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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Where will Parliament relocate to during the Westminster resto

SystemSystem Posts: 12,169
edited July 2020 in General
imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Where will Parliament relocate to during the Westminster restoration?

StarSports have a betting market up on where Parliament will decant to during the restoration of the Palace of Westminster, it is understandable why York is the favourite following reports and comments by the Prime Minister in recent days.

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Comments

  • NorthofStokeNorthofStoke Posts: 1,758
    Stoke - head of the list
  • eekeek Posts: 28,405
    edited July 2020
    The rational I saw for moving Parliament to York was that the General Synod can meets there so suitable venues exist.

    Yep, they do outside of York University's term time...
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,368
    Moving parliament entirely out of the Palace of Westminster for the refurbishment is an obvious thing to do.

    Trying to live/work in a building undergoing a massive rip/redo slows the work down massively. And raises the costs. The classic is domestic work - where it is often cheaper to rent a property for 6-12 months than try and live in during building work.

    When you add in the security and the probable presence of hazardous material in the structure of the Palace (they will find asbestos in there for sure).....
  • NorthofStokeNorthofStoke Posts: 1,758
    There may be a bankrupt university whose campus can be commandeered.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216

    There may be a bankrupt university whose campus can be commandeered.

    Possibly White Tile.....

  • eekeek Posts: 28,405

    Moving parliament entirely out of the Palace of Westminster for the refurbishment is an obvious thing to do.

    Trying to live/work in a building undergoing a massive rip/redo slows the work down massively. And raises the costs. The classic is domestic work - where it is often cheaper to rent a property for 6-12 months than try and live in during building work.

    When you add in the security and the probable presence of hazardous material in the structure of the Palace (they will find asbestos in there for sure).....

    Surely the logical thing to do would be to move out of Parliament on a permanent basis and move somewhere more appropriate for the 21st century.

  • state_go_awaystate_go_away Posts: 5,816
    How about the having the parliament back in Sherwood Forest under the Parliament Tree.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,135

    Moving parliament entirely out of the Palace of Westminster for the refurbishment is an obvious thing to do.

    Trying to live/work in a building undergoing a massive rip/redo slows the work down massively. And raises the costs. The classic is domestic work - where it is often cheaper to rent a property for 6-12 months than try and live in during building work.

    When you add in the security and the probable presence of hazardous material in the structure of the Palace (they will find asbestos in there for sure).....

    Yes moving out completely during refit makes sense. But they seem to be rolling back on what was agreed in any case. Sure it'll be expensive, but its that or destruction, ultimately. And you're not allowed to deliberatelt neglect listed buildings as an excuse to knock them down.

    The whole tip toeing around that it will be expensive, and therefore unpopular, and so delay delay delay, is a scandal. The question of permanently or temporarily moving out of London is just a distraction. But it is probably more convenient to remain in London given the options.
    eek said:

    The rational I saw for moving Parliament to York was that the General Synod can meets there so suitable venues exist.

    Yep, they do outside of York University's term time...

    I'm sure Boris would be ok with limiting how often parliament met.
  • TimTTimT Posts: 6,468
    eek said:

    Moving parliament entirely out of the Palace of Westminster for the refurbishment is an obvious thing to do.

    Trying to live/work in a building undergoing a massive rip/redo slows the work down massively. And raises the costs. The classic is domestic work - where it is often cheaper to rent a property for 6-12 months than try and live in during building work.

    When you add in the security and the probable presence of hazardous material in the structure of the Palace (they will find asbestos in there for sure).....

    Surely the logical thing to do would be to move out of Parliament on a permanent basis and move somewhere more appropriate for the 21st century.

    Milton Keynes
  • twistedfirestopper3twistedfirestopper3 Posts: 2,434
    edited July 2020
    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 42,226
    edited July 2020
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559
    IF HM Govt wishes to decamp to an alternative capital in order to escape the pest house that is the Great Wen of London, would not the most sensible (or is that risable) option be, to expropriate some island for the purpose?

    I nominate

    > Isle of Man - reasonably spacious; no local MP, thus no local constituents complaining

    > Rockall - well-isolated, but ownership dispute with Ireland AND 40 million seagulls problematic

    > Isle of Wight - fine climate (for Britain), excellent accommodations.
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    Brussels?
  • nichomarnichomar Posts: 7,483
    Of course moving out of London on top of the virus impact makes it a non starter. They will choose the most inefficient expensive option possible.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,368

    IF HM Govt wishes to decamp to an alternative capital in order to escape the pest house that is the Great Wen of London, would not the most sensible (or is that risable) option be, to expropriate some island for the purpose?

    I nominate

    > Isle of Man - reasonably spacious; no local MP, thus no local constituents complaining

    > Rockall - well-isolated, but ownership dispute with Ireland AND 40 million seagulls problematic

    > Isle of Wight - fine climate (for Britain), excellent accommodations.

    Glasgow
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    IF HM Govt wishes to decamp to an alternative capital in order to escape the pest house that is the Great Wen of London, would not the most sensible (or is that risable) option be, to expropriate some island for the purpose?

    I nominate

    > Isle of Man - reasonably spacious; no local MP, thus no local constituents complaining

    > Rockall - well-isolated, but ownership dispute with Ireland AND 40 million seagulls problematic

    > Isle of Wight - fine climate (for Britain), excellent accommodations.

    Isle of Man... best known for going round in circles and spectacular crashes... hmm you may have a point
  • eekeek Posts: 28,405
    Not quite - the lose against West Ham on Friday means they are the most likely losers if Aston Villa or Bournemouth achieve a miracle...
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559
    kinabalu said:
    A room where civil servants are made to feel uncomfortable would seem to be THE perfect tribute to the spirit of WSC.

    Certainly the old boy would like it MUCH better than the Graham Sutherland portrait!
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,604
    The QEII Centre is the obvious place. It has plenty of spaces. Very central. Owned by HMG. The 7/2 offered is very good value IMHO.
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20
  • eristdooferistdoof Posts: 5,065
    "Where will Parliament relocate to during the Westminster restoration?"

    Brussels. Great rail connection with London.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 42,226
    edited July 2020

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    But imagine we are again - one day soon - having to repel an invasion by a heinous foreign power.

    Can we conceive of the Great Man "Muscles" Johnson making a rousing fight-them-on-the-beaches speech from a "functional workplace in the Midlands"?
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,599
    Rotherham, Bradford..?
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720
    eek said:

    Not quite - the lose against West Ham on Friday means they are the most likely losers if Aston Villa or Bournemouth achieve a miracle...
    Big Nige has done a great job at Watford, who were doomed before he took over, but is a man prone to blunt speaking. That gets him in trouble from time to time. Always gets a good reception in Leicester though!
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,368
    Barnesian said:

    The QEII Centre is the obvious place. It has plenty of spaces. Very central. Owned by HMG. The 7/2 offered is very good value IMHO.

    It is utterly shit as a functional building.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,468
    edited July 2020
    The Sage in Gateshead would actually work very well.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,205
    Sandpit said:

    Rotherham, Bradford..?

    Wentworth Woodhouse is big enough.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,604

    Barnesian said:

    The QEII Centre is the obvious place. It has plenty of spaces. Very central. Owned by HMG. The 7/2 offered is very good value IMHO.

    It is utterly shit as a functional building.
    A bit like the Palace of Westminster.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,135
    edited July 2020

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament. Presunably about about inconvenience of the current place, which is likely a fair point, though at least some of the inconvenience is because it is falling to bits and needs extensive renovation. Since Boris and co apparently don't want to do that in favour of a bodge job, that is a problem.

    But once again just a load of flapptery about selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged so easily. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, it's not that it looks extravagant, as again that is not unusual, and I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,135
    edited July 2020

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch? Note I said the one on the site at the moment.

    The original palace's origins hardly has bearing that the place as it stands now was for parliamentary usage more than royal. I'm all for historical pendantry, but that would be one hell of a stretch.
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    edited July 2020

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    No it wasn't.

    The Houses of Parliament were built by Barry & Pugin, for Parliament. It contains elements of earlier buildings, like Rufus' "Roaring Hall". But it is a purpose-built Parliament.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,205
    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    It's been a mosque, cathedral and museum at various points in its history. The important thing to my mind is the preservation of the artwork etc, whatever guise it is under.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    Pulpstar said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    It's been a mosque, cathedral and museum at various points in its history. The important thing to my mind is the preservation of the artwork etc, whatever guise it is under.
    It was built as a cathedral. It is a cathedral. It was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans to show the triumph of Islam over Christianity.

    Ataturk did the wise thing when he forced a compromise, and made it a museum.

    Erdogan's move is Islamic triumphalism, redux
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,135
    edited July 2020
    Pulpstar said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    It's been a mosque, cathedral and museum at various points in its history. The important thing to my mind is the preservation of the artwork etc, whatever guise it is under.
    That's true, and its use changing once again is more just a sign of the way Turkey has changed from its modern formation. That's cause to be wary about the way the society has changed, less than that the buildings' use has changed as a matter of principle.

    Though TSE would apparently say Turkey is still Ottoman as that is what it originally was, never mind a major event rebuilt the state as it were ;)
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    Between 2012 and 2016 I visited Parliament several times, I was shocked by how much of a literal shit hole it was.

    One of the people I visited, their office often had leaks of piss and shite from a nearby toilet.

    They weren't the only one blighted by that problem.

    I saw a rat or mouse on pretty much every occasion as well.

    Don't even get me started how bad Downing Street is.

    Once Larry and I saw a mouse, he laid on his back and kinda yawned, I screamed.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,935

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,135

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    So a County Hall building with an office for the Chairman means the whole thing is for the Chairman's use, rather than the council which runs the place?

    There's royal elements to it. It's history particularly prior to rebuilding was originally royal. But it was constructed to house the parliamentary chambers.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 51,707

    Between 2012 and 2016 I visited Parliament several times, I was shocked by how much of a literal shit hole it was.

    One of the people I visited, their office often had leaks of piss and shite from a nearby toilet.

    They weren't the only one blighted by that problem.

    I saw a rat or mouse on pretty much every occasion as well.

    Don't even get me started how bad Downing Street is.

    Once Larry and I saw a mouse, he laid on his back and kinda yawned, I screamed.

    Perhaps they should keep the Downing Street facade, and turn the interior into a Russian oligarch-style modern building.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    Get rid of the Monarch's speech.

    All that waste of money for Brenda to turn up and give a speech.

    Get the PM or someone like the Lord Chancellor to deliver the speech.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,135

    Between 2012 and 2016 I visited Parliament several times, I was shocked by how much of a literal shit hole it was.

    One of the people I visited, their office often had leaks of piss and shite from a nearby toilet.

    They weren't the only one blighted by that problem.

    I saw a rat or mouse on pretty much every occasion as well.

    Don't even get me started how bad Downing Street is.

    Once Larry and I saw a mouse, he laid on his back and kinda yawned, I screamed.

    That's why it needs indepth restoration! Another thing Boris is botching, apparently.

    Pleasant afternoon all.
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch? Note I said the one on the site at the moment.

    The original palace's origins hardly has bearing that the place as it stands now was for parliamentary usage more than royal. I'm all for historical pendantry, but that would be one hell of a stretch.
    Yeah, it's bollocks. I presume TSE is trolling, badly.

    It's also worth noting that Barry and Pugin's Parliament is also an absolute masterpiece. It was technologically cutting edge, with advanced engineering, yet also aesthetically complete and gorgeous: Pugin designed everything down to the candlesticks and doorknobs.

    https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/cultural-collections/historic-furniture/the-collection/awn-pugin/
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    LadyG said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch? Note I said the one on the site at the moment.

    The original palace's origins hardly has bearing that the place as it stands now was for parliamentary usage more than royal. I'm all for historical pendantry, but that would be one hell of a stretch.
    Yeah, it's bollocks. I presume TSE is trolling, badly.

    It's also worth noting that Barry and Pugin's Parliament is also an absolute masterpiece. It was technologically cutting edge, with advanced engineering, yet also aesthetically complete and gorgeous: Pugin designed everything down to the candlesticks and doorknobs.

    https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/cultural-collections/historic-furniture/the-collection/awn-pugin/
    Not trolling, I was talking about the original Palace of Westminster.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,368
    Barnesian said:

    Barnesian said:

    The QEII Centre is the obvious place. It has plenty of spaces. Very central. Owned by HMG. The 7/2 offered is very good value IMHO.

    It is utterly shit as a functional building.
    A bit like the Palace of Westminster.
    I have heard staff at the Palace talk about it.

    I have heard staff at the QEII centre talk about it.

    The QEII wins the dynamite-the-place-ASAP poll, by a very large margin.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,766
    Useful thread

    https://twitter.com/PippaN15/status/1284539474354069504

    Key at end:

    "If reg voters turnout, Biden wins."


    So (my point) voter suppression will be key for Trump.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720
    Pulpstar said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    It's been a mosque, cathedral and museum at various points in its history. The important thing to my mind is the preservation of the artwork etc, whatever guise it is under.
    The interior looks identical to when I saw it a couple of years back. Presumably the main change is going to be that it closes at times for prayers.

    Despite its enormous size, the historic Blue Mosque opposite the Hagia Sophia was pretty empty at Friday prayers.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,935
    Foxy said:

    Pulpstar said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    It's been a mosque, cathedral and museum at various points in its history. The important thing to my mind is the preservation of the artwork etc, whatever guise it is under.
    The interior looks identical to when I saw it a couple of years back. Presumably the main change is going to be that it closes at times for prayers.

    Despite its enormous size, the historic Blue Mosque opposite the Hagia Sophia was pretty empty at Friday prayers.
    I assume it'll be closed other than for prayers?
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675

    Between 2012 and 2016 I visited Parliament several times, I was shocked by how much of a literal shit hole it was.

    One of the people I visited, their office often had leaks of piss and shite from a nearby toilet.

    They weren't the only one blighted by that problem.

    I saw a rat or mouse on pretty much every occasion as well.

    Don't even get me started how bad Downing Street is.

    Once Larry and I saw a mouse, he laid on his back and kinda yawned, I screamed.

    Perhaps they should keep the Downing Street facade, and turn the interior into a Russian oligarch-style modern building.
    Another option would be kick out the Chancellor of the Exchequer and properly expand number 10 and take over numbers 11 and 12.

    I'm sure one or two PMs would be delighted if their Chancellor didn't live so close.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,135

    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    Get rid of the Monarch's speech.

    All that waste of money for Brenda to turn up and give a speech.

    Get the PM or someone like the Lord Chancellor to deliver the speech.
    It costs that much to transport a nonagenarian, albeit with paegantry and security, into the palace?

    I find republicans and monarchists are much like Brexiteers and Remainiacs, as I have observed, in that they are frequently very bad at putting forth their own case, usually as a result of their passion leading them to go over the top, or making arguments which actually apply well beyond the narrow point they are trying to make.
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221

    LadyG said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch? Note I said the one on the site at the moment.

    The original palace's origins hardly has bearing that the place as it stands now was for parliamentary usage more than royal. I'm all for historical pendantry, but that would be one hell of a stretch.
    Yeah, it's bollocks. I presume TSE is trolling, badly.

    It's also worth noting that Barry and Pugin's Parliament is also an absolute masterpiece. It was technologically cutting edge, with advanced engineering, yet also aesthetically complete and gorgeous: Pugin designed everything down to the candlesticks and doorknobs.

    https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/cultural-collections/historic-furniture/the-collection/awn-pugin/
    Not trolling, I was talking about the original Palace of Westminster.
    Well of course the site was a royal palace, and technically is, but the building, the architecture, the fabric, what the world knows as Big Ben, what needs restoring, what we are talking about, is a purpose-built Parliament in neo-Gothic style completed in 1876. All else is sophistry.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,405
    Foxy said:

    Pulpstar said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    It's been a mosque, cathedral and museum at various points in its history. The important thing to my mind is the preservation of the artwork etc, whatever guise it is under.
    The interior looks identical to when I saw it a couple of years back. Presumably the main change is going to be that it closes at times for prayers.

    Despite its enormous size, the historic Blue Mosque opposite the Hagia Sophia was pretty empty at Friday prayers.
    That entire part of Istanbul is a tourist area - very few religious Turks work around there unlike other parts like Moda which will virtually close for prayers...
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    These things happen in waves.

    But have you read Samuel Huntington’s seminal work?
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,876
    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    kle4 said:
    Though unlike the USSR where communist Eastern Europe was on the border with the West and had to be held back by NATO, China is on the other side of the world and has shown no sign of expanding territorially beyond Taiwan even with expanded influence in Africa
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_China–India_skirmishes

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Indian_border_dispute
    The border areas in question are disputed between China and India as to which belongs to which, China is not going to invade India and try and capture Delhi
    China claims almost an entire Indian state - Arunachal Pradesh.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arunachal_Pradesh
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    Charles said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    These things happen in waves.

    But have you read Samuel Huntington’s seminal work?
    Yes, I have. Jolly good, as I recall, though I didn't agree with everything
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    Really? The Palace of Westminster was originally but Pugin’s building was designed for parliament.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,929

    Between 2012 and 2016 I visited Parliament several times, I was shocked by how much of a literal shit hole it was.

    One of the people I visited, their office often had leaks of piss and shite from a nearby toilet.

    They weren't the only one blighted by that problem.

    I saw a rat or mouse on pretty much every occasion as well.

    Don't even get me started how bad Downing Street is.

    Once Larry and I saw a mouse, he laid on his back and kinda yawned, I screamed.

    Perhaps they should keep the Downing Street facade, and turn the interior into a Russian oligarch-style modern building.
    Another option would be kick out the Chancellor of the Exchequer and properly expand number 10 and take over numbers 11 and 12.

    I'm sure one or two PMs would be delighted if their Chancellor didn't live so close.
    Number 10 has already taken over Number 12, and includes offices round the back as well.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,876
    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    MONARCHY = SOCIALISM!
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    kle4 said:

    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    Get rid of the Monarch's speech.

    All that waste of money for Brenda to turn up and give a speech.

    Get the PM or someone like the Lord Chancellor to deliver the speech.
    It costs that much to transport a nonagenarian, albeit with paegantry and security, into the palace?

    I find republicans and monarchists are much like Brexiteers and Remainiacs, as I have observed, in that they are frequently very bad at putting forth their own case, usually as a result of their passion leading them to go over the top, or making arguments which actually apply well beyond the narrow point they are trying to make.
    IIRC It costs Parliament circa £250k and about £750k to the Royal family via the sovereign grant.

    So overall it costs the tax payer around a million quid.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,935

    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    MONARCHY = SOCIALISM!
    Targeted socialism. Socialism for the few, not the many.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675

    Between 2012 and 2016 I visited Parliament several times, I was shocked by how much of a literal shit hole it was.

    One of the people I visited, their office often had leaks of piss and shite from a nearby toilet.

    They weren't the only one blighted by that problem.

    I saw a rat or mouse on pretty much every occasion as well.

    Don't even get me started how bad Downing Street is.

    Once Larry and I saw a mouse, he laid on his back and kinda yawned, I screamed.

    Perhaps they should keep the Downing Street facade, and turn the interior into a Russian oligarch-style modern building.
    Another option would be kick out the Chancellor of the Exchequer and properly expand number 10 and take over numbers 11 and 12.

    I'm sure one or two PMs would be delighted if their Chancellor didn't live so close.
    Number 10 has already taken over Number 12, and includes offices round the back as well.
    I meant for exclusive use of the PM and his family.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675
    Charles said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    These things happen in waves.

    But have you read Samuel Huntington’s seminal work?
    Hasn't Israel turned a few mosques into nightclubs and other such things?
  • eekeek Posts: 28,405
    Well they've already sidestepped CDC reporting on cases by closing down the portal hospitals were supposed report cases on.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    Barnesian said:

    Barnesian said:

    The QEII Centre is the obvious place. It has plenty of spaces. Very central. Owned by HMG. The 7/2 offered is very good value IMHO.

    It is utterly shit as a functional building.
    A bit like the Palace of Westminster.
    I have heard staff at the Palace talk about it.

    I have heard staff at the QEII centre talk about it.

    The QEII wins the dynamite-the-place-ASAP poll, by a very large margin.
    Nah. Nah, nah, nah

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsham_Towers
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    Between 2012 and 2016 I visited Parliament several times, I was shocked by how much of a literal shit hole it was.

    One of the people I visited, their office often had leaks of piss and shite from a nearby toilet.

    They weren't the only one blighted by that problem.

    I saw a rat or mouse on pretty much every occasion as well.

    Don't even get me started how bad Downing Street is.

    Once Larry and I saw a mouse, he laid on his back and kinda yawned, I screamed.

    Perhaps they should keep the Downing Street facade, and turn the interior into a Russian oligarch-style modern building.
    Another option would be kick out the Chancellor of the Exchequer and properly expand number 10 and take over numbers 11 and 12.

    I'm sure one or two PMs would be delighted if their Chancellor didn't live so close.
    Don’t forget the PM is the Lord High Treasurer and the Chancellor of the Exchequer is just his administrative flunky
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,876
    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    MONARCHY = SOCIALISM!
    Targeted socialism. Socialism for the few, not the many.
    Socialism = Personality cult!
    Monarchy = Personality cult!

    ergo:
    Monarchy = Socialism!
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    LadyG said:

    Charles said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    These things happen in waves.

    But have you read Samuel Huntington’s seminal work?
    Yes, I have. Jolly good, as I recall, though I didn't agree with everything
    Reread the last chapter. The conclusion isn’t quite what you expect
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    Charles said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    These things happen in waves.

    But have you read Samuel Huntington’s seminal work?
    Hasn't Israel turned a few mosques into nightclubs and other such things?
    I have no idea. But the U.K. has decommissioned plenty of churches.
  • Black_RookBlack_Rook Posts: 8,905
    nichomar said:

    Of course moving out of London on top of the virus impact makes it a non starter. They will choose the most inefficient expensive option possible.

    Yes, most likely Parliament will do a partial decant so the Commons can stay put and the Lords can be shunted off to the QEII Conference Centre. Years and years and years of work, chances of the whole thing burning to the ground before it's finished that much greater accordingly.

    Arguably the best option would be to build a completely new Parliament and redevelop the Palace of Westminster as a vast new museum. It was pointed out when the BLM protests first got going that we've no such major institution devoted either to the study of the history of England in general or to that of the British Empire specifically, and what used to be the Imperial Parliament would be an ideal place for the latter. It could present and cover a range of very interesting and interconnected topics, not least the development of the slave trade during the early modern period, colonialism, and how racist theories were developed to help to justify them - as well as the Age of Discovery, the settlement and development of many new nations, and the migration of people both out into the colonies and later the Commonwealth, and back from them (and one thinks not only of post-WW2 immigration but also the history of ethnic minorities in Britain before 1948, which is very largely ignored or forgotten.)

    A modern chamber and suite of offices would certainly represent an opportunity to build on the technological advances that were forced by Covid, and it might even be worth considering a move to Birmingham, which is much more central and will be connected to central London by HS2 (because it looks very much as if the first section of the project will be completed in full, even if there are question marks hanging over the branches further to the North.) But it won't happen, of course.
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 37,378
    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    Demographics may not be fully destiny, but steep population decline will limit China's and Russia's economic and military power in coming years.
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    Charles said:

    LadyG said:

    Charles said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    These things happen in waves.

    But have you read Samuel Huntington’s seminal work?
    Yes, I have. Jolly good, as I recall, though I didn't agree with everything
    Reread the last chapter. The conclusion isn’t quite what you expect
    What does it say? I read it many years ago and don't have a copy.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,138
    Yes, York would be an ideal base for an English Parliament but I expect the UK Parliament to stay in London even during the renovations at Westminster
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Andy_JS said:

    Foxy said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Cash vs card is probably going to be the next cultural divide. All the pubs in places like Richmond and Barnes will be card only, whereas a lot of the pubs in Burnley and Redcar will continue to take cash (and most of their customers will be happy with that state of affairs).

    I've used minimal amounts of currency since this blew up. Most small places insist on contactless for any value however small. A couple of takeaways that don't do plastic but all bar one can be ordered and paid for online.

    There will be some resistance from people who like to use our pretend money in physical form. Me, happy to use contactless on everything if possible. By Google Pay preferably
    When I was in Stockholm a couple of years ago, I struggled to find places, bars, restaurants, hotels, museums to take cash. Everything was electronic. That is the future of money.

    Indeed it reaches the point that the currency that the transaction takes place in becomes irrelevant. The pound Sterling will vanish not with a bang, but with a whimper.
    Upon your next trip to Svea’s kingdom, you will find that the situation has become even more extreme in the past two years, and especially the last six months. Cash is pretty much non-existent now in Swedish society, outwith people over the age of 80 and newer immigrant groups.

    Our household (currently, temporarily, six people) never use cash. The last time I actively handled any was after a party I needed to return a couple of heavy boxes of unused booze to Systembolaget, the state monopoly alcohol retailer (which is fantastic by the way, not least because of their extremely easy returns system). I was forced to rummage about in a dusty drawer trying to find a 5 or 10 kronor coin to use to unlock one of their trolleys.

    I have maybe handled a banknote max five times in the last 12 months. All five having been given as birthday presents by very elderly people. Banknotes are universally considered a massive pain in the arse, and no local bank offices accept them.

    One of the quaint, old-fashioned aspects of visiting other countries is re-acquainting yourself with cash. I still can’t believe that 1p, 2p and 5p coins still exist. Thank goodness for charity boxes!
    Getting rid of cash takes power away from individuals and gives it to governments and organisations.
    Swedes trust their government in a way entirely incomprehensible to an English person.

    Another way of saying what you just said is: if everyone pays the taxes they are due to pay then the burden is shared more equally and the state can provide high quality services. I can understand that a Tory finds that concept incomprehensible.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,608
    So the new guy running Trump's re-election campaign wants him to lose?

    Talk about "la-la-la-la I'm not listening...."
  • IshmaelZIshmaelZ Posts: 21,830

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    MONARCHY = SOCIALISM!
    Targeted socialism. Socialism for the few, not the many.
    Socialism = Personality cult!
    Monarchy = Personality cult!

    ergo:
    Monarchy = Socialism!
    Sunil is a mammal!
    Pangolins are mammals!

    ergo:
    Sunil is a pangolin!
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,138
    edited July 2020
    Sean_F said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    Demographics may not be fully destiny, but steep population decline will limit China's and Russia's economic and military power in coming years.
    We need to add democratic India into the Western sphere maybe as part of an enlarged G7 giving it is still growing fast population wise and economically but otherwise the economic shift is to China, the military shift to China and Russia and the demographic shift is to the Muslim world
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    edited July 2020

    Charles said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    These things happen in waves.

    But have you read Samuel Huntington’s seminal work?
    Hasn't Israel turned a few mosques into nightclubs and other such things?
    China has turned mosques into pig sties, at various times.

    One of the most egregious examples, from the opposite side, is the hideously inappropriate church deliberately wedged in the middle of the sublime mosque of Cordoba.

    An act of Christian triumphalism to match Erdogan's in Istanbul


    https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-history-of-the-mosque-cathedral-of-cordoba-in-1-minute-2/
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    Sean_F said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    Demographics may not be fully destiny, but steep population decline will limit China's and Russia's economic and military power in coming years.
    Let's hope so, because they are winning at the moment (mainly because we seem intent on self harm) and Russia and China are not benign actors, as presently constituted
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    HYUFD said:

    Sean_F said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    Demographics may not be fully destiny, but steep population decline will limit China's and Russia's economic and military power in coming years.
    We need to add India into the Western sphere giving it is still growing fast population wise and economically but otherwise yes the economic shift is to China and the demographic shift is to the Muslim world
    The demographic shift is actually to Africa - which is slightly more Christian than Muslim
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,138

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    MONARCHY = SOCIALISM!
    Targeted socialism. Socialism for the few, not the many.
    Socialism = Personality cult!
    Monarchy = Personality cult!

    ergo:
    Monarchy = Socialism!
    What is the Trump presidency based on other than a personality cult, he is neither socialist nor a monarch
  • stodgestodge Posts: 13,898


    Number 10 has already taken over Number 12, and includes offices round the back as well.

    Boris and Rishi are both working at home - get them back behind a desk in an office.

  • logical_songlogical_song Posts: 9,914
    HYUFD said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    They should move out and never move back in. Build a purpose built parliament in the Midlands, maybe have an accommodation block on site so they don't need second homes. No subsidised bars and restaurants, just a functional but comfortable workplace. No boozing during work hours, even if a vote goes on into the night. Do up Westminster and flog it off to Harry Potter World. Sorted. Easy, innit?

    What does purpose built even mean? The one on the site at the moment was purpose built to house the parliament.

    But once again just a load of flapptery abotu selling it off as though such an asset can be so flogged. I really don't get the hatred for the place. It's not about cost, since plenty of 'purpose built' new parliamentary buildings around the world can cost an arm and a leg, it's not about suitable location since people don't agree where that would be and even if it could indeed go somewhere else, it is certainly not outrageous that it be located in the largest city, I cannot seriously credit that the place has bars in it could be a reason, so what is really behind such hatred?
    Nah, Parliament was purpose as a palace for the monarch.

    Has Morris Dancer been teaching you 'history'?
    You think when they rebuilt the place in the 19th century it was for primary use of the monarch?
    It was an inside job, they still have things like the robing room for the monarch, and their own personal bog.
    You propose that the monarch give the speech in their pyjamas? ;)
    MONARCHY = SOCIALISM!
    Targeted socialism. Socialism for the few, not the many.
    Socialism = Personality cult!
    Monarchy = Personality cult!

    ergo:
    Monarchy = Socialism!
    What is the Trump presidency based on other than a personality cult, he is neither socialist nor a monarch
    Are you sure?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,138
    edited July 2020
    LadyG said:

    HYUFD said:

    Sean_F said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    Demographics may not be fully destiny, but steep population decline will limit China's and Russia's economic and military power in coming years.
    We need to add India into the Western sphere giving it is still growing fast population wise and economically but otherwise yes the economic shift is to China and the demographic shift is to the Muslim world
    The demographic shift is actually to Africa - which is slightly more Christian than Muslim
    Africa is the fastest area of growth in Christianity yes, hence we will likely soon have a black Archbishop of Canterbury and ultimately a black Pope too, however because of growth in South Asia and the Middle East as well as Africa Islam is growing faster overall
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826
    FPT @Pagan2
    Pagan2 said:

    FPT for @Pagan2

    Pagan2 said:

    A question for Philip Thompson

    once upon a time most companies paid in company scrip that could only be spent in company stores. While you can argue well if you dont like it change jobs it wasnt so easy. Laws were passed to stop it

    1) Do you agree with those laws or do you regard being paid in company scrip should be allowed

    2) if you answer the law was right what is the difference between that and telling companies they have to also accept hard currency and not just cards. In the first the company issuing the scrips dictates where you can purchase things in the second card issuing companies and dont forget there are really only two are limiting where you can shop by giving you a card or not

    I have no qualms with people getting a benefit in kind of company scrip so long as other laws are followed including getting paid a minimum wage in hard currency and getting taxed on their benefit in kind.

    2: The difference is that cards are hard currency. If you spend pound sterlings in coins, pound sterlings in notes, pound sterlings by BACS transfer, pound sterlings by cheques or pound sterlings by cards your hard currency is pound sterling either way.

    If there is a role for the government to pay it is to ensure everyone has access to being able to get a card. A universal service obligation on banks even if it's only for prepayment or debit cards without borrowing options. Other than that there is no role for the government to play, it is a matter for commercial choice by both businesses and consumers.
    You didn't get hard currency only company scrip so I take it you answer is No it should not be allowed......so state intervention was good

    I fail to see the difference between the state intervention declaring all shops must accept cash and state intervention stating banks must give a bank account to everyone. In fact the second is the worst of the pair for intervention because it takes choice out of peoples hands

    So now we have established you don't mind state intervention can you cease your whining when others say that it is sometimes necessary and go read some more Ayn Rand
    I've never said I support zero state intervention in the first place, as I've said when this has come up in the past I am a libertarian not an anarchist.

    It is far, far, far better to impose a universal service obligation on banks than it is to impose an obligation on every single small shop, large shop, restaurant, bar, hairdresser, boutique or anything else in the entire country that they must accept cash.

    Banks are structurally important and integral to the entire economy, a universal service obligation is something they can withstand without jeopardising their business and as part of their regulations (which must exist). Ensuring everyone has access to banking is far better because it puts the choice into people's hands, they can access all parts of the economy (many online retailers won't accept cash for instance and I doubt even you're suggesting they must are you?). There is a requirement to ensure everyone has access to basic banking.

    Putting the onus on eg small businesses that don't want the security or other risks involved with accepting cash is an entirely different matter. Cash is not required and can lead to armed robberies and stabbings so there is a very valid justification not to want to accept it. If everyone has access to banking there is absolutely zero justification to compel people to literally put their lives at risk accepting cash when they don't want to do so . . . I don't know if you've ever been subject to an armed robbery by people looking for cash but it is not a pleasant experience.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,205
    HYUFD said:


    Africa is the fastest area of growth in Christianity yes, hence we will likely soon have a black Archbishop of Canterbury

    Is that a err sequitur ?
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826
    eek said:

    Moving parliament entirely out of the Palace of Westminster for the refurbishment is an obvious thing to do.

    Trying to live/work in a building undergoing a massive rip/redo slows the work down massively. And raises the costs. The classic is domestic work - where it is often cheaper to rent a property for 6-12 months than try and live in during building work.

    When you add in the security and the probable presence of hazardous material in the structure of the Palace (they will find asbestos in there for sure).....

    Surely the logical thing to do would be to move out of Parliament on a permanent basis and move somewhere more appropriate for the 21st century.

    Why? Westminster must be restored either way, so what would you do with it once it has been? Would you turn it into a museum?
  • stodgestodge Posts: 13,898
    On topic, York is a beautiful city with one of the finest racecourses in the country on its outskirts.

    As TSE says, some very fine hotels. I'd put The Principal right up there with the best. I've also heard good things about The Judges' Lodgings.

    Decent rail service from most parts of the country as well - should be the capital.
  • LadyGLadyG Posts: 2,221
    HYUFD said:

    LadyG said:

    HYUFD said:

    Sean_F said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    Demographics may not be fully destiny, but steep population decline will limit China's and Russia's economic and military power in coming years.
    We need to add India into the Western sphere giving it is still growing fast population wise and economically but otherwise yes the economic shift is to China and the demographic shift is to the Muslim world
    The demographic shift is actually to Africa - which is slightly more Christian than Muslim
    Africa is the fastest area of growth in Christianity yes, hence we will likely soon have a black Archbishop of Canterbury and ultimately a black Pope too, however because of growth in South Asia and the Middle East as well as Africa Islam is growing faster overall
    Human populations are now expected to decline EVERYWHERE except Africa

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53409521
  • Given that the sea level is set to rise by about 60m as the ice caps melt, it might make sense to move parliament permanently to the Midlands. Granted, this will take a few thousand years, but why not get ahead of the curve and make Birmingham the capital of the current British Isles and future British Archipelago now?
  • logical_songlogical_song Posts: 9,914

    So the new guy running Trump's re-election campaign wants him to lose?

    Talk about "la-la-la-la I'm not listening...."
    Trump is part of the problem, in fact many problems, please God let him lose badly.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 9,877

    FPT @Pagan2

    Pagan2 said:

    FPT for @Pagan2

    Pagan2 said:

    A question for Philip Thompson

    once upon a time most companies paid in company scrip that could only be spent in company stores. While you can argue well if you dont like it change jobs it wasnt so easy. Laws were passed to stop it

    1) Do you agree with those laws or do you regard being paid in company scrip should be allowed

    2) if you answer the law was right what is the difference between that and telling companies they have to also accept hard currency and not just cards. In the first the company issuing the scrips dictates where you can purchase things in the second card issuing companies and dont forget there are really only two are limiting where you can shop by giving you a card or not

    I have no qualms with people getting a benefit in kind of company scrip so long as other laws are followed including getting paid a minimum wage in hard currency and getting taxed on their benefit in kind.

    2: The difference is that cards are hard currency. If you spend pound sterlings in coins, pound sterlings in notes, pound sterlings by BACS transfer, pound sterlings by cheques or pound sterlings by cards your hard currency is pound sterling either way.

    If there is a role for the government to pay it is to ensure everyone has access to being able to get a card. A universal service obligation on banks even if it's only for prepayment or debit cards without borrowing options. Other than that there is no role for the government to play, it is a matter for commercial choice by both businesses and consumers.
    You didn't get hard currency only company scrip so I take it you answer is No it should not be allowed......so state intervention was good

    I fail to see the difference between the state intervention declaring all shops must accept cash and state intervention stating banks must give a bank account to everyone. In fact the second is the worst of the pair for intervention because it takes choice out of peoples hands

    So now we have established you don't mind state intervention can you cease your whining when others say that it is sometimes necessary and go read some more Ayn Rand
    I've never said I support zero state intervention in the first place, as I've said when this has come up in the past I am a libertarian not an anarchist.

    It is far, far, far better to impose a universal service obligation on banks than it is to impose an obligation on every single small shop, large shop, restaurant, bar, hairdresser, boutique or anything else in the entire country that they must accept cash.

    Banks are structurally important and integral to the entire economy, a universal service obligation is something they can withstand without jeopardising their business and as part of their regulations (which must exist). Ensuring everyone has access to banking is far better because it puts the choice into people's hands, they can access all parts of the economy (many online retailers won't accept cash for instance and I doubt even you're suggesting they must are you?). There is a requirement to ensure everyone has access to basic banking.

    Putting the onus on eg small businesses that don't want the security or other risks involved with accepting cash is an entirely different matter. Cash is not required and can lead to armed robberies and stabbings so there is a very valid justification not to want to accept it. If everyone has access to banking there is absolutely zero justification to compel people to literally put their lives at risk accepting cash when they don't want to do so . . . I don't know if you've ever been subject to an armed robbery by people looking for cash but it is not a pleasant experience.
    Small business have always accepted cash so its not asking them to change it is merely specifying that they must continue to do so. The number of businesses that only accept card payments is tiny so as usual your argument is bollocks.

    Libertarians believe that defence is one the people of the country is one of the key things for a governement. Defence doesn't just mean from invasion it is also a defence of freedom. In this case the freedom not to have a bank account, not to have every penny spent tracked, not to have their data given to governments and big business

    You should give up being a libertarian you really do fail at it
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826
    LadyG said:

    Pulpstar said:

    LadyG said:

    Matthew Syed says what I have been saying on here for a while. This is a Cold War with China (and, to a lesser extent, with Russia, Turkey, Iran)

    And this is a Cold War we are losing. The West in in steep decline, on all fronts.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/xi-banks-on-the-decline-and-fall-of-the-west-kghxjzzxg

    The conversion this weekend of Hagia Sophia (perhaps the pinnacle of western architecture?) from museum to mosque, is symbolic and telling.

    https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1284823203492356096?s=20

    It's been a mosque, cathedral and museum at various points in its history. The important thing to my mind is the preservation of the artwork etc, whatever guise it is under.
    It was built as a cathedral. It is a cathedral. It was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans to show the triumph of Islam over Christianity.

    Ataturk did the wise thing when he forced a compromise, and made it a museum.

    Erdogan's move is Islamic triumphalism, redux
    Its their country. Why should we care?
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,675

    Given that the sea level is set to rise by about 60m as the ice caps melt, it might make sense to move parliament permanently to the Midlands. Granted, this will take a few thousand years, but why not get ahead of the curve and make Birmingham the capital of the current British Isles and future British Archipelago now?

    But it is Birmingham.

    Do we want our Parliamentarians to end up having Brummie accents?
  • AlistairAlistair Posts: 23,670

    Useful thread

    https://twitter.com/PippaN15/status/1284539474354069504

    Key at end:

    "If reg voters turnout, Biden wins."


    So (my point) voter suppression will be key for Trump.

    Trump down amongst everyone earning under $100K.

    The working class revolt going well I see.
This discussion has been closed.