I missed a few questions on the carrier deployment in the old thread. This is the situation...
QNLZ is still conducting sea trials and has no declared combat capability. It will not achieve "Initial Operating Capability (Carrier Strike) until late 2020/2021 at which point it will go on its EASTPAC deployment which, according to the Fireplace Salesman, will shit up the Chinese.
IOC(CS) is very basic and includes no AEW capability and "up to" 12 embarked F-35B. The second squadron of the air wing on the Pacific deployment will be USMC. The strike group will be brought up to strength by the French and Dutch navies.
Full Operating Capability (Carrier Strike) is planned for 2023 and will still only be a single F-35B squadron but now with AEW provided by a flight of Merlin HM2 with CROWSNEST radar.
IOC for Carrier Enabled Power Projection (ie both carriers operating to FOC(CS) standard) is late 2023. Although QNLZ will probably enter a lengthy refit at that point. Funds permitting...
Full Operating Capability (Carrier Enabled Power Projection) is scheduled, if nothing else goes wrong, for mid 2026. This schedule is largely being driven by the miserly rate of acquisition of F-35B. The delivery of the full 48 jets of the order will not be complete until the end of 2024.
So that's the story with the carriers despite what the Fireplace Salesman imagines.
Thanks for the update. Whenever I am in Portsmouth it's moored up, and I haven't seen it at sea at all. When it arrived I saw it sail past my window.
Meanwhile we almost have an EU navy; oh, the irony.
I was on the ferry away from Orkney the day after QNLZ was there for the aircraft carrier centenary and we had the pleasure of being chased south by the behemoth. It gained on us quite impressively before it turned towards the open North Sea.
I could imagine This Week presented by someone else. What I find hard to imagine is This Week without Portillo. I always find it amusing when he's away doing his railway stuff to see which Tory thinks it's a good idea to step into his shoes. Invariably, all they achieve is showing themselves to be complete no-marks (Grant Shapps and Sam Gyimah come to mind).
Yes, the Labour spot had a lower bar to clear in stepping in for Ms Abbott.
I always quite liked her on This Week, but then I think Alan Johnson is quite good too. Funny how the BBC want to make it about Andrew Neil, though.
Objectively, it is though, isn't it? His personality can be irritating and overbearing at times, but it's the essence of the show; Portillo et al are simply his foils.
Edit/ And part of the story with Abbott is that it doesn't work with a serving politician who has skin in the game. Portillo and Johnson are able to sit back and criticise their own side in a way that a current MP never can.
Well, when she was on it she was a backbench MP (and so was Portillo at the start). I guess that is why the Tory replacements tend to do badly because they can't speak openly and honestly in the way Portillo or Johnson can.
Tracey Crouch behaved well over FBOTs. Tobias Ellwood acted with great courage and compassion trying to save the policeman killed in the Commons (though that was not politics). Rory Stewart has tried to approach Brexit thoughtfully.
The rest seem stuck in a quagmire and are rapidly sinking, bringing the rest of us down with them.
All Tories...
Objectively I think Starmer and Cooper and perhaps Benn have enhanced their reputations on the Labour side, and more controversially I think McDonnell is doing a good job of inching things forward without knocking over the furniture (OK, we can debate Churchill...).
If we're talking more generally than Brexit, as Cyclefree was, there are quite a lot of Labour achievers in policy terms - the one whose work I know best, Sue Hayman, is a real star in detailed policy-making, though eclipsed by her counterpart Gove in terms of eye-catching pronouncements.
Isn't it rather that a few of them have managed to avoid their reputations sinking to rock bottom along with the rest?
The simple truth is nobody could actually do it within the parameters set. We can either stay in the EU and boost the economy while accepting a load of non-British people we have very little say over the appointment of will run our affairs, or leave it and increase Parliamentary authority in our own affairs while suffering an economic contraction as a result.
There is nothing inherently vicious about either decision, contrary to what may be said by some. It's easy to see arguments on either side. Really, it comes down to what you prize more, although that isn't the way it was sold.
But there is no way of having both, and that is what far too many people are effectively demanding.
Well said.
'Sir can I have an extension for my essay please' 'You've had 2 years to do it' 'Yeah but I'm still not sure what I want to write'
I don't buy the idea that people will blame the EU for everything. If there are obvious failures in planning for no deal people will ask questions of the government.
All the more amazing then that with such a monster brain and modest disposition, he failed to convince the voters in the Referendum.....
#FightingOldBattles
James O’Brien is rather obsessed by being seen to be right in the eyes of the world.
It rather makes me suspect that, secretly, he fears he’s not.
I tend to be more worried by people with too little self-doubt then by those with too much.
It's why an interview question along the lines of, 'tell me about a time when you made a mistake,' can be so revealing. I can imagine that the responses of some of our leading politicians of recent years - Brown, Cameron, Clegg, May, etc - could be so revealing.
There's generally a disproportionate sense of certainty on here as well. I'm sure of it.
May would say her biggest mistake was admitting she once ran through a field of wheat. "I've suffered so much for that admission...."
All the more amazing then that with such a monster brain and modest disposition, he failed to convince the voters in the Referendum.....
#FightingOldBattles
James O’Brien is rather obsessed by being seen to be right in the eyes of the world.
It rather makes me suspect that, secretly, he fears he’s not.
I tend to be more worried by people with too little self-doubt then by those with too much.
It's why an interview question along the lines of, 'tell me about a time when you made a mistake,' can be so revealing. I can imagine that the responses of some of our leading politicians of recent years - Brown, Cameron, Clegg, May, etc - could be so revealing.
There's generally a disproportionate sense of certainty on here as well. I'm sure of it.
May would say her biggest mistake was admitting she once ran through a field of wheat. "I've suffered so much for that admission...."
That rather depends on whether it was actually the worst thing she has done
I do hope Neil hasn't thrown the towel in because of the continuous abuse from the Cult on Twitter about him being a far-right Brexiteer Tory who chairs the Spectator.
I do hope Neil hasn't thrown the towel in because of the continuous abuse from the Cult on Twitter about him being a far-right Brexiteer Tory who chairs the Spectator.
Seems unlikely given his robust character.
Most of that abuse probably came from his superiors!
All the more amazing then that with such a monster brain and modest disposition, he failed to convince the voters in the Referendum.....
#FightingOldBattles
James O’Brien is rather obsessed by being seen to be right in the eyes of the world.
It rather makes me suspect that, secretly, he fears he’s not.
I tend to be more worried by people with too little self-doubt then by those with too much.
It's why an interview question along the lines of, 'tell me about a time when you made a mistake,' can be so revealing. I can imagine that the responses of some of our leading politicians of recent years - Brown, Cameron, Clegg, May, etc - could be so revealing.
There's generally a disproportionate sense of certainty on here as well. I'm sure of it.
May would say her biggest mistake was admitting she once ran through a field of wheat. "I've suffered so much for that admission...."
That rather depends on whether it was actually the worst thing she has done
You expect her to confess to ballsing up Brexit? When there's a wheat field to blame?
Brexit is a right carry on. With Sid James as Jean-Claude “Juanker”.
Joan Simms as Mrs. Maybe
Charles Hawtrey would have been perfect as Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Make him a Yorkshireman. Jacob Reet-Smug
- When I was a boy, we had caviar for breakfast every day. - Misery! When I was a boy, we had a Michelin starred chef to prepare our breakfast. - Misery! When I was a boy, nanny gave us a list of Michelin starred chefs to choose from.
On last night's evidence there are about 50 hardline ERG.
The HOC has 650 mps. They must take control and marginalise ERG and stop no deal
No deal is the legal backstop of Article 50. It is literally written into the Lisbon Treaty.
The only way to remove it is to agree a deal or revoke. Short of that the Lisbon Treaty no deal end date remains even if there is an extension.
Parliament will stop it
May could stop it at any point including now. But doesn’t. The only explanation is that she puts herself and her party first.
Genuine question. How can TM stop it
Make a clear statement. Amend Brexit legislation. If she whips an amendment that rules out no deal it will pass.
An amendment can't overrule the Treaties of the European Union.
Unless it reads "...by revoking the A50 notification at 22.30 on Mar 29th if we're still dicking around like this". Though I'm less sure than one would get through the HoC
I could imagine This Week presented by someone else. What I find hard to imagine is This Week without Portillo. I always find it amusing when he's away doing his railway stuff to see which Tory thinks it's a good idea to step into his shoes. Invariably, all they achieve is showing themselves to be complete no-marks (Grant Shapps and Sam Gyimah come to mind).
Actually I think it hasrun its course and should be canned. QT followed by TWused to be the TV political highlight of the week, but both have been deteriorating for some time. Andrew Neils chairing has become his soapbox to rubbish his guests. QT needs to reduce the number on the panel and get a better vetting process for the audience.
I watched the Moggster defend British concentration camps last night without challenge. Perhaps 50% of Boer children died in those, of malnutrition, typhoid and dysentry. Our own government sent the Fawcett commission, who found conditions appalling. I just found it offensive, and it could reasonably be described as genocide.
Brexit is a right carry on. With Sid James as Jean-Claude “Juanker”.
Joan Simms as Mrs. Maybe
Charles Hawtrey would have been perfect as Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Make him a Yorkshireman. Jacob Reet-Smug
- When I was a boy, we had caviar for breakfast every day. - Misery! When I was a boy, we had a Michelin starred chef to prepare our breakfast. - Misery! When I was a boy, nanny gave us a list of Michelin starred chefs to choose from.
Nanny? Luxury! When I were a lad, we 'ad to make do wi' just t't four au pairs....
All the more amazing then that with such a monster brain and modest disposition, he failed to convince the voters in the Referendum.....
#FightingOldBattles
James O’Brien is rather obsessed by being seen to be right in the eyes of the world.
It rather makes me suspect that, secretly, he fears he’s not.
I tend to be more worried by people with too little self-doubt then by those with too much.
It's why an interview question along the lines of, 'tell me about a time when you made a mistake,' can be so revealing. I can imagine that the responses of some of our leading politicians of recent years - Brown, Cameron, Clegg, May, etc - could be so revealing.
There's generally a disproportionate sense of certainty on here as well. I'm sure of it.
May would say her biggest mistake was admitting she once ran through a field of wheat. "I've suffered so much for that admission...."
That rather depends on whether it was actually the worst thing she has done
You expect her to confess to ballsing up Brexit? When there's a wheat field to blame?
That's why the question would be so interesting. It takes a lot of self-awareness and honesty to admit to your greatest mistake, rather than one that paints you in a better light.
I could imagine This Week presented by someone else. What I find hard to imagine is This Week without Portillo. I always find it amusing when he's away doing his railway stuff to see which Tory thinks it's a good idea to step into his shoes. Invariably, all they achieve is showing themselves to be complete no-marks (Grant Shapps and Sam Gyimah come to mind).
Actually I think it hasrun its course and should be canned. QT followed by TWused to be the TV political highlight of the week, but both have been deteriorating for some time. Andrew Neils chairing has become his soapbox to rubbish his guests. QT needs to reduce the number on the panel and get a better vetting process for the audience.
I watched the Moggster defend British concentration camps last night without challenge. Perhaps 50% of Boer children died in those, of malnutrition, typhoid and dysentry. Our own government sent the Fawcett commission, who found conditions appalling. I just found it offensive, and it could reasonably be described as genocide.
Is QT being canned?
I didn't like the spat Neil had with Jones - I don't see the point of having him on the show as you just know it will end in an argument with Neil. But that's why I think it's a shame that they aren't looking for a new presenter.
Why on earth are the Hard Left still going on about Churchill?
In a way I'm pleased. One way to f up your chances in dozens of swing marginals is to start having a go at the most popular Britain of all time and saviour of us all in 1940.
I could imagine This Week presented by someone else. What I find hard to imagine is This Week without Portillo. I always find it amusing when he's away doing his railway stuff to see which Tory thinks it's a good idea to step into his shoes. Invariably, all they achieve is showing themselves to be complete no-marks (Grant Shapps and Sam Gyimah come to mind).
Actually I think it hasrun its course and should be canned. QT followed by TWused to be the TV political highlight of the week, but both have been deteriorating for some time. Andrew Neils chairing has become his soapbox to rubbish his guests. QT needs to reduce the number on the panel and get a better vetting process for the audience.
I watched the Moggster defend British concentration camps last night without challenge. Perhaps 50% of Boer children died in those, of malnutrition, typhoid and dysentry. Our own government sent the Fawcett commission, who found conditions appalling. I just found it offensive, and it could reasonably be described as genocide.
Is QT being canned?
I didn't like the spat Neil had with Jones - I don't see the point of having him on the show as you just know it will end in an argument with Neil. But that's why I think it's a shame that they aren't looking for a new presenter.
Neil probably had a clause in the contract that he wouldn’t be replaced.
I do hope Neil hasn't thrown the towel in because of the continuous abuse from the Cult on Twitter about him being a far-right Brexiteer Tory who chairs the Spectator.
Seems unlikely given his robust character.
Wouldn't surprise me if Codswallop and the foil hat FBPE crowd have hounded him out.
There's now quite a divergence between the Betfair Exchange prices for leaving on time and leaving on time with No Deal. It seems to me these prices should now be the same, given the shortage of time to pass the necessary legislation to leave with a Deal.
Is this an opportunity to make free money, or am I missing something?
TW is not at all past its sell-by. Neil, Portillo, Johnson and Green are all excellent. I will be sorry to see it go.
I agree.
Is this about cash?
BBC under real threat due to the 75+ free TV licence issue.
When top salaries were revealed, I remember being surprised at how low Andrew Neil's was compared to other inferior interviewers. IIRC AN's salary was around £250,000 for arduous hours. Soon afterwards he cut back his appearances. This might be connected. So it could be about cash.
There's now quite a divergence between the Betfair Exchange prices for leaving on time and leaving on time with No Deal. It seems to me these prices should now be the same, given the shortage of time to pass the necessary legislation to leave with a Deal.
Is this an opportunity to make free money, or am I missing something?
The idea has gone around that if the Deal is passed at the eleventh hour on the penultimate day, then a simple Act can be passed along the lines of, "We're leaving with this deal [insert deal name] and no laws and regulations will change in practical effect when we exit the EU to the transition, and we will sort out the legal details later to be applied retrospectively."
There's now quite a divergence between the Betfair Exchange prices for leaving on time and leaving on time with No Deal. It seems to me these prices should now be the same, given the shortage of time to pass the necessary legislation to leave with a Deal.
Is this an opportunity to make free money, or am I missing something?
The idea has gone around that if the Deal is passed at the eleventh hour on the penultimate day, then a simple Act can be passed along the lines of, "We're leaving with this deal [insert deal name] and no laws and regulations will change in practical effect when we exit the EU to the transition, and we will sort out the legal details later to be applied retrospectively."
Call it the Nothing Has Changed clause.
Wow. That seems a bit of a reckless thing to do for purely political purposes.
There's now quite a divergence between the Betfair Exchange prices for leaving on time and leaving on time with No Deal. It seems to me these prices should now be the same, given the shortage of time to pass the necessary legislation to leave with a Deal.
Is this an opportunity to make free money, or am I missing something?
The idea has gone around that if the Deal is passed at the eleventh hour on the penultimate day, then a simple Act can be passed along the lines of, "We're leaving with this deal [insert deal name] and no laws and regulations will change in practical effect when we exit the EU to the transition, and we will sort out the legal details later to be applied retrospectively."
Call it the Nothing Has Changed clause.
Wow. That seems a bit of a reckless thing to do for purely political purposes.
I just realised I summed up Brexit in one sentence.
Comments
The law on Article 50 is crystal clear. A deal must be ratified or it must be revoked. Otherwise no deal happens.
May can't ratify her deal unilaterally and revokation (probably) requires Parliament to consent too.
'Sir can I have an extension for my essay please'
'You've had 2 years to do it'
'Yeah but I'm still not sure what I want to write'
I don't buy the idea that people will blame the EU for everything. If there are obvious failures in planning for no deal people will ask questions of the government.
What would that have done to stop the sun rising tomorrow?
Seems unlikely given his robust character.
- Misery! When I was a boy, we had a Michelin starred chef to prepare our breakfast.
- Misery! When I was a boy, nanny gave us a list of Michelin starred chefs to choose from.
I watched the Moggster defend British concentration camps last night without challenge. Perhaps 50% of Boer children died in those, of malnutrition, typhoid and dysentry. Our own government sent the Fawcett commission, who found conditions appalling. I just found it offensive, and it could reasonably be described as genocide.
I didn't like the spat Neil had with Jones - I don't see the point of having him on the show as you just know it will end in an argument with Neil. But that's why I think it's a shame that they aren't looking for a new presenter.
In a way I'm pleased. One way to f up your chances in dozens of swing marginals is to start having a go at the most popular Britain of all time and saviour of us all in 1940.
https://twitter.com/SkyNewsBreak/status/1096340129994719232
A couple more years of all this and they will have no chance in GE, even if the manifesto is stuffed full of goodies.
Is this about cash?
BBC under real threat due to the 75+ free TV licence issue.
"If anyone in Labour aided and abetted Brexit, they too will be recorded in the annals."
Who on earth could she mean?
Is this an opportunity to make free money, or am I missing something?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YMVPXmaKds
Retail sales in January 4.2% higher than in January 2018:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/bulletins/retailsales/january2019
The biggest increase being in the 'textile, clothing and footwear' sector.
Call it the Nothing Has Changed clause.