nonsense.

    The Cypriots would love to see the back of those bases .
  • WhisperingOracleWhisperingOracle Posts: 10,998
    edited 12:33PM

    nico67 said:

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    Of course, whatever they can do to antagonise Turkey.

    Wherever you look around the world, everyone with long standing hatred with their neighbours. 😕 what’s wrong with the message “love thy neighbour?”
    What drivel . Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 . Greece is just sending help to the island to defend against missile strikes from Iran. Zip all to do with Turkey .
    “Drivel”

    You do know Greece and Turkey are not friends, and the history that brings them to why?
    About 1000 years of history between them, in fact. Not soluble now, but I doubt it will flare up now. It could just be that the Greeks with their large air force would be best placed to defend the island against drones, for the present time. They clearly wouldn't leave it unprotected against Hezbollah.
  • bigglesbiggles Posts: 7,090
    Nigelb said:

    Brixian59 said:

    At what point will Labour ever get serious about defence…

    Since they left defence spending at 2.5%, the Tories slashed it, hollowed put all services and destroyed our capability.

    So the question is when are Tories responsible going to be hung for Treason
    You do talk uninformed nonsense

    Defence spending in 2024 was 2.3% and Starmer set out plans to raise it to 2.5% by 2027 by cutting aid

    https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/uk-defence-spending#:~:text=The UK government has committed,also inform its spending plans.

    The budget for defence equipment acquisitions (excepting the nuclear capacity) has fallen in real terms.
    Also note that that’s the line largely funding Ukraine, and that military housing is (rightly - but it has an impact) now back on the capital books.

    I don’t envy the government, because I imagine that the analysis of what we really need to do to in order to be self sufficient and capable again is terrifying.
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,586
    Apparently there’s been a stabbing incident in Edinburgh where a Scotsman has attacked some people.

    Not happy with Celtic this season ?
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,748
    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Nothing about the evil of Iran which has been attacking its own citizens, our allies and weaponising uranium, and our now attacking our sovereign territory.

    Nah its all about the Zionists still for you.

    There is a word for people like you.
  • Dura_AceDura_Ace Posts: 15,249

    Dura_Ace said:

    If we gave the Cyprus SBA back to Cyprus we wouldn’t have this fucking problem in the first place and would save a shitload of money.

    RAF Akrotiri exists to protect RAF Akrotiri. It's fucking nonsense.

    But then we wouldn’t have a seat at the table when the US decides to bomb somewhere in the Middle East.
    Yeah, that would be shit.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,748

    The issue is that Starmer is operating in a space that no longer exists.

    The concept of international law and precedents is completely gone with Trump around. Reform has taken this approach also and run with it.

    The fact he’s not been able to adapt to this is really going to be his undoing.

    Good riddance.

    No flowers.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 21,759

    Nigelb said:

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The tendency to adopt the Trump playbook wholesale is disturbing.
    But it works, both in US and UK.

    There’s always been this “playbook” that works, but fair and democratic minded refuse to use it, for solid lessons from history not just to keep democracy and discourse balanced and decent. Perhaps it back in fashion only because these things go round and round in cycles.
    I've got a horrible feeling that it's related to the passing of the WW2 generation.

    They're the ones who have experience of why all these taboos matter.

    Talking of which,

    "I'm not sure that anyone who voted Green (in Gorton and Denton) works" says Nigel Farage.

    So not just smearing the winners of the by-election his party just lost, but all of their voters too.


    https://bsky.app/profile/adambienkov.bsky.social/post/3mg36hmcg2c2e

    Besides, the average Reform voter doesn't work any more.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 32,364
    edited 12:35PM
    Sandpit said:

    isam said:

    HERE is the spirit of Dubai in one act. My daughter has a severely disabled teacher who gives her extra lessons at weekends. He’s wheelchair bound. Today we expected him to cancel. Yet he’s taking a special vehicle across town to get to her. 😍 That’s how we are. 🇦🇪
    https://x.com/IsabelOakeshott/status/2028048233260319091?s=20

    This is indeed the “spirit of Dubai”! Entitled Westerner expecting a disabled employee to travel across a city to serve them when the advice was to stay at home. Would this awful human not have told him to stay at home and paid him anyway? Nah. That’s the spirit Isabel. 🙄

    https://x.com/MaiaDunphy/status/2028378412365005253?s=20

    She got shat on for that, and rightly so.
    Indeedy. I added a Hitchhiker comment.

    It seems to have said "public transport" until Oakers edited it to say "special vehicle".
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,586

    Nigelb said:

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The tendency to adopt the Trump playbook wholesale is disturbing.
    But it works, both in US and UK.

    There’s always been this “playbook” that works, but fair and democratic minded refuse to use it, for solid lessons from history not just to keep democracy and discourse balanced and decent. Perhaps it back in fashion only because these things go round and round in cycles.
    I've got a horrible feeling that it's related to the passing of the WW2 generation.

    They're the ones who have experience of why all these taboos matter.

    Talking of which,

    "I'm not sure that anyone who voted Green (in Gorton and Denton) works" says Nigel Farage.

    So not just smearing the winners of the by-election his party just lost, but all of their voters too.


    https://bsky.app/profile/adambienkov.bsky.social/post/3mg36hmcg2c2e

    Besides, the average Reform voter doesn't work any more.
    Don’t blame them.

    Working is for mugs.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 26,776

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    Is this another of those new religious parties we have been warned against?
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 7,121

    nico67 said:

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    Of course, whatever they can do to antagonise Turkey.

    Wherever you look around the world, everyone with long standing hatred with their neighbours. 😕 what’s wrong with the message “love thy neighbour?”
    What drivel . Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 . Greece is just sending help to the island to defend against missile strikes from Iran. Zip all to do with Turkey .
    “Drivel”

    You do know Greece and Turkey are not friends, and the history that brings them to why?

    The tension is driven by several key factors:
    Maritime and Air Space Disputes: Both nations contest the width of territorial waters, continental shelves, and air space in the Aegean Sea, leading to frequent military standoffs.
    Resource Competition: Disputes over the exploration of gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean have intensified, with both countries claiming overlapping areas.
    Historical Enmity: Deep-seated distrust persists from the 1920s Greco-Turkish War, the 1955 Istanbul pogrom, and centuries of Ottoman rule, often perpetuated by national education.
    Cyprus Conflict: The island remains divided, with Turkey supporting the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while the international community recognizes the Republic of Cyprus.
    Minority Rights: Both nations frequently accuse each other of mistreating their respective ethnic minorities.
    I know the history thanks . Turkey continues to interfere and has the cheek to want a split of any proceeds from the gas not even anywhere near their coastal waters . So they invaded the island and want the Cypriots to give them money out of the gas reserves off the southern waters .
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 8,813

    Nigelb said:

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The tendency to adopt the Trump playbook wholesale is disturbing.
    But it works, both in US and UK.

    There’s always been this “playbook” that works, but fair and democratic minded refuse to use it, for solid lessons from history not just to keep democracy and discourse balanced and decent. Perhaps it back in fashion only because these things go round and round in cycles.
    I've got a horrible feeling that it's related to the passing of the WW2 generation.

    They're the ones who have experience of why all these taboos matter.

    Talking of which,

    "I'm not sure that anyone who voted Green (in Gorton and Denton) works" says Nigel Farage.

    So not just smearing the winners of the by-election his party just lost, but all of their voters too.


    https://bsky.app/profile/adambienkov.bsky.social/post/3mg36hmcg2c2e

    Besides, the average Reform voter doesn't work any more.
    With any luck, it’s Farage coming out with stuff like this that will eventually prove his undoing.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001
    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    We should bomb the fuck out of Tel Aviv

    Regime change there.

    The Middle East within 1 month would be at peace.

    Netanyahu has gone fucking rogue. Trump can't leash him in

    Somebody has to and quickly.

    He's a cancer on the area, shit stirrer.

    Iran is a rogue state but what do you expect them to do.

    On Thursday peace talks between US and Iran were progressing... Too fast for Netanyahu

    He's the trigger
    He's the warmonger
    Hes the catalyst

    Take him out
    Take him out
    Take him out

    Behead the serpant

    Majority of Israelis would kick him out if there were free and fair elections

  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 57,747
    Taz said:

    Apparently there’s been a stabbing incident in Edinburgh where a Scotsman has attacked some people.

    Not happy with Celtic this season ?

    It's serious:
    "Lothian Buses said its number 20 service was being diverted until further notice."
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0ek3e6zk3o
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 70,435

    Nigelb said:

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The tendency to adopt the Trump playbook wholesale is disturbing.
    But it works, both in US and UK.

    There’s always been this “playbook” that works, but fair and democratic minded refuse to use it, for solid lessons from history not just to keep democracy and discourse balanced and decent. Perhaps it back in fashion only because these things go round and round in cycles.
    I've got a horrible feeling that it's related to the passing of the WW2 generation.

    They're the ones who have experience of why all these taboos matter.

    Talking of which,

    "I'm not sure that anyone who voted Green (in Gorton and Denton) works" says Nigel Farage.

    So not just smearing the winners of the by-election his party just lost, but all of their voters too.


    https://bsky.app/profile/adambienkov.bsky.social/post/3mg36hmcg2c2e

    Besides, the average Reform voter doesn't work any more.
    Gorton claimant count is only ≈ 6K
  • bigglesbiggles Posts: 7,090
    edited 12:35PM

    Roger said:

    Stock market taken a big hit. That should wipe the smile off Trumps face.

    Err, the FTSE is down 1% from its all time high, and up over the last week.
    Roger is such a berk. He has no real sense of anything.
    He knows quite a bit about film, the Middle East and being Jewish, so that’s three more things than many of PB’s ‘experts’.
    I know I have been away for a bit, but is there some new rule that I am expected to understand a topic before having a fixed opinion on it and commenting at length here? If so, excuse me while I delete about 7088 posts…
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 17,887
    biggles said:

    I miss precedented times. At the minute, you have to say that any nation with the resources to do so would be well advised to invest in nuclear weapons. The trouble with that is that it makes a “small” nuclear war caused by a miscalculation almost inevitable.

    When the global hegemon goes rogue and is utterly unconstrained by international law the only thing that can protect any country is having nuclear weapons. Iran's big mistake isn't having a nukes programme, it's in having a nukes problem that hasn't yet produced a usable weapon. We should be working hard to make our own deterrent completely independent of the US, it goes without saying.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,748

    Nigelb said:

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The tendency to adopt the Trump playbook wholesale is disturbing.
    But it works, both in US and UK.

    There’s always been this “playbook” that works, but fair and democratic minded refuse to use it, for solid lessons from history not just to keep democracy and discourse balanced and decent. Perhaps it back in fashion only because these things go round and round in cycles.
    I've got a horrible feeling that it's related to the passing of the WW2 generation.

    They're the ones who have experience of why all these taboos matter.

    Talking of which,

    "I'm not sure that anyone who voted Green (in Gorton and Denton) works" says Nigel Farage.

    So not just smearing the winners of the by-election his party just lost, but all of their voters too.


    https://bsky.app/profile/adambienkov.bsky.social/post/3mg36hmcg2c2e

    Besides, the average Reform voter doesn't work any more.
    The WW2 generation knew the importance of fighting for victory.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 70,435
    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    We should bomb the fuck out of Tel Aviv

    Regime change there.

    The Middle East within 1 month would be at peace.

    Netanyahu has gone fucking rogue. Trump can't leash him in

    Somebody has to and quickly.

    He's a cancer on the area, shit stirrer.

    Iran is a rogue state but what do you expect them to do.

    On Thursday peace talks between US and Iran were progressing... Too fast for Netanyahu

    He's the trigger
    He's the warmonger
    Hes the catalyst

    Take him out
    Take him out
    Take him out

    Behead the serpant

    Majority of Israelis would kick him out if there were free and fair elections

    I think you may need to lie down for a bit and take a break.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,906

    The issue is that Starmer is operating in a space that no longer exists.

    The concept of international law and precedents is completely gone with Trump around. Reform has taken this approach also and run with it.

    The fact he’s not been able to adapt to this is really going to be his undoing.

    "We learnt the lesson from Iraq never to join a disastrous illegal war illegaly which is why I've taken the decision to join this disastrous illegal war, but, crucially, I've done it legally."
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 22,106
    Taz said:

    viewcode said:

    Carter's wife is run down by Dr Who's Morris Marina.

    In "The Sweeney" series 2 episode 5 episode "Hit and Run" which aired on Sep 29, 1975, the character of "Reg Crofts" (the killer of Carter's wife) is played by Patrick Troughton, who also played the Second Doctor in "Doctor Who"

    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0714437/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_accord_1_cdt_epp_sm_1
    And his heavy was Gary Waldhorn, best known as Lionel Bainbridge in the vastly underrated Brush Strokes.
    I can't let that pass. Surely best known for David Horton in the Vicar of Dibley. No better portrayal exists of a classic rich, country dwelling Tory that ends up doing the right thing when dragged there by the leftie in the village.
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,197

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    Of course, whatever they can do to antagonise Turkey.

    Wherever you look around the world, everyone with long standing hatred with their neighbours. 😕 what’s wrong with the message “love thy neighbour?”
    Cyprus is under attack so of course they will defend it
    There is truth in what you are saying. But there’s a bit of truth in what I am pointing out as well.
  • isamisam Posts: 43,776

    Also Reform is now within touching distance of being overtaken by the Tories.

    Someone had the 8/1 Tories most seats, it looks wrong, especially if you think Reform and the Green party are way too short
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 60,275
    edited 12:36PM
    MattW said:

    Sandpit said:

    isam said:

    HERE is the spirit of Dubai in one act. My daughter has a severely disabled teacher who gives her extra lessons at weekends. He’s wheelchair bound. Today we expected him to cancel. Yet he’s taking a special vehicle across town to get to her. 😍 That’s how we are. 🇦🇪
    https://x.com/IsabelOakeshott/status/2028048233260319091?s=20

    This is indeed the “spirit of Dubai”! Entitled Westerner expecting a disabled employee to travel across a city to serve them when the advice was to stay at home. Would this awful human not have told him to stay at home and paid him anyway? Nah. That’s the spirit Isabel. 🙄

    https://x.com/MaiaDunphy/status/2028378412365005253?s=20

    She got shat on for that, and rightly so.
    Indeedy. I added a Hitchhiker comment.
    Yes it’s true that life is going on in Dubai, but that particular comment hit hard with the local community here. Way out of touch with the average expat of more than a year or two.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 31,518
    It's no surprise that Reform claim the election was stolen.
    It was deemed worthy of the headline of the Mail on Sunday the day after a major war broke out.
    If it's getting such favourable coverage they'll continue to shout it.
  • Dura_AceDura_Ace Posts: 15,249
    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    We should bomb the fuck out of Tel Aviv



    As laudable a goal as that is, RAF vs IAF is a fixture that would not be a win or even a creditworthy low scoring draw for the away team.
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 17,887
    Dura_Ace said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    We should bomb the fuck out of Tel Aviv



    As laudable a goal as that is, RAF vs IAF is a fixture that would not be a win or even a creditworthy low scoring draw for the away team.
    Also, the US only has one "special relationship" and it's not with us.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,748
    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    We should bomb the fuck out of Tel Aviv

    Regime change there.

    The Middle East within 1 month would be at peace.

    Netanyahu has gone fucking rogue. Trump can't leash him in

    Somebody has to and quickly.

    He's a cancer on the area, shit stirrer.

    Iran is a rogue state but what do you expect them to do.

    On Thursday peace talks between US and Iran were progressing... Too fast for Netanyahu

    He's the trigger
    He's the warmonger
    Hes the catalyst

    Take him out
    Take him out
    Take him out

    Behead the serpant

    Majority of Israelis would kick him out if there were free and fair elections

    You are really depressed about the Islamofascist Mullahs behind Hamas and Hezbollah being taken out, aren't you?

    You are really, really depressed that our democratic ally in Israel might get a victory over the dictatorial Mullahs it so thoroughly deserves.

    Go take a couple of valium and have a good lie down.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 70,435
    dixiedean said:

    It's no surprise that Reform claim the election was stolen.
    It was deemed worthy of the headline of the Mail on Sunday the day after a major war broke out.
    If it's getting such favourable coverage they'll continue to shout it.

    Farage makes an absolute shit choice for his by-election candidate and then blames the electorate for not wanting some southern academic as their MP.

  • MonkeysMonkeys Posts: 844
    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    We should bomb the fuck out of Tel Aviv

    Regime change there.

    The Middle East within 1 month would be at peace.

    Netanyahu has gone fucking rogue. Trump can't leash him in

    Somebody has to and quickly.

    He's a cancer on the area, shit stirrer.

    Iran is a rogue state but what do you expect them to do.

    On Thursday peace talks between US and Iran were progressing... Too fast for Netanyahu

    He's the trigger
    He's the warmonger
    Hes the catalyst

    Take him out
    Take him out
    Take him out

    Behead the serpant

    Majority of Israelis would kick him out if there were free and fair elections

    The last line made me laugh my head off. Elections aren't free and fair compared to where? Iran?
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 5,311
    edited 12:39PM

    Taz said:

    viewcode said:

    Carter's wife is run down by Dr Who's Morris Marina.

    In "The Sweeney" series 2 episode 5 episode "Hit and Run" which aired on Sep 29, 1975, the character of "Reg Crofts" (the killer of Carter's wife) is played by Patrick Troughton, who also played the Second Doctor in "Doctor Who"

    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0714437/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_accord_1_cdt_epp_sm_1
    And his heavy was Gary Waldhorn, best known as Lionel Bainbridge in the vastly underrated Brush Strokes.
    I can't let that pass. Surely best known for David Horton in the Vicar of Dibley. No better portrayal exists of a classic rich, country dwelling Tory that ends up doing the right thing when dragged there by the leftie in the village.
    More like being dragged by the libdem vicar and verger

    With Taz saying his No, No, no, no , yes

    Over and over again
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 86,736
    Dura_Ace said:

    If we gave the Cyprus SBA back to Cyprus we wouldn’t have this fucking problem in the first place and would save a shitload of money.

    RAF Akrotiri exists to protect RAF Akrotiri. It's fucking nonsense.

    It would be impossible to replace if we gave it up, so it's fair to ask what it might cost us in the future if we did.

    It certainly has a lot of value to anyone who wants to project power in the region - and we're currently spending a lot of money upgrading it.

    So just giving it away on a whim would be daft.

    Perhaps we should lease it to the US...
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 23,324

    Nigelb said:

    Jesus Reform is really going all in on the by-election being stolen.

    The tendency to adopt the Trump playbook wholesale is disturbing.
    But it works, both in US and UK.

    There’s always been this “playbook” that works, but fair and democratic minded refuse to use it, for solid lessons from history not just to keep democracy and discourse balanced and decent. Perhaps it back in fashion only because these things go round and round in cycles.
    I've got a horrible feeling that it's related to the passing of the WW2 generation.

    They're the ones who have experience of why all these taboos matter.

    Talking of which,

    "I'm not sure that anyone who voted Green (in Gorton and Denton) works" says Nigel Farage.

    So not just smearing the winners of the by-election his party just lost, but all of their voters too.


    https://bsky.app/profile/adambienkov.bsky.social/post/3mg36hmcg2c2e

    Besides, the average Reform voter doesn't work any more.
    Gorton claimant count is only ≈ 6K
    Does that include Pensioners?
  • bigglesbiggles Posts: 7,090
    Nigelb said:

    Dura_Ace said:

    If we gave the Cyprus SBA back to Cyprus we wouldn’t have this fucking problem in the first place and would save a shitload of money.

    RAF Akrotiri exists to protect RAF Akrotiri. It's fucking nonsense.

    It would be impossible to replace if we gave it up, so it's fair to ask what it might cost us in the future if we did.

    It certainly has a lot of value to anyone who wants to project power in the region - and we're currently spending a lot of money upgrading it.

    So just giving it away on a whim would be daft.

    Perhaps we should lease it to the US...
    And it has lovely tennis courts.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,123
    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    Sandpit said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Somewhat ironic that Cyprus was supposed to be a forward middle east base for the empire, but now only Greece seems to be able to quickly send two large ships to protect it.

    Seriously embarrasing if there’s not a dozen Typhoons heading there right now.

    But Starmer lost a by-election to the Greens last week…
    Thank god we've got a pm who stands up for the 80% of the population who refuse to ho to war with Trump and Netanyahu

    No doubt Nigel and Kemi would love to welcome back aircrew in coffins... Anything for an opportunity to photoshoot

    Pair of utter cretins

    Fine, just let the Iranians bomb the f*** out of a British air base then…
    We should bomb the fuck out of Tel Aviv

    Regime change there.

    The Middle East within 1 month would be at peace.

    Netanyahu has gone fucking rogue. Trump can't leash him in

    Somebody has to and quickly.

    He's a cancer on the area, shit stirrer.

    Iran is a rogue state but what do you expect them to do.

    On Thursday peace talks between US and Iran were progressing... Too fast for Netanyahu

    He's the trigger
    He's the warmonger
    Hes the catalyst

    Take him out
    Take him out
    Take him out

    Behead the serpant

    Majority of Israelis would kick him out if there were free and fair elections

    Even without Netanyahu the middle east would not be at peace

    To make such a claim ignores history

    My wife and I were on the first international coach into Jericho, following Arafat's peace accord in 1993, when our guide, a survivor from Auschwitz, walked up the steps of the walls and met the Palestinian solder on guard, and they warmly embraced and how we all cheered

    It is a moment in time that lives in our memory

  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,197
    edited 12:44PM
    nico67 said:

    nico67 said:

    At what point can we reasonably say this has become World War III?

    Greece is sending 2 frigates and aircraft to defend Cyprus apparently
    Of course, whatever they can do to antagonise Turkey.

    Wherever you look around the world, everyone with long standing hatred with their neighbours. 😕 what’s wrong with the message “love thy neighbour?”
    What drivel . Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 . Greece is just sending help to the island to defend against missile strikes from Iran. Zip all to do with Turkey .
    “Drivel”

    You do know Greece and Turkey are not friends, and the history that brings them to why?

    The tension is driven by several key factors:
    Maritime and Air Space Disputes: Both nations contest the width of territorial waters, continental shelves, and air space in the Aegean Sea, leading to frequent military standoffs.
    Resource Competition: Disputes over the exploration of gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean have intensified, with both countries claiming overlapping areas.
    Historical Enmity: Deep-seated distrust persists from the 1920s Greco-Turkish War, the 1955 Istanbul pogrom, and centuries of Ottoman rule, often perpetuated by national education.
    Cyprus Conflict: The island remains divided, with Turkey supporting the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while the international community recognizes the Republic of Cyprus.
    Minority Rights: Both nations frequently accuse each other of mistreating their respective ethnic minorities.
    I know the history thanks . Turkey continues to interfere and has the cheek to want a split of any proceeds from the gas not even anywhere near their coastal waters . So they invaded the island and want the Cypriots to give them money out of the gas reserves off the southern waters .
    You don’t think Turkey had an argument for the invasion then?

    “I know the history thanks .”

    You seem a bit biased in your last post. I can’t support your thinking on this. US and UK had sympathy for the Turkey position at the time. The Greek Junta were not very nice. I’m not sure you really do know this history.
  • isamisam Posts: 43,776

    dixiedean said:

    It's no surprise that Reform claim the election was stolen.
    It was deemed worthy of the headline of the Mail on Sunday the day after a major war broke out.
    If it's getting such favourable coverage they'll continue to shout it.

    Farage makes an absolute shit choice for his by-election candidate and then blames the electorate for not wanting some southern academic as their MP.

    A couple of years ago I would have expected Reform to be the ones picking a local tradesperson/small business owner as their candidate. In the effort to look professional and ready for government, Farage has sacrificed one of his major selling points. TAt UKIP he was into a "People's Army" but now he has sold his soul to American and Middle Eastern glitz
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