Skip to content

London 2028: Reform v Green? – politicalbetting.com

12357

Comments

  • TazTaz Posts: 25,591
    edited 12:42PM

    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.
    You’re probably right. I never liked Vicar of Dibley

    Probably best known to me as Lionel not the public.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 34,230
    stodge said:

    kle4 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Not sure it will be Reform vs Geeen. Reform likely to come fourth in wards in London in May and I've not seen any polling or evidence that suggests Laila Cunningham is surging as a candidate beyond her just being on the telly all the time.

    Have the Tories even found a candidate yet? They risk getting lift behind in this race.

    Reform have played a blinder by appointing Laila early and getting her lots of press. She presents well on TV, unlike many others in her party.
    Tories haven't selected yet but its two years off.
    Cunninghams (unwarrented imo) shine will fade after May as she's "leading' what will be a poor result compared to the rest of England
    Reform will still be making gains. That they aren't as good as elsewhere may not matter. She'll still be able to look like a winner enough.
    I think right of centre Londoners will still gravitate to the Con candidate. Time will tell.
    Depends on who it is, the last one was an idiot
    Millions of Tories in London, there have to be some good ones?
    Coe or Cleverly in front seat
    Seb Coe is a lot older IRL than in most people's memories of him winning gold medals or even opening the Olympics, and in two years' time, he will be two years older.
    I doubt Seb Coe would be the ideal candidate now and Cleverly may have loftier ambitions.

    There aren’t many well known Conservatives in London currently - could IDS be persuaded? I suspect not. In any case, it’s a choice of London Conservative members and as we saw last time, that doesn’t turn out as you might hope or expect.
    We know that Cleverly has loftier ambitions, however he's also shit, so they're not going to happen.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,910
    https://x.com/FaytuksNetwork/status/2028427877918618092

    Lebanon Prime Minister says Hezbollah will be banned, Lebanese military will enforce decision
  • 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
    There is truth in what you are saying. But there’s a bit of truth in what I am pointing out as well.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 7,646
    Brixian59 said:

    Labour wants to cut taxes. Great, now where’s the money coming from?

    The fiscal surplus, increased tax receipts and reduced interest on the debt.

    Anyone with a brain could be excused for thinking Rachel has turned the Tory titanic around and we're inching to calmer waters.
    All Labour knowing is tax tax tax
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 90,195
    Drugs tests on rugby players in South Africa have plunged more than sixfold in the last decade, Telegraph Sport can reveal. The significant drop in testing has coincided with the Springboks becoming the most dominant force in Test rugby, winning back-to-back World Cups in 2019 and 2023.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2026/03/02/revealed-south-african-rugby-drug-testing-in-decline/

    There is also absolutely nothing suss about a load of their star players going to Japan in season prior to world cups, where the Japanese are known not to really care too much about drug testing for certain sports.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,749

    https://x.com/FaytuksNetwork/status/2028427877918618092

    Lebanon Prime Minister says Hezbollah will be banned, Lebanese military will enforce decision

    About time. Well done and good luck to them!

    Without the Mullahs the Middle East will be a far safer place.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,820

    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.
    Isn’t the average Reform voter more likely to be on be on benefits in any case?
  • WhisperingOracleWhisperingOracle Posts: 11,000
    edited 12:52PM

    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?
    Both Greece and Turkey would have a good argument that MI6 deliberately stirred up tensions in 1955 to try and maintain full control of the island. There was s good book about that, I think by Perry Anderson. It was all a long time ago, now, and thousands killed on both sides between 50 and 60 years ago, so.I think the island will stay as it is.

    What strikes me today is that Grrece seems much better able to defend the island than Britain.
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,591

    Brixian59 said:

    Labour wants to cut taxes. Great, now where’s the money coming from?

    The fiscal surplus, increased tax receipts and reduced interest on the debt.

    Anyone with a brain could be excused for thinking Rachel has turned the Tory titanic around and we're inching to calmer waters.
    All Labour knowing is tax tax tax
    Indeed with Labour it’s hammer the private sector, reward the public sector and benefits junkies (be they pensioners, UC, PIP etc)
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733
    edited 12:50PM
    ...

    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."
    Citation please?

    What would Brave Sir Boris have done, or for that matter even Braver Sir Nigel?

  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001

    stodge said:

    kle4 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Not sure it will be Reform vs Geeen. Reform likely to come fourth in wards in London in May and I've not seen any polling or evidence that suggests Laila Cunningham is surging as a candidate beyond her just being on the telly all the time.

    Have the Tories even found a candidate yet? They risk getting lift behind in this race.

    Reform have played a blinder by appointing Laila early and getting her lots of press. She presents well on TV, unlike many others in her party.
    Tories haven't selected yet but its two years off.
    Cunninghams (unwarrented imo) shine will fade after May as she's "leading' what will be a poor result compared to the rest of England
    Reform will still be making gains. That they aren't as good as elsewhere may not matter. She'll still be able to look like a winner enough.
    I think right of centre Londoners will still gravitate to the Con candidate. Time will tell.
    Depends on who it is, the last one was an idiot
    Millions of Tories in London, there have to be some good ones?
    Coe or Cleverly in front seat
    Seb Coe is a lot older IRL than in most people's memories of him winning gold medals or even opening the Olympics, and in two years' time, he will be two years older.
    I doubt Seb Coe would be the ideal candidate now and Cleverly may have loftier ambitions.

    There aren’t many well known Conservatives in London currently - could IDS be persuaded? I suspect not. In any case, it’s a choice of London Conservative members and as we saw last time, that doesn’t turn out as you might hope or expect.
    We know that Cleverly has loftier ambitions, however he's also shit, so they're not going to happen.
    Seb Coe has as many business and corrupt practice issues in his closet as Mandelson and Epstein do for other issues.

    He's mired in IOC corruption.

    Cleverly will be Tory Leader by June if the members have an iota of common sense
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,591

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    As demanded by the Lib Dem leader because, muh, Trump
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 70,435
    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 7,124

    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?
    No not at all. The Brits and the US fxcked the island , Greece had a military junta at the time and Turkey used a phony excuse to invade . Now the Turkish Cypriots are fed up of Turkey and its attempts to change their culture and import loads of Turks from the mainland . Thankfully the Erdogan puppet was beaten in the recent election . I know a lot about Cyprus !
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 834
    Sandpit said:

    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.
    Meanwhile, in the "Mail", Shona Sibary is moaning that she is under attach in Dubai, while back home in Chichester her daughter are furious, the labradoodles are sick, and worse of all, she's left her Mounjaro pen in the fridge.
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 23,324
    LOL

    "Russia slams attacks on civilian targets
    Russia urged a ceasefire in the Middle East, the foreign ministry said, while condemning attacks on civilian targets across the region.

    “We advocate the immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties,” the ministry said in a statement.

    “Any attacks on civilian targets, whether in Iran or Arab countries, are unacceptable."”
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,749
    Taz said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Labour wants to cut taxes. Great, now where’s the money coming from?

    The fiscal surplus, increased tax receipts and reduced interest on the debt.

    Anyone with a brain could be excused for thinking Rachel has turned the Tory titanic around and we're inching to calmer waters.
    All Labour knowing is tax tax tax
    Indeed with Labour it’s hammer the private sector, reward the public sector and benefits junkies (be they pensioners, UC, PIP etc)
    Sadly there is not a single party that has not been hijacked by advocates for benefit junkies.

    Every party is afraid of detox.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001

    Brixian59 said:

    Labour wants to cut taxes. Great, now where’s the money coming from?

    The fiscal surplus, increased tax receipts and reduced interest on the debt.

    Anyone with a brain could be excused for thinking Rachel has turned the Tory titanic around and we're inching to calmer waters.
    All Labour knowing is tax tax tax
    I'll trust my fact v your fiction
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,200

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    I’m not sure of your dismissing lack of relevance in this crisis. Where is the Turkish people’s headspace in this playground bullying of Iran?
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 22,645
    The problem with SV is that the voters have to guess who will be in the final round. This aspect is why Labour chose it over the superior AV, as it entrenches their position, and it makes it harder for any other party on the left to win.

    The Greens might make it to the second-round of the Mayoral election and then lose because so many left-wing second preferences are wasted.

    A surprise Reform win is therefore possible.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,749
    Brixian59 said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Labour wants to cut taxes. Great, now where’s the money coming from?

    The fiscal surplus, increased tax receipts and reduced interest on the debt.

    Anyone with a brain could be excused for thinking Rachel has turned the Tory titanic around and we're inching to calmer waters.
    All Labour knowing is tax tax tax
    I'll trust my fact v your fiction
    Your fact like fiscal surplus?

    Over the financial year what fiscal surplus are you expecting?
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,910

    LOL

    "Russia slams attacks on civilian targets
    Russia urged a ceasefire in the Middle East, the foreign ministry said, while condemning attacks on civilian targets across the region.

    “We advocate the immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties,” the ministry said in a statement.

    “Any attacks on civilian targets, whether in Iran or Arab countries, are unacceptable."”

    There's a chance for Russia to pivot towards the West if Putin is cynical enough to take it.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 26,776

    Brixian59 said:

    Labour wants to cut taxes. Great, now where’s the money coming from?

    The fiscal surplus, increased tax receipts and reduced interest on the debt.

    Anyone with a brain could be excused for thinking Rachel has turned the Tory titanic around and we're inching to calmer waters.
    All Labour knowing is tax tax tax
    The great political debate of post war Britain. Should tax be 36 or 37% of GDP. Apparently this is existential to those favouring red and blue rosettes.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,123
    Brixian59 said:

    stodge said:

    kle4 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Not sure it will be Reform vs Geeen. Reform likely to come fourth in wards in London in May and I've not seen any polling or evidence that suggests Laila Cunningham is surging as a candidate beyond her just being on the telly all the time.

    Have the Tories even found a candidate yet? They risk getting lift behind in this race.

    Reform have played a blinder by appointing Laila early and getting her lots of press. She presents well on TV, unlike many others in her party.
    Tories haven't selected yet but its two years off.
    Cunninghams (unwarrented imo) shine will fade after May as she's "leading' what will be a poor result compared to the rest of England
    Reform will still be making gains. That they aren't as good as elsewhere may not matter. She'll still be able to look like a winner enough.
    I think right of centre Londoners will still gravitate to the Con candidate. Time will tell.
    Depends on who it is, the last one was an idiot
    Millions of Tories in London, there have to be some good ones?
    Coe or Cleverly in front seat
    Seb Coe is a lot older IRL than in most people's memories of him winning gold medals or even opening the Olympics, and in two years' time, he will be two years older.
    I doubt Seb Coe would be the ideal candidate now and Cleverly may have loftier ambitions.

    There aren’t many well known Conservatives in London currently - could IDS be persuaded? I suspect not. In any case, it’s a choice of London Conservative members and as we saw last time, that doesn’t turn out as you might hope or expect.
    We know that Cleverly has loftier ambitions, however he's also shit, so they're not going to happen.
    Seb Coe has as many business and corrupt practice issues in his closet as Mandelson and Epstein do for other issues.

    He's mired in IOC corruption.

    Cleverly will be Tory Leader by June if the members have an iota of common sense
    You make a lot of allegations against people

    And Cleverly will not be conservative leader, they already have a very good one
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,820

    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

    Tbf it wasn’t the Palestine soldier’s dad who put your guide in Auschwitz. Bit rough that he and his compatriots had to take up the burden for Germans being rsoles.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001

    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

    Your anecdote proves my point

    Moderation
    Respect

    Never going to happen with Netanyahu there, his zionist policy gives Hamas and hrzbollah a seed and a platform.
  • Dura_AceDura_Ace Posts: 15,249

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    Starmer is a useless t***. Boris would be making use of those lecterns and flags every evening at 5pm.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 90,195

    LOL

    "Russia slams attacks on civilian targets
    Russia urged a ceasefire in the Middle East, the foreign ministry said, while condemning attacks on civilian targets across the region.

    “We advocate the immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties,” the ministry said in a statement.

    “Any attacks on civilian targets, whether in Iran or Arab countries, are unacceptable."”

    There's a chance for Russia to pivot towards the West if Putin is cynical enough to take it.
    I think that is a tougher rebrand than RyanAir trying to become a luxury carrier with world class customer service.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 80,612
    edited 12:53PM
    Just read Iran has hit a tanker in the straits of Homuz that is under US sanctions ?!

    Trying to work that one out tbh
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 16,719

    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.

    If Reform fancy blaming the electorate for something, the sane target is the majority (52%) who didn't bother voting. It's just a guess but I wonder if that majority includes a lot of Reform's natural constituency. Any amount of 'vote harvesting' and 'family voting' is trivial by comparison.
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 8,813

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    I think we miss the age of strong political oratory in moments such as these. For too long now we’ve had in our leaders people who can’t inspire their way out of a paper bag (Boris did try his poundshop Churchill shtick at times but his fundamental unseriousness tended to get in the way).

    Starmer just tells us he’s got a legal opinion and to make sure we’re all following the right processes. It might not be the wrong course of action, but it fails to inspire on any meaningful level.
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,591
    SandraMc said:

    Sandpit said:

    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.
    Meanwhile, in the "Mail", Shona Sibary is moaning that she is under attach in Dubai, while back home in Chichester her daughter are furious, the labradoodles are sick, and worse of all, she's left her Mounjaro pen in the fridge.
    Who’s that piece of shit ?
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,591
    Pulpstar said:

    Just read Iran has hit a tanker in the straits of Homuz that is under US sanctions ?!

    Trying to work that one out tbh

    Same happened on Sunday too.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 7,646
    Brixian59 said:

    stodge said:

    kle4 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Not sure it will be Reform vs Geeen. Reform likely to come fourth in wards in London in May and I've not seen any polling or evidence that suggests Laila Cunningham is surging as a candidate beyond her just being on the telly all the time.

    Have the Tories even found a candidate yet? They risk getting lift behind in this race.

    Reform have played a blinder by appointing Laila early and getting her lots of press. She presents well on TV, unlike many others in her party.
    Tories haven't selected yet but its two years off.
    Cunninghams (unwarrented imo) shine will fade after May as she's "leading' what will be a poor result compared to the rest of England
    Reform will still be making gains. That they aren't as good as elsewhere may not matter. She'll still be able to look like a winner enough.
    I think right of centre Londoners will still gravitate to the Con candidate. Time will tell.
    Depends on who it is, the last one was an idiot
    Millions of Tories in London, there have to be some good ones?
    Coe or Cleverly in front seat
    Seb Coe is a lot older IRL than in most people's memories of him winning gold medals or even opening the Olympics, and in two years' time, he will be two years older.
    I doubt Seb Coe would be the ideal candidate now and Cleverly may have loftier ambitions.

    There aren’t many well known Conservatives in London currently - could IDS be persuaded? I suspect not. In any case, it’s a choice of London Conservative members and as we saw last time, that doesn’t turn out as you might hope or expect.
    We know that Cleverly has loftier ambitions, however he's also shit, so they're not going to happen.
    Seb Coe has as many business and corrupt practice issues in his closet as Mandelson and Epstein do for other issues.

    He's mired in IOC corruption.

    Cleverly will be Tory Leader by June if the members have an iota of common sense
    Anyone you suggest has to be discounted.
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 23,324
    Whose side are Kuwait on?

    US says three jets downed in 'apparent friendly fire' incident in Kuwait
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,820
    edited 12:56PM
    Dura_Ace said:

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
    Cos at heart he’s a Tory of the fruity right wing variety and he instinctively feels that they are his people.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 90,195
    Pulpstar said:

    Just read Iran has hit a tanker in the straits of Homuz that is under US sanctions ?!

    Trying to work that one out tbh

    They also hit Oman, the people who act as their neutral go betweens...not sure the leadership has full control over who is launching what and where.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 27,838
    edited 1:00PM

    Labour wants to cut taxes. Great, now where’s the money coming from?

    Dear God in Heaven. They are just throwing words out at this point. We are less than two years in and they have hit the "monkey tennis" stage of Starmer's career: "Let's give them tax cuts: that'll work, yeah? They'll like that!"
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,749
    Brixian59 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

    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

    Your anecdote proves my point

    Moderation
    Respect

    Never going to happen with Netanyahu there, his zionist policy gives Hamas and hrzbollah a seed and a platform.
    You have, as usual, cause and effect backwards.

    When the peace process was going well, the Israelis rejected Netanyahu.

    Regrettably Arafat rejected peace when it mattered.

    Then Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza anyway, only for Hamas to take over.

    It was only after all that, that Israel turned back to Netanyahu.

    If Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran are eliminated, and a free Persia takes the latter's place, then most Israelis would vote for peace. As they have time and again.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001
    Taz said:

    SandraMc said:

    Sandpit said:

    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.
    Meanwhile, in the "Mail", Shona Sibary is moaning that she is under attach in Dubai, while back home in Chichester her daughter are furious, the labradoodles are sick, and worse of all, she's left her Mounjaro pen in the fridge.
    Who’s that piece of shit ?
    Has Isabel got a pseudonym
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 90,195
    edited 1:02PM

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    I think we miss the age of strong political oratory in moments such as these. For too long now we’ve had in our leaders people who can’t inspire their way out of a paper bag (Boris did try his poundshop Churchill shtick at times but his fundamental unseriousness tended to get in the way).

    Starmer just tells us he’s got a legal opinion and to make sure we’re all following the right processes. It might not be the wrong course of action, but it fails to inspire on any meaningful level.
    Imagine the worst training course you have been on, probably something about health and safety in the office and that is still more inspirational. I have taken legal advice and it has been deemed that the stapler in the supply cupboard doesnt meet regs without going on an additional training course, so I have hired an external stapler operator, but they will only staple internal documents not outgoing ones.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 21,759
    isam said:

    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
    Not just that. Look at the way that the original Reformers have been shoved out of the way to make lifeboat space for people like Andrew Rosindell and his allies.

    It's not necessarily to like them or their politics to think that they've been treated shabbily.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,123
    Brixian59 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

    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

    Your anecdote proves my point

    Moderation
    Respect

    Never going to happen with Netanyahu there, his zionist policy gives Hamas and hrzbollah a seed and a platform.
    Actually we are in a very different place now, not least because Iran has lashed out at it's neighbours including some friendly states creating a situation that they are virtually friendless

    What Trump has done, rightly or wrongly, is to upset the apple cart and out of this a new middle east order is likely to evolve, hopefully to the benefit of everyone in the region
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,001

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    I think we miss the age of strong political oratory in moments such as these. For too long now we’ve had in our leaders people who can’t inspire their way out of a paper bag (Boris did try his poundshop Churchill shtick at times but his fundamental unseriousness tended to get in the way).

    Starmer just tells us he’s got a legal opinion and to make sure we’re all following the right processes. It might not be the wrong course of action, but it fails to inspire on any meaningful level.

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    I think we miss the age of strong political oratory in moments such as these. For too long now we’ve had in our leaders people who can’t inspire their way out of a paper bag (Boris did try his poundshop Churchill shtick at times but his fundamental unseriousness tended to get in the way).

    Starmer just tells us he’s got a legal opinion and to make sure we’re all following the right processes. It might not be the wrong course of action, but it fails to inspire on any meaningful level.
    Then you get the verbal dihorrea of Kemi and Nigel, the pontification of Saint Ed and finally a decent bit of oration from Stephen Flynn the best Scottish orator since Robin Cook
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 834
    Taz said:

    SandraMc said:

    Sandpit said:

    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.
    Meanwhile, in the "Mail", Shona Sibary is moaning that she is under attach in Dubai, while back home in Chichester her daughter are furious, the labradoodles are sick, and worse of all, she's left her Mounjaro pen in the fridge.
    Who’s that piece of shit ?
    Some bonkers woman who writes for the Mail.
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,591
    SandraMc said:

    Taz said:

    SandraMc said:

    Sandpit said:

    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.
    Meanwhile, in the "Mail", Shona Sibary is moaning that she is under attach in Dubai, while back home in Chichester her daughter are furious, the labradoodles are sick, and worse of all, she's left her Mounjaro pen in the fridge.
    Who’s that piece of shit ?
    Some bonkers woman who writes for the Mail.
    The former is a pre-requisite for the latter.

    No wonder I’ve not heard of her.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733

    Whose side are Kuwait on?

    US says three jets downed in 'apparent friendly fire' incident in Kuwait

    I believe Starmer gave the order.
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 17,890

    Brixian59 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

    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

    Your anecdote proves my point

    Moderation
    Respect

    Never going to happen with Netanyahu there, his zionist policy gives Hamas and hrzbollah a seed and a platform.
    Actually we are in a very different place now, not least because Iran has lashed out at it's neighbours including some friendly states creating a situation that they are virtually friendless

    What Trump has done, rightly or wrongly, is to upset the apple cart and out of this a new middle east order is likely to evolve, hopefully to the benefit of everyone in the region
    I admire your optimism but struggle to share it.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 34,230
    Dura_Ace said:

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
    He's serious about governing.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 35,325
    Souvenir ticket for Cruz Beckham's Wales gig says Cardiff is in England
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gjk5l471xo
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,152
    London, what a shithole!


  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 35,325

    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).

    Or it was too good so had to be sabotaged.
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,200

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    I think we miss the age of strong political oratory in moments such as these. For too long now we’ve had in our leaders people who can’t inspire their way out of a paper bag (Boris did try his poundshop Churchill shtick at times but his fundamental unseriousness tended to get in the way).

    Starmer just tells us he’s got a legal opinion and to make sure we’re all following the right processes. It might not be the wrong course of action, but it fails to inspire on any meaningful level.
    He could clear up the timeframe of the legal opinion and how it evolved. I’m of the opinion it’s exactly the same now as of a month ago, and as explained to US a month ago - UK not allowing use of bases was a subsequent US Administration attack on UK government, over position that was more nuanced not so black and white.

    The statement this afternoon and following questions has to be the evolution and timeline of the legal advice. They can’t get away with making up different legal advice to suit an evolving situation, legal advice can’t work like that, Everything they knew yesterday should have been factored in one month ago when briefing the US government.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 90,195
    edited 1:08PM

    Souvenir ticket for Cruz Beckham's Wales gig says Cardiff is in England
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gjk5l471xo

    While funny, when did the BBC turn into the Daily Mail / TMZ? There seems to be an increasing volume of z-list celeb type stories.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733
    Oil up by 7%. Gas on spot markets up 30%. ( BBC)

    Well done Rachel from accounts!
  • TazTaz Posts: 25,591

    Whose side are Kuwait on?

    US says three jets downed in 'apparent friendly fire' incident in Kuwait

    Keeping them in line. Don’t go soft on the US and the Israeli regime or there may be more ‘friendly fire’ incidents.

  • TazTaz Posts: 25,591

    Souvenir ticket for Cruz Beckham's Wales gig says Cardiff is in England
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gjk5l471xo

    The BBC is what it is due to the license fee.

    Well worth every penny
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,200

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    In our minds maybe not playground bullying of Iran, but we are talking about the Turkish people headspace. And now they see the Greek military steaming into the action.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733
    A withering critique of Starmer on BBC WATO for his anti-Trump treason at the start of Operation Epstein, sorry, Epic Fury.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 34,230

    Oil up by 7%. Gas on spot markets up 30%. ( BBC)

    Well done Rachel from accounts!

    I bow to nobody in my criticism of Reeves, but this is hardly her fault.
  • WhisperingOracleWhisperingOracle Posts: 11,000
    edited 1:14PM
    General Ibrahim Jabari: "The Americans have moved most of their aircraft to cyprus. We will launch many missiles at Cyprus so that the Americans will flee from there as well".
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,239

    Dura_Ace said:

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
    He's serious about governing.
    With a bunch of retreads, thrown out by the voters for being shite?

    No thanks.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 34,230

    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.
    There is but not relevant in this crisis

    Starmer to address the HOC at 3.30pm
    In our minds maybe not playground bullying of Iran, but we are talking about the Turkish people headspace. And now they see the Greek military steaming into the action.
    If Turkey is triggered by Greece defending itself, that is very much Turkey's problem, and it is craven pandering nonsense to suggest that Greece should alter its behaviour to take into account such 'sensitivities'.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 90,195
    Pete Hegseth doing his best 80s action movie impression.
  • FossFoss Posts: 2,429

    Souvenir ticket for Cruz Beckham's Wales gig says Cardiff is in England
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gjk5l471xo

    While funny, when did the BBC turn into the Daily Mail / TMZ? There seems to be an increasing volume of z-list celeb type stories.
    Honestly? The rot probably set in when they dropped the 'news.bbc.co.uk' subdomain and went for big, flashier main site pages with simpler sentences.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 60,283
    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

    Good luck with that!
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,239

    Pete Hegseth doing his best 80s action movie impression.

    About as convincing as Arnie's Twin.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 22,111
    Brixian59 said:

    stodge said:

    kle4 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Not sure it will be Reform vs Geeen. Reform likely to come fourth in wards in London in May and I've not seen any polling or evidence that suggests Laila Cunningham is surging as a candidate beyond her just being on the telly all the time.

    Have the Tories even found a candidate yet? They risk getting lift behind in this race.

    Reform have played a blinder by appointing Laila early and getting her lots of press. She presents well on TV, unlike many others in her party.
    Tories haven't selected yet but its two years off.
    Cunninghams (unwarrented imo) shine will fade after May as she's "leading' what will be a poor result compared to the rest of England
    Reform will still be making gains. That they aren't as good as elsewhere may not matter. She'll still be able to look like a winner enough.
    I think right of centre Londoners will still gravitate to the Con candidate. Time will tell.
    Depends on who it is, the last one was an idiot
    Millions of Tories in London, there have to be some good ones?
    Coe or Cleverly in front seat
    Seb Coe is a lot older IRL than in most people's memories of him winning gold medals or even opening the Olympics, and in two years' time, he will be two years older.
    I doubt Seb Coe would be the ideal candidate now and Cleverly may have loftier ambitions.

    There aren’t many well known Conservatives in London currently - could IDS be persuaded? I suspect not. In any case, it’s a choice of London Conservative members and as we saw last time, that doesn’t turn out as you might hope or expect.
    We know that Cleverly has loftier ambitions, however he's also shit, so they're not going to happen.
    Seb Coe has as many business and corrupt practice issues in his closet as Mandelson and Epstein do for other issues.

    He's mired in IOC corruption.

    Cleverly will be Tory Leader by June if the members have an iota of common sense
    Citation needed for that rather defamatory statement.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 34,230

    Dura_Ace said:

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
    He's serious about governing.
    With a bunch of retreads, thrown out by the voters for being shite?

    No thanks.
    This is a silly point. Yes. Ex-Ministers, your opinion of their quality notwithstanding, bring experience to Reform that is vital.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733
    edited 1:20PM
    Have you heard Whiskey Pete's ra-ra speech?

    On BBC, Lyse Duvet who I have a great deal of time for is very circumspect. She doesn't seem impressed with the lack of a war plan.

    Henry Zephman and Sarah Montague withering in their criticism of Starmer as a result of Trump's Telegraph interview. Should Trump be thinking of regime change in the UK?
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,239

    Dura_Ace said:

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
    He's serious about governing.
    With a bunch of retreads, thrown out by the voters for being shite?

    No thanks.
    This is a silly point. Yes. Ex-Ministers, your opinion of their quality notwithstanding, bring experience to Reform that is vital.
    As they were shite at their jobs - and were thrown out by the voters as a consequence - it is a very on-point point.

    Your trying to airbrush their inadequacies is what is sily.
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 9,950

    London, what a shithole!


    Is that one of those 'affordable homes' I've heard about in the foreground on the lake?
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 61,144

    https://x.com/FaytuksNetwork/status/2028427877918618092

    Lebanon Prime Minister says Hezbollah will be banned, Lebanese military will enforce decision

    That’s more significant, in some ways, than losing some Mullahs in Iran.

    The Hezys are a state within a state and used to getting their (very violent) way.

    An example - When the investigation into the Beirut Port explosion got too close (it was Hezy AMFO for explosives) they murdered a couple of journalists, a judge and demanded that the investigation not look at them.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 22,111

    London, what a shithole!


    I knew that houses and flats could be small in the smoke, but that floating one is tiny...
  • PJHPJH Posts: 1,036

    isam said:

    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
    Not just that. Look at the way that the original Reformers have been shoved out of the way to make lifeboat space for people like Andrew Rosindell and his allies.

    It's not necessarily to like them or their politics to think that they've been treated shabbily.
    It amused me a couple fo weeks ago that I got my first Reform leaflet of the year. No mention of local elections, just Nigel and Laila. It must really have pained Rozzer to have to distribute a leaflet that didn't have at least 15 photos of himself on it.

    BTW when I passed the (former?) Conservative Party HQ the other day it still had the big 'Vote Andrew Rosindell - your Conservative MP billboards up outside, and amazingly nobody has defaced them yet.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 57,748

    Have you heard Whiskey Pete's ra-ra speech?

    On BBC, Lyse Duvet who I have a great deal of time for is very circumspect. She doesn't seem impressed with the lack of a war plan.

    Henry Zephman and Sarah Montague withering in their criticism of Starmer as a result of Trump's Telegraph interview. Should Trump be thinking of regime change in the UK?

    What on earth makes you think that he isn't? Why should we be any different?
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 9,950

    Dura_Ace said:

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
    He's serious about governing.
    With a bunch of retreads, thrown out by the voters for being shite?

    No thanks.
    This is a silly point. Yes. Ex-Ministers, your opinion of their quality notwithstanding, bring experience to Reform that is vital.
    Experience of being rejected by the electorate?
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,749

    https://x.com/FaytuksNetwork/status/2028427877918618092

    Lebanon Prime Minister says Hezbollah will be banned, Lebanese military will enforce decision

    That’s more significant, in some ways, than losing some Mullahs in Iran.

    The Hezys are a state within a state and used to getting their (very violent) way.

    An example - When the investigation into the Beirut Port explosion got too close (it was Hezy AMFO for explosives) they murdered a couple of journalists, a judge and demanded that the investigation not look at them.
    It is two sides of the same coin.

    With the Mullahs funnelling billions to Hezbollah, the Lebanese state can't tackle them.

    With the head of the hydra getting attacked now, Hezbollah is weakened to the point that Lebanon can say piss off.

    Win/win.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 34,230
    edited 1:26PM
    algarkirk said:

    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.

    If Reform fancy blaming the electorate for something, the sane target is the majority (52%) who didn't bother voting. It's just a guess but I wonder if that majority includes a lot of Reform's natural constituency. Any amount of 'vote harvesting' and 'family voting' is trivial by comparison.
    It is a sign of how perverse PBs centrist commentors have become that they are quite comfortable with turning a blind eye to a spot of electoral law-breaking and a teensy bit of abandoning the secret ballot, but utterly furious with a party highlighting the issue. This is quite literally how the thing that rhymes with booming bangs happened.

    The secret ballot came in because before it, husbands and other male authority figures would decide for their wives and other chattels how they voted - something that most on PB would abhor if it happened in the modern era. But if it's benefitting the progressive left and defeating the right, suddenly it's all a bit of 'family voting' and 'vote harvesting' with a big sigh and roll of the eyes. Absolute principle vacuums that post here.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 61,144

    London, what a shithole!


    I knew that houses and flats could be small in the smoke, but that floating one is tiny...
    Compact and bijou, Mostin.

    https://youtu.be/sn1bttSU8Aw?si=OfcQ5irzX8xqNQoO
  • CookieCookie Posts: 16,991
    FWIW, the view of my Iranian friend:
    He's delighted that Khameneih is dead. His view is that the vast majority of Iranians feel the same.
    He thinks however that the Americans were fools and no good willcome of this - the regime will cling on. 20% of the population has all the guns and cannot be shifted. They will have succession planned sufficiently that this will not trouble them (though ot course will significantly trouble the individuals involved).
    Obviously the internet is down in Iran so he has deaperately little real news.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 7,124
    Hegseth doing comedy now .

    Highlights .

    The US didn’t start this war but will end it .

    He fellated Trump and went into NK Dear Leader mode .

    He told the Iranians it was a marvellous opportunity , so what you waiting for, head out and get slaughtered and if you don’t take this opportunity you’re a bunch of ungrateful cowards .
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 34,230
    Selebian said:

    Dura_Ace said:

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
    He's serious about governing.
    With a bunch of retreads, thrown out by the voters for being shite?

    No thanks.
    This is a silly point. Yes. Ex-Ministers, your opinion of their quality notwithstanding, bring experience to Reform that is vital.
    Experience of being rejected by the electorate?
    Any more people want to make the same idiotic 'zinger'?
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 101,580

    algarkirk said:

    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.

    If Reform fancy blaming the electorate for something, the sane target is the majority (52%) who didn't bother voting. It's just a guess but I wonder if that majority includes a lot of Reform's natural constituency. Any amount of 'vote harvesting' and 'family voting' is trivial by comparison.
    It is a sign of how perverse PBs centrist commentors have become that they are quite comfortable with turning a blind eye to a spot of electoral law-breaking and a teensy bit of abandoning the secret ballot, but utterly furious with a party highlighting the issue. This is quite literally how the thing that rhymes with booming bangs happened.

    The secret ballot came in because before it, husbands and other male authority figures would decide for their wives and other chattels how they voted - something that most on PB would abhor if it happened in the modern era. But if it's benefitting the progressive left and defeating the right, suddenly it's all a bit of 'family voting' and 'vote harvesting' with a big sigh and roll of the eyes. Absolute principle vacuums that post here.
    If it is substantiated it needs to be stamped out. Families discussing with each other how they will vote is not the same as family voting, if it is happening.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733
    DavidL said:

    Have you heard Whiskey Pete's ra-ra speech?

    On BBC, Lyse Duvet who I have a great deal of time for is very circumspect. She doesn't seem impressed with the lack of a war plan.

    Henry Zephman and Sarah Montague withering in their criticism of Starmer as a result of Trump's Telegraph interview. Should Trump be thinking of regime change in the UK?

    What on earth makes you think that he isn't? Why should we be any different?
    Nigel or Tiny Tom as Governor General is the bigger question.
  • DopermeanDopermean Posts: 2,397

    algarkirk said:

    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.

    If Reform fancy blaming the electorate for something, the sane target is the majority (52%) who didn't bother voting. It's just a guess but I wonder if that majority includes a lot of Reform's natural constituency. Any amount of 'vote harvesting' and 'family voting' is trivial by comparison.
    It is a sign of how perverse PBs centrist commentors have become that they are quite comfortable with turning a blind eye to a spot of electoral law-breaking and a teensy bit of abandoning the secret ballot, but utterly furious with a party highlighting the issue. This is quite literally how the thing that rhymes with booming bangs happened.

    The secret ballot came in because before it, husbands and other male authority figures would decide for their wives and other chattels how they voted - something that most on PB would abhor if it happened in the modern era. But if it's benefitting the progressive left and defeating the right, suddenly it's all a bit of 'family voting' and 'vote harvesting' with a big sigh and roll of the eyes. Absolute principle vacuums that post here.
    If that's what"s happening, it's far easier to do with postal ballots. Same story with voter id, nigh on impossible to gain many votes at the polling station.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 101,580

    London, what a shithole!


    I knew that houses and flats could be small in the smoke, but that floating one is tiny...
    Prime location by the river with stunning views, perfect for those looking for a cosy nook in the capital.

    £2million or best offers.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 27,838
    MattW said:

    And a MAGA religion one. A white evangelical Pastor (Rt Rev Robert Schenk) who had run an organisation aiming to place Supreme Court judges in place who were against abortion, going back to the Reagan supporting Christian Right, and how the appearance of Donald Trump as Guest of Honour at Pat Robertson's 80th birthday ("they were both in the billionaires club after Robertson sold his TV station") in 2011 eventually lead him to question his movement.

    He is interviewed on a podcast called "Native Land Pod" (which is black evangelical, essentially, afaics - it is a new one on me) about how came to his "Road to Damascus".

    A bit specialist for PB, but of interest to a few ( @viewcode...).

    https://www.youtube.com/@NativeLandPod

    I started compiling sources on a proposed US Christian Nationalist article before Nov2024, but it was superseded by other subjects and others were better placed to write it (possibly you?) so I stopped. I still retain an interest so I'll listen to the Native Land Pod later. The relevant video is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtbzivuzMNk and it has the Rt Rev Robert Schenk from 37:26 to 78:38 so I'll have to listen to it later.

    Incidentally if you want a summary, you can go to YouTube, press the "transcript" button, then cut-and-paste the relevant bit into an AI summarizer

  • RogerRoger Posts: 22,326
    A great Iranian journalist on WATO at the moment. People here just don't understand the mentality of the Iranian people. I've never been there but I know most of the other countries in the region well and have many friends there. I find their attitude really uplifting. It's so much more cerebral than the moronic rantings that you get from American spokespeople. I find it really quite beautiful.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733
    BBC WATO not impressed that emergency evacuation hasn't been scrambled yet. Poor Tiegen from Northern Ireland only went to a Dubai for a shopping trip and isn't very happy that Starmer hasn't got her out yet.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 101,580

    Dura_Ace said:

    isam said:

    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
    Yep. You can't be the insurgency heading to Westminster to turn everything upside down as nothing is working if most of your leader figures are elite rich types and failed ex-tory cabinet ministers.

    Bonkers.

    Maybe Farage deep down doesn't want to win?
    The recycling of tories, particularly BAME tories from the Johnson epoch, always seemed a terrible move for Big Nige to me. He didn’t even need to do it, yet he did and I have no fucking idea why.
    He's serious about governing.
    With a bunch of retreads, thrown out by the voters for being shite?

    No thanks.
    This is a silly point. Yes. Ex-Ministers, your opinion of their quality notwithstanding, bring experience to Reform that is vital.
    As they were shite at their jobs - and were thrown out by the voters as a consequence - it is a very on-point point.

    Your trying to airbrush their inadequacies is what is sily.
    I fear there is a little overdoing it going on nonetheless. They might well have been shit, though their own side would have mostly disputed it at the time, but taken in the whole having people with proven experience of governing is still likely a plus, particularly on those who are drawn to Reform but worried about inexperience.

    A potentially more difficult issue is all these ex-Ministers taking leadership positions and diltuting the 'insurgency' kind of branding Reform has wanted until now - but they appear to be moving on to properly trying to replace the Tories, so 'Establishment, but with the right leadership' seems to be the new strategy.

    And we've seen in the USA how both parties can be shameless in claiming to be a breath of fresh air even in states they've run forever.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733
    Roger said:

    A great Iranian journalist on WATO at the moment. People here just don't understand the mentality of the Iranian people. I've never been there but I know most of the other countries in the region well and have many friends there. I find their attitude really uplifting. It's so much more cerebral than the moronic rantings that you get from American spokespeople. I find it really quite beautiful.

    Lyse Duvet is superb. They got rid of her quickly to normalise the Trumpian narrative. They are not happy with Starmer.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 101,580
    Roger said:

    A great Iranian journalist on WATO at the moment. People here just don't understand the mentality of the Iranian people. I've never been there but I know most of the other countries in the region well and have many friends there. I find their attitude really uplifting. It's so much more cerebral than the moronic rantings that you get from American spokespeople. I find it really quite beautiful.

    I would suggest it is not a good approach to judge either society by the quality of their journalists or spokespeople, though the American style grates even amomg those I agree with.
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 17,890
    nico67 said:

    Hegseth doing comedy now .

    Highlights .

    The US didn’t start this war but will end it .

    He fellated Trump and went into NK Dear Leader mode .

    He told the Iranians it was a marvellous opportunity , so what you waiting for, head out and get slaughtered and if you don’t take this opportunity you’re a bunch of ungrateful cowards .

    He's right though. The Israelis started it. The US is just doing what it's told.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 7,124

    Roger said:

    A great Iranian journalist on WATO at the moment. People here just don't understand the mentality of the Iranian people. I've never been there but I know most of the other countries in the region well and have many friends there. I find their attitude really uplifting. It's so much more cerebral than the moronic rantings that you get from American spokespeople. I find it really quite beautiful.

    Lyse Duvet is superb. They got rid of her quickly to normalise the Trumpian narrative. They are not happy with Starmer.
    Trump moaning about Starmer will be welcomed in No 10 .

    Let’s hope Kemi picks up the baton later !
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,733
    Roger said:

    A great Iranian journalist on WATO at the moment. People here just don't understand the mentality of the Iranian people. I've never been there but I know most of the other countries in the region well and have many friends there. I find their attitude really uplifting. It's so much more cerebral than the moronic rantings that you get from American spokespeople. I find it really quite beautiful.

    Ducet recently wrote a great book which puts Afghanistan geopolitics into context.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 101,580

    Souvenir ticket for Cruz Beckham's Wales gig says Cardiff is in England
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gjk5l471xo

    While funny, when did the BBC turn into the Daily Mail / TMZ? There seems to be an increasing volume of z-list celeb type stories.
    The hope would be that is a small amount of resource to get some eyeballs, but that most of the money goes on the more valuable journalism which is not actually viewed very much, which is why you often need to fund it or it won't happen.
Sign In or Register to comment.