Regarding the DUP deal, I do wonder if there is a longer term risk to British democracy.
(Hear me out.)
If I were an ambitious, sensible and smart leader of the Scottish nationalists, I would be thinking less about Scottish independence and more about Scottish pork. Bringing government spending to Scotland would seem to be a surer route to re-election than another referendum. "Only we will stand up for Scottish interests, and only we can bring jobs to Scotland" is a pretty effective rallying cry.
Now imagine you were sitting in Cornwall. It's another poorer part of the UK, with strong regional identity. It even has an existing nationalist party. Perhaps it could run candidates that would stand up and bring pork to Cornwall? The LibDems and Labour Party are weak there, and someone standing up for local interests who could bring a billion pounds to the region... well that would look pretty attractive.
I suspect I'm wrong. But if regionalism - and begger thy neighbour politics - is seen to pay, then we will get more of it. This is not a good thing.
The government are paying a going rate of £100M a vote. That's a big incentive.
...even that's untrue. There will be hundreds of votes on which the DUP will support the Govt. The left and Mathematics are strangers to one another.
Oh.. so if the DUP support the govt 200 times then £5m per vote is a good rate?
The election result produced only two plausible governments:
(1) A Tory minority with explicit support from the DUP (2) A Tory minority without explicit support from the DUP.
Buying a restoration of Stormont (as that's what the £1bn is actually buying) seems reasonable for the upgrade from option 2 to option 1...
You get the impression the Corbynistas are somewhat rattled this morning. From zero expectations just two months ago, they realised they had a small but tantalising chance of an unbelievable outcome. But it failed. How painful for them to contemplate five more years after they started to truly believe that JezWeCan.
You get that impression? Some of us are quite chuffed in a deplorably partisan way. Bobajob's little rant sums it up nicely. Association with Ulster extremists? Magic money tree? Waste of public funds? May is doing an excellent job of shooting one Tory campaign line after another.
Enjoy it while it lasts....As Mrs May and Ms Sturgeon have found out, Mr Gravity will catch up with you sooner or later....
And at least the DUP money will be spent in this country.
Planned Overseas Aid = Bad Unplanned Ulster Bung = Good
What's a billion quid or rather approx £24bn between the new bosom pals of the Con/DUP APP ?
It all comes from the same magic money tree only some is being distributed outside of the UK and some within it.
But perhaps you can explain where the £24bn comes from. If you say WFA and TLP then you're even more inaccurate than your election prediction.
Another magic money tree follower ?!?
Presumably the Conservative manifesto was costed somewhere and not just on the back of a fag packet. If the savings from not implementing WFA and TLP changes are dropped where is the shortfall coming from? .... presumably another magic money tree in the same orchard?
So you can't explain the £24bn - thought not.
But we are on the magic money tree and that's because the country wants to be. On a purely practical issue there is no chance of getting restrictions on TLP and WFA through parliament irrespective of the DUP stance.
Still interesting to see you having reservations about the magic money tree now - I don't remember you being so concerned when Osborne was borrowing hundreds of billions more from those same magic money trees than he said he would.
Utter garbage. We are on the magic money tree because a humiliated and exhausted PM had to harvest its fruits to buy off a crazed bunch of regionalist sectarian homophobes so she could limp on in government. Nothing you can say or do will change that undeniable fact. And it will be repeated back to the Tories over and over and over again. Suck it up.
Translation: you are annoyed the Tories are now securely in office.
Go to bed.
5 years is a long time. Corbyn might be too old to win by then, or any manner of other things may happen.
The tories are in a pickle at the moment, but they're in power.
See we have managed another shake of the "magic money tree" for the royals today. Funny how the money's always there for certain things.
If you think the Royals sit back and bask in their luxury, day-after-day, and do nothing but indulge themselves, then you just haven't a clue about them, the civil list or our constitution.
I agree with you as regards the Royals, CR, but we can't dispute it is special pleading. It should however mean that we are now likely to hear less of the sillier 'magic money tree' jibes that are used to demolish support for unpopular spending. Some may even feel compelled to resort to reason instead.
OT EU fining Google £2 billion is interesting. Catching onto the American idea of fining companies from other countries. That's what comes of having the muscle of being second largest economy in the world!
Frank GardnerVerified account @FrankRGardner UK Natl Security Adviser on threat from N Korea ballistic missiles: "London is closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles"
We only have 45 minutes to save the Earth. Bomb the buggers
CGT on homes would have to be rolloverable for life, otherwise no one could afford to move. Therefore it would all be payable on death. It would, in other words, be a dementia tax on steroids and not limited to the demented. Unless Tezza has secretly rehired Fiona and Beardie and is going straight back to the country, I doubt we will see such a proposal in a manifesto any time soon.
Why could nobody afford to move with CGT on homes.
Say you bought a house for £100k and had to move due to work and the house was worth £200k.
You then could not afford the same equivalent house in another area (even if the price was the same), as you had to pay the tax on the gain. That's not fair, nor is it healthy for the economy.
Life is tough. There are other expenses in moving also. Is that unfair? It is life.
It also isn't fair that a £500,000 in London later sells for 1,500,000 and no tax is paid on the £1m windfall profit.
Fairness doesn't come into it.
Imposing CGT on primary residences would be electoral suicide for any party that proposed it.
It would also totally freeze up the housing market. No one would move, but just keep their house and then rent out another one whilst renting the house they owned.
Nonsense. Most people just want the house they live in and aren't interested in renting out property. People only do that for income reasons or because of a temporary move.
One minute you are concerned about people having enough money to move then they have multiple houses.
It works no differently to the stamp duty except one is on buying and one on selling.
CGT on property would have a downward pressure on prices to the extent of the CGT as a maximum, making houses a bit cheaper for first time buyers. 2nd time buyers onwards would find houses a little cheaper but will have paid the tax so generally a neutral position.
However I agree with Sean - suicide to introduce and a negative impact on existing house owners and I don't know how you get over that off the top of my head.
And at least the DUP money will be spent in this country.
Planned Overseas Aid = Bad Unplanned Ulster Bung = Good
What's a billion quid or rather approx £24bn between the new bosom pals of the Con/DUP APP ?
It all comes from the same magic money tree only some is being distributed outside of the UK and some within it.
But perhaps you can explain where the £24bn comes from. If you say WFA and TLP then you're even more inaccurate than your election prediction.
Another magic money tree follower ?!?
Presumably the Conservative manifesto was costed somewhere and not just on the back of a fag packet. If the savings from not implementing WFA and TLP changes are dropped where is the shortfall coming from? .... presumably another magic money tree in the same orchard?
So you can't explain the £24bn - thought not.
But we are on the magic money tree and that's because the country wants to be. On a purely practical issue there is no chance of getting restrictions on TLP and WFA through parliament irrespective of the DUP stance.
Still interesting to see you having reservations about the magic money tree now - I don't remember you being so concerned when Osborne was borrowing hundreds of billions more from those same magic money trees than he said he would.
Utter garbage. We are on the magic money tree because a humiliated and exhausted PM had to harvest its fruits to buy off a crazed bunch of regionalist sectarian homophobes so she could limp on in government. Nothing you can say or do will change that undeniable fact. And it will be repeated back to the Tories over and over and over again. Suck it up.
Translation: you are annoyed the Tories are now securely in office.
Go to bed.
5 years is a long time. Corbyn might be too old to win by then, or any manner of other things may happen.
The tories are in a pickle at the moment, but they're in power.
Lol! I love the imagery.
We are used to the concept of 'in office but not in power' which you might say applies to the current mob, but your depiction is far more appropriate - in power but in a pickle!
CGT on homes would have to be rolloverable for life, otherwise no one could afford to move. Therefore it would all be payable on death. It would, in other words, be a dementia tax on steroids and not limited to the demented. Unless Tezza has secretly rehired Fiona and Beardie and is going straight back to the country, I doubt we will see such a proposal in a manifesto any time soon.
Why could nobody afford to move with CGT on homes.
Say you bought a house for £100k and had to move due to work and the house was worth £200k.
You then could not afford the same equivalent house in another area (even if the price was the same), as you had to pay the tax on the gain. That's not fair, nor is it healthy for the economy.
Life is tough. There are other expenses in moving also. Is that unfair? It is life.
It also isn't fair that a £500,000 in London later sells for 1,500,000 and no tax is paid on the £1m windfall profit.
Fairness doesn't come into it.
Imposing CGT on primary residences would be electoral suicide for any party that proposed it.
It would also totally freeze up the housing market. No one would move, but just keep their house and then rent out another one whilst renting the house they owned.
Nonsense. Most people just want the house they live in and aren't interested in renting out property. People only do that for income reasons or because of a temporary move.
One minute you are concerned about people having enough money to move then they have multiple houses.
It works no differently to the stamp duty except one is on buying and one on selling.
CGT on property would have a downward pressure on prices to the extent of the CGT as a maximum, making houses a bit cheaper for first time buyers. 2nd time buyers onwards would find houses a little cheaper but will have paid the tax so generally a neutral position.
However I agree with Sean - suicide to introduce and a negative impact on existing house owners and I don't know how you get over that off the top of my head.
Huge apologies Slackbladder. My manipulation of the quotes is screwed up. That is my reply to you and not your comments.
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
OT EU fining Google £2 billion is interesting. Catching onto the American idea of fining companies from other countries. That's what comes of having the muscle of being second largest economy in the world!
It is also what comes from being a plain bloody stupid bureaucracy.
If you don't like google, use somewhere else. It is not rocket science.
See we have managed another shake of the "magic money tree" for the royals today. Funny how the money's always there for certain things.
If you think the Royals sit back and bask in their luxury, day-after-day, and do nothing but indulge themselves, then you just haven't a clue about them, the civil list or our constitution.
I agree with you as regards the Royals, CR, but we can't dispute it is special pleading. It should however mean that we are now likely to hear less of the sillier 'magic money tree' jibes that are used to demolish support for unpopular spending. Some may even feel compelled to resort to reason instead.
No, I have explained the difference downthread.
Magic money tree means there is a way of generating endless amounts of finance for public services, at little or no cost to the average taxpayer. McDonnell was proposing £50bn extra every year, and that was just what he admitted to, and he didn’t even bother to put together a broader deficit reduction plan.
This is a £1bn spending commitment over two years that, sure, the Tories would rather not have made, but there’s no doubt it will form part of an overall credible medium-term fiscal plan in the next budget.
I’m far more concerned about reneging on the double-lock and WFA cuts, which will cost us an awful lot, rather than the above which is mainly about politics – a Labour/LD/SNP/PC deal would, of course, have cost an absolute fortune.
You get the impression the Corbynistas are somewhat rattled this morning. From zero expectations just two months ago, they realised they had a small but tantalising chance of an unbelievable outcome. But it failed. How painful for them to contemplate five more years after they started to truly believe that JezWeCan.
You get that impression? Some of us are quite chuffed in a deplorably partisan way. Bobajob's little rant sums it up nicely. Association with Ulster extremists? Magic money tree? Waste of public funds? May is doing an excellent job of shooting one Tory campaign line after another.
Enjoy it while it lasts....As Mrs May and Ms Sturgeon have found out, Mr Gravity will catch up with you sooner or later....
OT EU fining Google £2 billion is interesting. Catching onto the American idea of fining companies from other countries. That's what comes of having the muscle of being second largest economy in the world!
It is also what comes from being a plain bloody stupid bureaucracy.
If you don't like google, use somewhere else. It is not rocket science.
The EU is incredibly butthurt about the failure of Europe to produce real tech giants.
I don't get all the Magic Money stuff on here this morning. Labour proposed spending 250 billion in their manifesto. The Tories 'found' money that would probably have been available in any case to smooth the agreement to restore NI Executive. The way our democracy works is that smaller parties have power in the event of a hung parliament. Am I supposed to believe the SNP wouldn't have wanted to bring any further resources to Scotland by supporting Corbyn?
this is an appalling humiliation and there’s no escaping it.
Quite literally within hours of the Brexit vote, almost exactly a year ago, the FM had decided that IndyRef2 was essential for the well being of the nation.
There had to be legislation introduced to the Scottish Parliament because, only by having the framework in place now, right now, this minute, could we be ready for lift off when the great day of decision came.
There was a press conference when the Bill came forward. There was an official photograph of the First Minister, shoes off, relaxing on the sofa at Bute House, just dashing off a letter to Theresa May demanding the right to hold a vote.
And this week? This week, not so much.
We already know what the First Minister is going to say and it won’t be “Full steam ahead and damn the torpedoes!”
And at least the DUP money will be spent in this country.
Planned Overseas Aid = Bad Unplanned Ulster Bung = Good
What's a billion quid or rather approx £24bn between the new bosom pals of the Con/DUP APP ?
It all comes from the same magic money tree only some is being distributed outside of the UK and some within it.
But perhaps you can explain where the £24bn comes from. If you say WFA and TLP then you're even more inaccurate than your election prediction.
Another magic money tree follower ?!?
Presumably the Conservative manifesto was costed somewhere and not just on the back of a fag packet. If the savings from not implementing WFA and TLP changes are dropped where is the shortfall coming from? .... presumably another magic money tree in the same orchard?
So you can't explain the £24bn - thought not.
But we are on the magic money tree and that's because the country wants to be. On a purely practical issue there is no chance of getting restrictions on TLP and WFA through parliament irrespective of the DUP stance.
Still interesting to see you having reservations about the magic money tree now - I don't remember you being so concerned when Osborne was borrowing hundreds of billions more from those same magic money trees than he said he would.
Utter garbage. We are on the magic money tree because a humiliated and exhausted PM had to harvest its fruits to buy off a crazed bunch of regionalist sectarian homophobes so she could limp on in government. Nothing you can say or do will change that undeniable fact. And it will be repeated back to the Tories over and over and over again. Suck it up.
Translation: you are annoyed the Tories are now securely in office.
Go to bed.
5 years is a long time. Corbyn might be too old to win by then, or any manner of other things may happen.
The tories are in a pickle at the moment, but they're in power.
All sorts of things can happen in 5 years.
The Tories need to deliver hope, and an end to austerity.
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
Under the circumstances I think I should admit defeat!
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
I'm in a soak the rich mood today. Come on Corbyn, announce a proposal for a one off wealth tax to pay for the refurbishment and infrastructure around our crap tower housing to bring them up to scratch and make safe. Then it can easily be done again and again. Fuck em. Go on Jezza, do it, do it.
Speaking for the moderately well off (therefore, rich in Corbynista terms) I say "Bugger That", to your proposal.
It really would be sweet electoral revenge if the far Left proposed a raid on property, that made the dementia tax look like pennies in a tin, and came a cropper as a result.
Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
Well they're thinking of it with LVT.
LVT is a sensible solution to a difficult problem but I'm not sure if it is politically feasible. It would certainly be less toxic than trying to abolish the cgt exemption on main residences, although that too would be perfectly sensible from all points of view except the crucial one of electoral consequences.
See we have managed another shake of the "magic money tree" for the royals today. Funny how the money's always there for certain things.
If you think the Royals sit back and bask in their luxury, day-after-day, and do nothing but indulge themselves, then you just haven't a clue about them, the civil list or our constitution.
Interesting how righties always jump to the defence of an hereditary privileged institution that much of the world had the good sense to bin years ago.
Interesting how countries that lefties hold-up as pillars of socialism, like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, have all held onto their royal families.
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
Under the circumstances I think I should admit defeat!
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
Yes, that would. Of course CGT used to have either indexation (or taper relief) until it was removed by a certain G Brown.
OT EU fining Google £2 billion is interesting. Catching onto the American idea of fining companies from other countries.
Well they've got to find the shortfall from the UK's contributions somewhere
Shame the UK havn't got that sort of muscle anymore. I suppose they could try to fine the Saudis a herd of camels for their unlawful demands on Al Jazeera that they stop broadcasting.
Mr. Nakht, quite. I was very amused to hear Sturgeon's calling the deal 'pork barrel politics' and, in the next breath, is upset Scotland isn't getting any money
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
Under the circumstances I think I should admit defeat!
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
OK, but why index CGT and no other tax, tax exemption or allowance? If you want to index, index the whole system. It would be manifestly unfair to index just one particular part of it.
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
Under the circumstances I think I should admit defeat!
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
OK, but why index CGT and no other tax, tax exeption or allowance? If you want to index, index the whole system. It would be manifestly unfair to index just one particular part of it.
Because CGT represents the growth in asset value over time, so making a recognising of the value/cost of that time makes sense.
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
Under the circumstances I think I should admit defeat!
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
OK, but why index CGT and no other tax, tax exemption or allowance? If you want to index, index the whole system. It would be manifestly unfair to index just one particular part of it.
OT EU fining Google £2 billion is interesting. Catching onto the American idea of fining companies from other countries. That's what comes of having the muscle of being second largest economy in the world!
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
Under the circumstances I think I should admit defeat!
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
Yes, that would. Of course CGT used to have either indexation (or taper relief) until it was removed by a certain G Brown.
It was never more than a sop to certain pressure groups, and served no real fiscal purpose. It certainly had nothing to do with fairness.
Edit: On reflection, it did have one important and indisputable benefit. It helped to keep me in gainful employment for many years!
See we have managed another shake of the "magic money tree" for the royals today. Funny how the money's always there for certain things.
If you think the Royals sit back and bask in their luxury, day-after-day, and do nothing but indulge themselves, then you just haven't a clue about them, the civil list or our constitution.
I agree with you as regards the Royals, CR, but we can't dispute it is special pleading. It should however mean that we are now likely to hear less of the sillier 'magic money tree' jibes that are used to demolish support for unpopular spending. Some may even feel compelled to resort to reason instead.
This is a £1bn spending commitment over two years.
While total UK government spending will be £1,500 billion......not even a Magic Money Twig
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
Under the circumstances I think I should admit defeat!
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
Yes, that would. Of course CGT used to have either indexation (or taper relief) until it was removed by a certain G Brown.
It was never more than a sop to certain pressure groups, and served no real fiscal purpose. It certainly had nothing to do with fairness.
Indexiation accounts for inflation in the growth of the value of assets. Makes sense to me.
Mr. Nakht, quite. I was very amused to hear Sturgeon's calling the deal 'pork barrel politics' and, in the next breath, is upset Scotland isn't getting any money
Most amusing was the DUP spokesperson in the Commons threatening to publish their discussion in 2010 and 2015 with Labour, the Lib Dems and the SNP, before calling them out for arrant hypocrisy. I'm not a fan of the DUP, to put it mildly, but I don't think any party in the Commons is in a good position to criticise this deal from a position of principle.
David Davis is doing Brexit. I cannot see how he could do PM as well so that would mean changing the Brexit Secretary mid-Brexit. Not wise ... (then again, this is the Tory party we are talking about)
Amber Rudd has a majority of 346 which makes her unsuitable as a candidate - too vulnerable to a decapitation strategy
Boris is, IMO, simply utterly unsuitable. There seemed to be collective gasps of astonishment around the world when he was made Foreign Secretary. If he made PM the noise of the laughter would be deafening.
Ruth Davidson is not an MP so how could she do PMQs and such?
And at least the DUP money will be spent in this country.
Planned Overseas Aid = Bad Unplanned Ulster Bung = Good
What's a billion quid or rather approx £24bn between the new bosom pals of the Con/DUP APP ?
It all comes from the same magic money tree only some is being distributed outside of the UK and some within it.
But perhaps you can explain where the £24bn comes from. If you say WFA and TLP then you're even more inaccurate than your election prediction.
Another magic money tree follower ?!?
Presumably the Conservative manifesto was costed somewhere and not just on the back of a fag packet. If the savings from not implementing WFA and TLP changes are dropped where is the shortfall coming from? .... presumably another magic money tree in the same orchard?
...
Still interesting to see you having reservations about the magic money tree now - I don't remember you being so concerned when Osborne was borrowing hundreds of billions more from those same magic money trees than he said he would.
Utter garbage. We are on the magic money tree because a humiliated and exhausted PM had to harvest its fruits to buy off a crazed bunch of regionalist sectarian homophobes so she could limp on in government. Nothing you can say or do will change that undeniable fact. And it will be repeated back to the Tories over and over and over again. Suck it up.
Translation: you are annoyed the Tories are now securely in office.
Go to bed.
5 years is a long time. Corbyn might be too old to win by then, or any manner of other things may happen.
The tories are in a pickle at the moment, but they're in power.
What can they do with their power? Nothing which would annoy more than 7 (currently) of their own MPs. Nothing that would annoy the DUP.
I know that the DUP will support the government in a confidence vote and the finance bill (which they will have influenced), but everything else is fair game. That may mean that it doesn't actually get to a vote and that it's defused before that stage. So over Brexit you may get to the point where the DUP want one thing and the Tory awkward squad are equally keen on the opposite. Interesting times.
David Davis is doing Brexit. I cannot see how he could do PM as well so that would mean changing the Brexit Secretary mid-Brexit. Not wise ... (then again, this is the Tory party we are talking about)
Amber Rudd has a majority of 346 which makes her unsuitable as a candidate - too vulnerable to a decapitation strategy
Boris is, IMO, simply utterly unsuitable. There seemed to be collective gasps of astonishment around the world when he was made Foreign Secretary. If he made PM the noise of the laughter would be deafening.
Ruth Davidson is not an MP so how could she do PMQs and such?
So that leaves Javid, Patel or Hammond
Erm...so that leaves, in effect, er.....Hammond!
Oh how we used to laugh at the lack of talent in the Labour ranks!!
OT EU fining Google £2 billion is interesting. Catching onto the American idea of fining companies from other countries. That's what comes of having the muscle of being second largest economy in the world!
It is also what comes from being a plain bloody stupid bureaucracy.
If you don't like google, use somewhere else. It is not rocket science.
When the Americans fine multinationals for restrictive or dishonest practices it's OK. When our kith and kin do it it's an overpowerful bureaucracy.
Time to get down on all fours and try to see it from a Tory's point of view.....
Regarding the DUP deal, I do wonder if there is a longer term risk to British democracy.
(Hear me out.)
If I were an ambitious, sensible and smart leader of the Scottish nationalists, I would be thinking less about Scottish independence and more about Scottish pork. Bringing government spending to Scotland would seem to be a surer route to re-election than another referendum. "Only we will stand up for Scottish interests, and only we can bring jobs to Scotland" is a pretty effective rallying cry.
Now imagine you were sitting in Cornwall. It's another poorer part of the UK, with strong regional identity. It even has an existing nationalist party. Perhaps it could run candidates that would stand up and bring pork to Cornwall? The LibDems and Labour Party are weak there, and someone standing up for local interests who could bring a billion pounds to the region... well that would look pretty attractive.
I suspect I'm wrong. But if regionalism - and begger thy neighbour politics - is seen to pay, then we will get more of it. This is not a good thing.
The government are paying a going rate of £100M a vote. That's a big incentive.
...even that's untrue. There will be hundreds of votes on which the DUP will support the Govt. The left and Mathematics are strangers to one another.
Oh.. so if the DUP support the govt 200 times then £5m per vote is a good rate?
The election result produced only two plausible governments:
(1) A Tory minority with explicit support from the DUP (2) A Tory minority without explicit support from the DUP.
Buying a restoration of Stormont (as that's what the £1bn is actually buying) seems reasonable for the upgrade from option 2 to option 1...
Looking for a rationalisation always seems reasonable too...
They should have tried option 2 first and maybe if their policies are good enough then the DUP and LibDems and others might have sided with them anyway.
EU Decision on goggle is total horse shit. There are loads of other successful price comparison sites, most of which are better than goggle shopping.
It is like their bullshit over IE explorer. The likes of Firefox and chrome came along and the consumer is smart enough to realise those are better browsers.
Mrs C, Javid's got a good back story but not much else. Not persuaded by Patel. Hammond's got the experience in high office, and being kept out of the election campaign, perversely, has helped him as he can't possibly be blamed for that failure.
Mr. B, indeed. One can argue the rights and wrongs of releasing such information, but it would highlight the comic hypocrisy.
No what I'm saying is it could force people into renting, rather than moving (and then renting out the house which you do own). If you're faced with a huge tax bill upon moving house, then not selling, but renting another house (which you do want to live in), and renting out the house you currently own might defer or avoid that tax.
Under the circumstances I think I should admit defeat!
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
OK, but why index CGT and no other tax, tax exemption or allowance? If you want to index, index the whole system. It would be manifestly unfair to index just one particular part of it.
A fair point, but there is a difference. Budgets tend to change the levels exemptions and allowances from year to year anyway (usually to taxpayers' benefit, since journalists cottoned on to the concept of 'fiscal drag', and started criticising chancellors for it).
CGT without indexation is effectively a tax on inflation, which is hugely unfair, and utterly corrosive to any incentives to save, as well as creating economically damaging friction in any trading of assets.
Much as I am anti the DUP deal and, indeed, anti the DUP, the idea that this fairly small bung is 'wasted' cash is frankly insulting to anyone who resides in NI.
The infrastructure in NI is dismal. Broadband provision is shocking. Roads and rail services are chronically bad.
Do you know how many cuurently-operational railway stations are in County Fermanagh? Rounded up to the nearest unit there are, erm, none.
How many miles of motorway exist out in the west? None.
How many miles of dual carriageway in Fermanagh and Omagh Council area? Possibly one just outside Omagh.
Not to mention we have to put up with regular news of 'paramilitary-style shootings' as terrorism is now called here.
The idea that the people of the home counties are going to be providing a golden Blankety Blank chequebook and pen for the denizens of the bogs is unfair.
As someone in both camps, I find NI odd but I find the coverage of NI from GB even more odd.
... It was never more than a sop to certain pressure groups, and served no real fiscal purpose. It certainly had nothing to do with fairness ...
"Fairness" is a word that politicians usually trot out when their policies are attempting the exact opposite. It is in the same category as that other weasel phrase "... all we are asking is that people pay a little bit more ..." used when it is time to squeeze until the pips squeak
Mr. Nakht, quite. I was very amused to hear Sturgeon's calling the deal 'pork barrel politics' and, in the next breath, is upset Scotland isn't getting any money
She actually called the DUP deal “the worst kind of pork-barrel politics” Presumably hers is a classier kind of pork-barrel politics.
Oh how we used to laugh at the lack of talent in the Labour ranks!!
We still do.
Yes, but isn't it nice to have a new act to keep us entertained, Richard!
Any more news about the bounced cheque? I still haven't put my money back into my Betfair account. Am I overreacting? I was thinking of writing to ask them if they are going skint, but am a bit concerned they might close my account out of spite. They remain one of the few firms that will take my bets these days, so I'd better not upset them.
Much as I am anti the DUP deal and, indeed, anti the DUP, the idea that this fairly small bung is 'wasted' cash is frankly insulting to anyone who resides in NI.
The infrastructure in NI is dismal. Broadband provision is shocking. Roads and rail services are chronically bad.
Do you know how many cuurently-operational railway stations are in County Fermanagh? Rounded up to the nearest unit there are, erm, none.
How many miles of motorway exist out in the west? None.
How many miles of dual carriageway in Fermanagh and Omagh Council area? Possibly one just outside Omagh.
Not to mention we have to put up with regular news of 'paramilitary-style shootings' as terrorism is now called here.
The idea that the people of the home counties are going to be providing a golden Blankety Blank chequebook and pen for the denizens of the bogs is unfair.
As someone in both camps, I find NI odd but I find the coverage of NI from GB even more odd.
Wouldn't it be better then if they joined up with their countrymen in the South who are thriving in the EU?
Much as I am anti the DUP deal and, indeed, anti the DUP, the idea that this fairly small bung is 'wasted' cash is frankly insulting to anyone who resides in NI.
The infrastructure in NI is dismal. Broadband provision is shocking. Roads and rail services are chronically bad.
Do you know how many cuurently-operational railway stations are in County Fermanagh? Rounded up to the nearest unit there are, erm, none.
How many miles of motorway exist out in the west? None.
How many miles of dual carriageway in Fermanagh and Omagh Council area? Possibly one just outside Omagh.
Not to mention we have to put up with regular news of 'paramilitary-style shootings' as terrorism is now called here.
The idea that the people of the home counties are going to be providing a golden Blankety Blank chequebook and pen for the denizens of the bogs is unfair.
As someone in both camps, I find NI odd but I find the coverage of NI from GB even more odd.
That's unfair, there must be atleast 3 miles of motorway round Dungannon
I mean that billion quid could fund 3 meters of Crossrail
Oh how we used to laugh at the lack of talent in the Labour ranks!!
We still do.
Yes, but isn't it nice to have a new act to keep us entertained, Richard!
Any more news about the bounced cheque? I still haven't put my money back into my Betfair account. Am I overreacting? I was thinking of writing to ask them if they are going skint, but am a bit concerned they might close my account out of spite. They remain one of the few firms that will take my bets these days, so I'd better not upset them.
I've given them until 1pm today to respond. I'm not optimistic - they seem, frankly, completely uninterested in the fact that I'm currently £1000 out of pocket. They've twice said they'll contact me but I haven't heard a dickie.
At 1pm I'm going to go through their escalation process, and if that doesn't produce at least some response, then I guess it's either IBAS or the regulator.
I think it's just a cock-up, but it does smell a bit odd, and I think you are right to limit exposure.
... It was never more than a sop to certain pressure groups, and served no real fiscal purpose. It certainly had nothing to do with fairness ...
"Fairness" is a word that politicians usually trot out when their policies are attempting the exact opposite. It is in the same category as that other weasel phrase "... all we are asking is that people pay a little bit more ..." used when it is time to squeeze until the pips squeak
When I was in the biz, there was a widely quoted phrase which was in fact a legal principle upheld over centuries of tax law. It stated 'there is no equity in taxes'. In other words, fairness has nothing to do with it. This isn't cynicism, it just the way the (taxation) law works.
When somebody starts talking about fairness in relation to taxation, you know you are about to be confronted with humbug.
Much as I am anti the DUP deal and, indeed, anti the DUP, the idea that this fairly small bung is 'wasted' cash is frankly insulting to anyone who resides in NI.
An extra £50 million for mental health in the part of the UK with the highest suicide rate seems entirely appropriate.....the total deal is a fraction of a percent of UK government spending....
OT EU fining Google £2 billion is interesting. Catching onto the American idea of fining companies from other countries.
Well they've got to find the shortfall from the UK's contributions somewhere
Shame the UK havn't got that sort of muscle anymore. I suppose they could try to fine the Saudis a herd of camels for their unlawful demands on Al Jazeera that they stop broadcasting.
But they'd probably be ignored.....
Not entirely true - should we actually leave the EU, there's nothing to stop us fining Google et al in a similar manner... other than the fear of retaliation.
Oh how we used to laugh at the lack of talent in the Labour ranks!!
We still do.
Yes, but isn't it nice to have a new act to keep us entertained, Richard!
Any more news about the bounced cheque? I still haven't put my money back into my Betfair account. Am I overreacting? I was thinking of writing to ask them if they are going skint, but am a bit concerned they might close my account out of spite. They remain one of the few firms that will take my bets these days, so I'd better not upset them.
I've given them until 1pm today to respond. I'm not optimistic - they seem, frankly, completely uninterested in the fact that I'm currently £1000 out of pocket. They've twice said they'll contact me but I haven't heard a dickie.
At 1pm I'm going to go through their escalation process, and if that doesn't produce at least some response, then I guess it's either IBAS or the regulator.
I think it's just a cock-up, but it does smell a bit odd, and I think you are right to limit exposure.
I've been emptying my account of much of its GE balance last week, and have been paid every time. So hopefully no need to worry.
Although Betfair has clearly been dragging its feet in settling markets - for example not settling the "GE in 2017" market until polling day, which was ridiculous.
OT EU fining Google £2 billion is interesting. Catching onto the American idea of fining companies from other countries. That's what comes of having the muscle of being second largest economy in the world!
Regarding the DUP deal, I do wonder if there is a longer term risk to British democracy.
(Hear me out.)
If I were an ambitious, sensible and smart leader of the Scottish nationalists, I would be thinking less about Scottish independence and more about Scottish pork. Bringing government spending to Scotland would seem to be a surer route to re-election than another referendum. "Only we will stand up for Scottish interests, and only we can bring jobs to Scotland" is a pretty effective rallying cry.
Now imagine you were sitting in Cornwall. It's another poorer part of the UK, with strong regional identity. It even has an existing nationalist party. Perhaps it could run candidates that would stand up and bring pork to Cornwall? The LibDems and Labour Party are weak there, and someone standing up for local interests who could bring a billion pounds to the region... well that would look pretty attractive.
I suspect I'm wrong. But if regionalism - and begger thy neighbour politics - is seen to pay, then we will get more of it. This is not a good thing.
Exactly so. Hence my "flowery" language early this morning. The Tory USP is or should be " we are careful with the taxpayers money because we know how hard you work to earn it." That is no longer a sustainable position.
Frank GardnerVerified account @FrankRGardner UK Natl Security Adviser on threat from N Korea ballistic missiles: "London is closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles"
We only have 45 minutes to save the Earth. Bomb the buggers
I thought we had 45 minutes to save the NHS. what is it about 45minutes?
May didn't sign the DUP deal herself because the Tories wanted a deal that would last....
No, because it was a deal between Parties the Whips signed it.
Foster didn't sign for the DUP either.
Nice try.
There is no reason why leaders can't sign deals between parties, as Cameron and Clegg did personally in 2010. And as I did when I was in local government coalition.
Much as I am anti the DUP deal and, indeed, anti the DUP, the idea that this fairly small bung is 'wasted' cash is frankly insulting to anyone who resides in NI.
The infrastructure in NI is dismal. Broadband provision is shocking. Roads and rail services are chronically bad.
Do you know how many cuurently-operational railway stations are in County Fermanagh? Rounded up to the nearest unit there are, erm, none.
How many miles of motorway exist out in the west? None.
How many miles of dual carriageway in Fermanagh and Omagh Council area? Possibly one just outside Omagh.
Not to mention we have to put up with regular news of 'paramilitary-style shootings' as terrorism is now called here.
The idea that the people of the home counties are going to be providing a golden Blankety Blank chequebook and pen for the denizens of the bogs is unfair.
As someone in both camps, I find NI odd but I find the coverage of NI from GB even more odd.
Where is the vast bulk of NI's population? In and around Belfast. In fact you could almost say that west of the Bann (upper or lower), the place is nearly empty. That is why the M1 stops at Dungannon and the M2 at Antrim. 61,000 live in Fermanagh. 600,000 live in Co Antrim and 500,000 in Co Down.
The roads, rail and money are being put were the people are. Rural areas in England, Scotland and Wales have the same problems. Try getting broadband at my mother-in-law's house (in Wales) and the nearest motorway (the M54) is 40 to 50 miles away.
Much as I am anti the DUP deal and, indeed, anti the DUP, the idea that this fairly small bung is 'wasted' cash is frankly insulting to anyone who resides in NI.
An extra £50 million for mental health in the part of the UK with the highest suicide rate seems entirely appropriate.....the total deal is a fraction of a percent of UK government spending....
The awful mental health is clearly partly Troubles related. The number of times violent incidents are mentioned to me in all sorts of contexts is remarkable if you don't have experience of it.
Regarding the DUP deal, I do wonder if there is a longer term risk to British democracy.
(Hear me out.)
If I were an ambitious, sensible and smart leader of the Scottish nationalists, I would be thinking less about Scottish independence and more about Scottish pork. Bringing government spending to Scotland would seem to be a surer route to re-election than another referendum. "Only we will stand up for Scottish interests, and only we can bring jobs to Scotland" is a pretty effective rallying cry.
Now imagine you were sitting in Cornwall. It's another poorer part of the UK, with strong regional identity. It even has an existing nationalist party. Perhaps it could run candidates that would stand up and bring pork to Cornwall? The LibDems and Labour Party are weak there, and someone standing up for local interests who could bring a billion pounds to the region... well that would look pretty attractive.
I suspect I'm wrong. But if regionalism - and begger thy neighbour politics - is seen to pay, then we will get more of it. This is not a good thing.
Exactly so. Hence my "flowery" language early this morning. The Tory USP is or should be " we are careful with the taxpayers money because we know how hard you work to earn it." That is no longer a sustainable position.
It was unavoidable if a sustainable government was to be created.
It's no better or worse than George Osborne's habit of funding infrastructure projects in marginal constituencies to reward loyalty amongst backbenchers.
Oh how we used to laugh at the lack of talent in the Labour ranks!!
We still do.
Yes, but isn't it nice to have a new act to keep us entertained, Richard!
Any more news about the bounced cheque? I still haven't put my money back into my Betfair account. Am I overreacting? I was thinking of writing to ask them if they are going skint, but am a bit concerned they might close my account out of spite. They remain one of the few firms that will take my bets these days, so I'd better not upset them.
I've given them until 1pm today to respond. I'm not optimistic - they seem, frankly, completely uninterested in the fact that I'm currently £1000 out of pocket. They've twice said they'll contact me but I haven't heard a dickie.
At 1pm I'm going to go through their escalation process, and if that doesn't produce at least some response, then I guess it's either IBAS or the regulator.
I think it's just a cock-up, but it does smell a bit odd, and I think you are right to limit exposure.
Thanks, Richard. Can you please keep us all posted on developments.
Some years ago I had a run-in with Paddy Power which may be relevant to this. It concerned the settlement of a bet, and when PP refused to pay out I wrote a thread header on the matter whick Mike published. This led to it being widely publicised and discussed on betting forums, including Betfair's. As a consequence, PP did a rapid u-turn and I got paid out promptly.
If the delay continues, perhaps you might ask Mike to publish a cautionary note on a thread header here for the benefit of all PB posters who may have an account with Betfair.
Frank GardnerVerified account @FrankRGardner UK Natl Security Adviser on threat from N Korea ballistic missiles: "London is closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles"
We only have 45 minutes to save the Earth. Bomb the buggers
I thought we had 45 minutes to save the NHS. what is it about 45minutes?
Surely it is 24 hours to save the NHS? It has been for years.... 24 hours seems to be a long time in politics
Any chance of securing herself a seat at the negotiating table — always slim at best — has surely been dashed by her indiscretion in the final hours of the General Election. Disclosing the contents of a private phone conversation with Kezia Dugdale in the hopes of gaining political advantage has demonstrated that, when it comes to it, Miss Sturgeon cannot be trusted with a confidence. The fortunes of the nation are not bound up in whether Kezia Dugdale really supports or opposes independence but the sensitive information involved in the Brexit talks — and the political, diplomatic and economic stakes — mean no rational government would allow Miss Sturgeon anywhere near the discussions.
There's a thirty pieces of silver ring to the billion pound bung to the DUP. Presumably the Temple management committee (if I remember the Bible story correctly) thought thirty pieces of silver were cheap at price and a price worth paying to keep the rabble rouser out, as many are commenting here. Both are precise and memorable sums. What the Conservatives get for £1 billion of other people's money is a DUP promise not to participate in the inevitable Brexit ambushes. But as controversial legislation only gets passed thanks to DUP votes, you can be sure the £1 billion bribe will be thrown back in the faces of the Conservative government.
Nevertheless probably better to have the deal than not have it from the Conservatives POV.
Exactly so. Hence my "flowery" language early this morning. The Tory USP is or should be " we are careful with the taxpayers money because we know how hard you work to earn it." That is no longer a sustainable position.
If voters didn't want the country to be held to ransom by vested interests, they should have voted Conservative. They didn't, in sufficient numbers, so the government has to do what it can to deal with the situation.
It's all a side-show anyway - the DUP bung is completely negligible compared with the likely increased costs of the Brexit bill now that our negotiating position has been weakened so badly.
Much as I am anti the DUP deal and, indeed, anti the DUP, the idea that this fairly small bung is 'wasted' cash is frankly insulting to anyone who resides in NI.
An extra £50 million for mental health in the part of the UK with the highest suicide rate seems entirely appropriate.....the total deal is a fraction of a percent of UK government spending....
The awful mental health is clearly partly Troubles related. The number of times violent incidents are mentioned to me in all sorts of contexts is remarkable if you don't have experience of it.
Mental Health is also poorly funded on the mainland too. It has been a known problem for quite a few years and waiting lists can actually be years long in some areas.
Regarding the DUP deal, I do wonder if there is a longer term risk to British democracy.
(Hear me out.)
If I were an ambitious, sensible and smart leader of the Scottish nationalists, I would be thinking less about Scottish independence and more about Scottish pork. Bringing government spending to Scotland would seem to be a surer route to re-election than another referendum. "Only we will stand up for Scottish interests, and only we can bring jobs to Scotland" is a pretty effective rallying cry.
Now imagine you were sitting in Cornwall. It's another poorer part of the UK, with strong regional identity. It even has an existing nationalist party. Perhaps it could run candidates that would stand up and bring pork to Cornwall? The LibDems and Labour Party are weak there, and someone standing up for local interests who could bring a billion pounds to the region... well that would look pretty attractive.
I suspect I'm wrong. But if regionalism - and begger thy neighbour politics - is seen to pay, then we will get more of it. This is not a good thing.
Exactly so. Hence my "flowery" language early this morning. The Tory USP is or should be " we are careful with the taxpayers money because we know how hard you work to earn it." That is no longer a sustainable position.
It was unavoidable if a sustainable government was to be created.
It's no better or worse than George Osborne's habit of funding infrastructure projects in marginal constituencies to reward loyalty amongst backbenchers.
It's less than 0.07% of total government spending........
Frank GardnerVerified account @FrankRGardner UK Natl Security Adviser on threat from N Korea ballistic missiles: "London is closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles"
We only have 45 minutes to save the Earth. Bomb the buggers
I thought we had 45 minutes to save the NHS. what is it about 45minutes?
Surely it is 24 hours to save the NHS? It has been for years.... 24 hours seems to be a long time in politics
It has varied, but it's never been 45 minutes. That was Saddam's WMDs, I think?
Frank GardnerVerified account @FrankRGardner UK Natl Security Adviser on threat from N Korea ballistic missiles: "London is closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles"
We only have 45 minutes to save the Earth. Bomb the buggers
I thought we had 45 minutes to save the NHS. what is it about 45minutes?
Surely it is 24 hours to save the NHS? It has been for years.... 24 hours seems to be a long time in politics
It has varied, but it's never been 45 minutes. That was Saddam's WMDs, I think?
Frank GardnerVerified account @FrankRGardner UK Natl Security Adviser on threat from N Korea ballistic missiles: "London is closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles"
We only have 45 minutes to save the Earth. Bomb the buggers
I thought we had 45 minutes to save the NHS. what is it about 45minutes?
Surely it is 24 hours to save the NHS? It has been for years.... 24 hours seems to be a long time in politics
It has varied, but it's never been 45 minutes. That was Saddam's WMDs, I think?
"Flash, I love you! But we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
Oh how we used to laugh at the lack of talent in the Labour ranks!!
We still do.
Yes, but isn't it nice to have a new act to keep us entertained, Richard!
Any more news about the bounced cheque? I still haven't put my money back into my Betfair account. Am I overreacting? I was thinking of writing to ask them if they are going skint, but am a bit concerned they might close my account out of spite. They remain one of the few firms that will take my bets these days, so I'd better not upset them.
I've given them until 1pm today to respond. I'm not optimistic - they seem, frankly, completely uninterested in the fact that I'm currently £1000 out of pocket. They've twice said they'll contact me but I haven't heard a dickie.
At 1pm I'm going to go through their escalation process, and if that doesn't produce at least some response, then I guess it's either IBAS or the regulator.
I think it's just a cock-up, but it does smell a bit odd, and I think you are right to limit exposure.
How come it is being done by cheque ?
I've always done withdrawals to the bankcards I've paid in on (And the rest for a -ve balance). Am guessing that was them and not you...
Frank GardnerVerified account @FrankRGardner UK Natl Security Adviser on threat from N Korea ballistic missiles: "London is closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles"
We only have 45 minutes to save the Earth. Bomb the buggers
I thought we had 45 minutes to save the NHS. what is it about 45minutes?
Surely it is 24 hours to save the NHS? It has been for years.... 24 hours seems to be a long time in politics
It has varied, but it's never been 45 minutes. That was Saddam's WMDs, I think?
"Flash, I love you! But we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
... It was never more than a sop to certain pressure groups, and served no real fiscal purpose. It certainly had nothing to do with fairness ...
"Fairness" is a word that politicians usually trot out when their policies are attempting the exact opposite. It is in the same category as that other weasel phrase "... all we are asking is that people pay a little bit more ..." used when it is time to squeeze until the pips squeak
When I was in the biz, there was a widely quoted phrase which was in fact a legal principle upheld over centuries of tax law. It stated 'there is no equity in taxes'. In other words, fairness has nothing to do with it. This isn't cynicism, it just the way the (taxation) law works.
When somebody starts talking about fairness in relation to taxation, you know you are about to be confronted with humbug.
There's a thirty pieces of silver ring to the billion pound bung to the DUP. Presumably the Temple management committee (if I remember the Bible story correctly) thought thirty pieces of silver were cheap at price and a price worth paying to keep the rabble rouser out, as many are commenting here. Both are precise and memorable sums. What the Conservatives get for £1 billion of other people's money is a DUP promise not to participate in the inevitable Brexit ambushes. But as controversial legislation only gets passed thanks to DUP votes, you can be sure the £1 billion bribe will be thrown back in the faces of the Conservative government.
Nevertheless probably better to have the deal than not have it from the Conservatives POV.
That's an excellent description of the difference between a rock and a hard place.
Exactly so. Hence my "flowery" language early this morning. The Tory USP is or should be " we are careful with the taxpayers money because we know how hard you work to earn it." That is no longer a sustainable position.
If voters didn't want the country to be held to ransom by vested interests, they should have voted Conservative. They didn't, in sufficient numbers, so the government has to do what it can to deal with the situation.
It's all a side-show anyway - the DUP bung is completely negligible compared with the likely increased costs of the Brexit bill now that our negotiating position has been weakened so badly.
That is unfortunately true Richard but it doesn't make the bung any less offensive.
Much as I am anti the DUP deal and, indeed, anti the DUP, the idea that this fairly small bung is 'wasted' cash is frankly insulting to anyone who resides in NI.
The infrastructure in NI is dismal. Broadband provision is shocking. Roads and rail services are chronically bad.
Do you know how many cuurently-operational railway stations are in County Fermanagh? Rounded up to the nearest unit there are, erm, none.
How many miles of motorway exist out in the west? None.
How many miles of dual carriageway in Fermanagh and Omagh Council area? Possibly one just outside Omagh.
Not to mention we have to put up with regular news of 'paramilitary-style shootings' as terrorism is now called here.
The idea that the people of the home counties are going to be providing a golden Blankety Blank chequebook and pen for the denizens of the bogs is unfair.
As someone in both camps, I find NI odd but I find the coverage of NI from GB even more odd.
Indeed - compared to some of the crap that gets funded in the US, or the dubious spending decisions made by the EU in the name of deal making this is good governance.
I've always done withdrawals to the bankcards I've paid in on (And the rest for a -ve balance). Am guessing that was them and not you...
Because they only let you withdraw a limited amount to a card (the total amount you've paid in on that same card). So I withdrew the maximum amount I could on my card - that went through without problem - and had to go for the cheque option for the rest of the amount I wanted to withdraw.
I think I might withdraw more now, assuming I can get this issue resolved.
Exactly so. Hence my "flowery" language early this morning. The Tory USP is or should be " we are careful with the taxpayers money because we know how hard you work to earn it." That is no longer a sustainable position.
If voters didn't want the country to be held to ransom by vested interests, they should have voted Conservative.
Or Labour, in sufficient numbers to give them a majority.
I've always done withdrawals to the bankcards I've paid in on (And the rest for a -ve balance). Am guessing that was them and not you...
Because they only let you withdraw a limited amount to a card (the total amount you've paid in on that same card). So I withdrew the maximum amount I could on my card - that went through without problem - and had to go for the cheque option for the rest of the amount I wanted to withdraw.
I think I might withdraw more now, assuming I can get this issue resolved.
Is that true? I have negative net deposits on two different cards...
I've always done withdrawals to the bankcards I've paid in on (And the rest for a -ve balance). Am guessing that was them and not you...
Because they only let you withdraw a limited amount to a card (the total amount you've paid in on that same card). So I withdrew the maximum amount I could on my card - that went through without problem - and had to go for the cheque option for the rest of the amount I wanted to withdraw.
I think I might withdraw more now, assuming I can get this issue resolved.
Are you sure about that? I'm sure I once (back in the long gone profitable days) withdrew much more than I had put in via card. Maybe they've changed policy...
Frank GardnerVerified account @FrankRGardner UK Natl Security Adviser on threat from N Korea ballistic missiles: "London is closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles"
We only have 45 minutes to save the Earth. Bomb the buggers
I thought we had 45 minutes to save the NHS. what is it about 45minutes?
Surely it is 24 hours to save the NHS? It has been for years.... 24 hours seems to be a long time in politics
It has varied, but it's never been 45 minutes. That was Saddam's WMDs, I think?
"Flash, I love you! But we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
14??? I always thought that was 24 hours? Having said that, Dale Arden always struck me as the sort of person who probably thought a day had 14 hours in it
I don't really object to the DUP "deal", either in terms of them getting extra money or in terms of them being "influential" in the UK government.
But it is quite worrying that they've so comprehensively outplayed May in these negotiations. If she can be played for a chump by a tiny Northern Irish party, how the hell is she going to handle 27 European leaders?
Exactly so. Hence my "flowery" language early this morning. The Tory USP is or should be " we are careful with the taxpayers money because we know how hard you work to earn it." That is no longer a sustainable position.
If voters didn't want the country to be held to ransom by vested interests, they should have voted Conservative.
Or Labour, in sufficient numbers to give them a majority.
No, that would simply have meant that they were being held to ransom by much bigger and more expensive vested interests - rich graduates, union barons, Southern rail drivers, the usual list. Oh, and wealthy pensioners of course, although it looks as though we're stuck with that now anyway.
I don't really object to the DUP "deal", either in terms of them getting extra money or in terms of them being "influential" in the UK government.
But it is quite worrying that they've so comprehensively outplayed May in these negotiations. If she can be played for a chump by a tiny Northern Irish party, how the hell is she going to handle 27 European leaders?
Has she been outplayed? £1bn is a lot per capita but not that much in the grand scheme of things... I think it's hard to judge whether it's too much or about right...
I've always done withdrawals to the bankcards I've paid in on (And the rest for a -ve balance). Am guessing that was them and not you...
Because they only let you withdraw a limited amount to a card (the total amount you've paid in on that same card). So I withdrew the maximum amount I could on my card - that went through without problem - and had to go for the cheque option for the rest of the amount I wanted to withdraw.
I think I might withdraw more now, assuming I can get this issue resolved.
Are you sure about that? I'm sure I once (back in the long gone profitable days) withdrew much more than I had put in via card. Maybe they've changed policy...
You can withdraw more than you put in by card as long as you don't have any other payment methods active through which you have deposited more than you have taken out.
I've always done withdrawals to the bankcards I've paid in on (And the rest for a -ve balance). Am guessing that was them and not you...
Because they only let you withdraw a limited amount to a card (the total amount you've paid in on that same card). So I withdrew the maximum amount I could on my card - that went through without problem - and had to go for the cheque option for the rest of the amount I wanted to withdraw.
I think I might withdraw more now, assuming I can get this issue resolved.
Are you sure about that? I'm sure I once (back in the long gone profitable days) withdrew much more than I had put in via card. Maybe they've changed policy...
Comments
(1) A Tory minority with explicit support from the DUP
(2) A Tory minority without explicit support from the DUP.
Buying a restoration of Stormont (as that's what the £1bn is actually buying) seems reasonable for the upgrade from option 2 to option 1...
The tories are in a pickle at the moment, but they're in power.
We are used to the concept of 'in office but not in power' which you might say applies to the current mob, but your depiction is far more appropriate - in power but in a pickle!
thats fine... somethings gone wrong somewhere!
If you don't like google, use somewhere else. It is not rocket science.
Magic money tree means there is a way of generating endless amounts of finance for public services, at little or no cost to the average taxpayer. McDonnell was proposing £50bn extra every year, and that was just what he admitted to, and he didn’t even bother to put together a broader deficit reduction plan.
This is a £1bn spending commitment over two years that, sure, the Tories would rather not have made, but there’s no doubt it will form part of an overall credible medium-term fiscal plan in the next budget.
I’m far more concerned about reneging on the double-lock and WFA cuts, which will cost us an awful lot, rather than the above which is mainly about politics – a Labour/LD/SNP/PC deal would, of course, have cost an absolute fortune.
The Tories need to deliver hope, and an end to austerity.
I think the reintroduction of indexing would make CGT fairer.
But they'd probably be ignored.....
Edit: On reflection, it did have one important and indisputable benefit. It helped to keep me in gainful employment for many years!
I'm not a fan of the DUP, to put it mildly, but I don't think any party in the Commons is in a good position to criticise this deal from a position of principle.
David Davis is doing Brexit. I cannot see how he could do PM as well so that would mean changing the Brexit Secretary mid-Brexit. Not wise ... (then again, this is the Tory party we are talking about)
Amber Rudd has a majority of 346 which makes her unsuitable as a candidate - too vulnerable to a decapitation strategy
Boris is, IMO, simply utterly unsuitable. There seemed to be collective gasps of astonishment around the world when he was made Foreign Secretary. If he made PM the noise of the laughter would be deafening.
Ruth Davidson is not an MP so how could she do PMQs and such?
So that leaves Javid, Patel or Hammond
Nothing which would annoy more than 7 (currently) of their own MPs.
Nothing that would annoy the DUP.
I know that the DUP will support the government in a confidence vote and the finance bill (which they will have influenced), but everything else is fair game.
That may mean that it doesn't actually get to a vote and that it's defused before that stage.
So over Brexit you may get to the point where the DUP want one thing and the Tory awkward squad are equally keen on the opposite.
Interesting times.
Oh how we used to laugh at the lack of talent in the Labour ranks!!
Time to get down on all fours and try to see it from a Tory's point of view.....
They should have tried option 2 first and maybe if their policies are good enough then the DUP and LibDems and others might have sided with them anyway.
It is like their bullshit over IE explorer. The likes of Firefox and chrome came along and the consumer is smart enough to realise those are better browsers.
Mr. B, indeed. One can argue the rights and wrongs of releasing such information, but it would highlight the comic hypocrisy.
Budgets tend to change the levels exemptions and allowances from year to year anyway (usually to taxpayers' benefit, since journalists cottoned on to the concept of 'fiscal drag', and started criticising chancellors for it).
CGT without indexation is effectively a tax on inflation, which is hugely unfair, and utterly corrosive to any incentives to save, as well as creating economically damaging friction in any trading of assets.
The infrastructure in NI is dismal. Broadband provision is shocking. Roads and rail services are chronically bad.
Do you know how many cuurently-operational railway stations are in County Fermanagh? Rounded up to the nearest unit there are, erm, none.
How many miles of motorway exist out in the west? None.
How many miles of dual carriageway in Fermanagh and Omagh Council area? Possibly one just outside Omagh.
Not to mention we have to put up with regular news of 'paramilitary-style shootings' as terrorism is now called here.
The idea that the people of the home counties are going to be providing a golden Blankety Blank chequebook and pen for the denizens of the bogs is unfair.
As someone in both camps, I find NI odd but I find the coverage of NI from GB even more odd.
Foster didn't sign for the DUP either.
Nice try.
Any more news about the bounced cheque? I still haven't put my money back into my Betfair account. Am I overreacting? I was thinking of writing to ask them if they are going skint, but am a bit concerned they might close my account out of spite. They remain one of the few firms that will take my bets these days, so I'd better not upset them.
https://order-order.com/2017/06/27/lefties-duped-by-why-socialism-works-guide-on-amazon/
I mean that billion quid could fund 3 meters of Crossrail
At 1pm I'm going to go through their escalation process, and if that doesn't produce at least some response, then I guess it's either IBAS or the regulator.
I think it's just a cock-up, but it does smell a bit odd, and I think you are right to limit exposure.
When somebody starts talking about fairness in relation to taxation, you know you are about to be confronted with humbug.
Although Betfair has clearly been dragging its feet in settling markets - for example not settling the "GE in 2017" market until polling day, which was ridiculous.
The roads, rail and money are being put were the people are. Rural areas in England, Scotland and Wales have the same problems. Try getting broadband at my mother-in-law's house (in Wales) and the nearest motorway (the M54) is 40 to 50 miles away.
It's no better or worse than George Osborne's habit of funding infrastructure projects in marginal constituencies to reward loyalty amongst backbenchers.
Some years ago I had a run-in with Paddy Power which may be relevant to this. It concerned the settlement of a bet, and when PP refused to pay out I wrote a thread header on the matter whick Mike published. This led to it being widely publicised and discussed on betting forums, including Betfair's. As a consequence, PP did a rapid u-turn and I got paid out promptly.
If the delay continues, perhaps you might ask Mike to publish a cautionary note on a thread header here for the benefit of all PB posters who may have an account with Betfair.
https://stephendaisley.com/2017/06/26/now-sturgeon-must-show-humility-and-get-on-with-the-day-job/
Nevertheless probably better to have the deal than not have it from the Conservatives POV.
It's all a side-show anyway - the DUP bung is completely negligible compared with the likely increased costs of the Brexit bill now that our negotiating position has been weakened so badly.
Mr. 43 (2), I do apologise, you're quite right. It's like the 2010 election when the choice was evil Tory cuts and kind Labour cuts.
I've always done withdrawals to the bankcards I've paid in on (And the rest for a -ve balance).
Am guessing that was them and not you...
Fairness is in the eye of the beholder
I think I might withdraw more now, assuming I can get this issue resolved.
Scottish Parliament statement:
@NicolaSturgeon on #brexit and the proposals for #Indyref2
But it is quite worrying that they've so comprehensively outplayed May in these negotiations. If she can be played for a chump by a tiny Northern Irish party, how the hell is she going to handle 27 European leaders?
£1bn is a lot per capita but not that much in the grand scheme of things...
I think it's hard to judge whether it's too much or about right...
https://en-betfair.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/34/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNDk4NTYxMzI4L3NpZC91aTZkWTltbg==
The problem comes when your debit card expires when you've got money tied up on the exchange.