In other words, there are no principles which lie behind American (and pre-Commons defeat) British policy on Syria, merely the rule of the strong, acting on their own motion, and accountable to no one but themselves.
To the contrary, there's a very strong and extremely widely accepted principle, that the mass gassing of children is beyond the pale. What there isn't, yet, and probably never will be, is a full-scale panoply of international law backed up by world courts and some kind of world army to enforce it. Given that, and flawed though it might be, it seems reasonable that well-meaning powers should act together to discourage the most flagrant abuses, where they can.
This is no time for point scoring and sanctimony. Putin has offered Obama an honorable exit from the Syrian affair. Obama should grab it with both hands , thank his lucky stars and learn from Putin's cool-headed statesmanship.
I'm still trying to get used to constantly agreeing with Moniker - it is not our wont. But I think he's quite right. If this is the result (and we're not there yet), it's a Good Thing. Post hoc, everyone can claim some credit - Obama and Cameron for putting on pressure, Miliband and the UN for slowing the rush to war, Putin for coming up with the compromise,whatever. I don't really care, and nor should anyone - we should just be pleased that progress is being made without adding fuel to the flames.
PRINCE Andrew probably walked out of Buckingham Palace with more than £2m in jewels – after being caught by the police.
Among international jewel thieves he is known as 'The Dick'
Experts believe the Duke of York raided his mother’s bedroom and then waited in the Palace grounds until he was confronted by armed officers who did not recognise him immediately.
The Duke would then have pretended to be furious, asking the officers if they knew who he was, before walking away without being searched.
Tom Logan, a burglar, said: “Andrew has played this one surprisingly well.
This is ahistorical, irrational and ultimately an ex post facto justification for the mad decision of the President of the United States to make the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime a "red line".
Not really. At no time have I said it was wise of Obama to do so.
My father gave me much bad advice, but he did give me one very good piece of advice: 'Never make a threat you're not prepared to carry out'.
'Never make a threat you're not prepared to carry out ... or I'll kill you'.
The worst piece of advice my Dad ever gave me was "Come down to White Hart Lane for the Spurs game, son". I did and 40 years of misery has ensured.
Which rather misses the point that unions are its members and not its paid or elected leaders.
Does it? I'd have thought it hit the point squarely on the head - that the union leaders don't always speak for their members or necessarily represent their interests.
As it happens, I was talking to a retained fireman on that very point a couple of days ago. He's a union member, but is most unkeen on the strike proposal. Interestingly enough, he brought up the argument that only a small proportion of members voted in the strike ballot, and that there therefore wasn't a mandate for action. His views on the union leaders were verging on the unprintable.
So what? Are there any organisations anywhere in the world outside North Korea whose members all agree with the policies of their leaders? Certainly not the Government.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Claiming Iraq was seeking the "path of peace," Saddam Hussein's government agreed yesterday to the return of international weapons inspectors, accepting a stringent U.N. resolution two days ahead of a deadline."
It was Ed Miliband wot did it claims Nick Palmer ....
ONS data shows living standards falling for 37 out of the last 38 moths as living standards are measured by income growth compared to inflation. Fiddling around with some notional ratios won't change any of that
That's what happens to countries that live beyond their means or didn't you realise that ?
Fraser Nelson advocated cutting far, far faster than Osborne has. I doubt that would've been politically possible, so it is easy for him to attack from the right..
Even the mild cuts this coalition have gone ahead with have had lefties branding this government "the most right-wing government in the history of mankind ever", and one that kicks tramps in the bollocks with fifty pound notes taped to their derby shoes.
It was an impossible starting point for Osborne given there was "no money left". It hasn't been fab, but he hasn't done bad either. Not by a long stretch.
Mr Osborne has not cut government spending. If was politically possible for Mr Osborne to raise taxes, then it was politically possible for Mr Osborne to cut spending. He chose to raise taxes.
So what? Are there any organisations anywhere in the world outside North Korea whose members all agree with the policies of their leaders? Certainly not the Government.
The discussion was about Conservative tactics, and I was challenging the assumption that criticising union leaders (and by extension the links to Labour) would necessarily be unpopular with all union members. As you know, the polling shows that it's not the case that union members are automatically Labour supporters.
ONS data shows living standards falling for 37 out of the last 38 moths as living standards are measured by income growth compared to inflation. Fiddling around with some notional ratios won't change any of that
It is not me fiddling around with ratios, tim. It is the ONS in the Blue Book (National Accounts) 2013.
The point the chart makes is that when Labour had power it pumped up GDP growth on the back of a credit bubble but such 'growth' did not translate into an equivalent benefit to consumers and households in living standards.
If Labour couldn't improve living standards faster than GDP growth at a time of (albeit artificial) boom, what prospects do you think the party has of doing it in a period of austerity?
Miliband and Balls may be running around saying that Osborne hasn't "solved the living standards problem" but at least he hasn't made it substantially worse like Gordon did during his 'no boom and bust' period as Chancellor.
What's more, George has performed better than Gordon on living standards even after realising his higher priorities of reducing debt and the deficit, and, decreasing government spending in real terms.
ONS data shows living standards falling for 37 out of the last 38 moths as living standards are measured by income growth compared to inflation. Fiddling around with some notional ratios won't change any of that
That's what happens to countries that live beyond their means or didn't you realise that ?
Don't blame me for the three year stagnation between announcements from Osborne that he's established growth.
I don't, I blame the fkwit Party in office 1997-2010 who absoultely trashed the joint .
Y'wanna deal on Syria ... hand over the crap to be destroyed then hand over the crap who used it... deal done, otherwise we will take out x..y..z .. just as a little demo.
'Whats going on with Osbornes hair?" Syria .. Falkirk.. TUC meeting.. BBC deadheads all blaming each other.. Who in their right mind gives a Feck what is going on with someone's hair..sheesh.. This stuff is called "Idiot Cluster"...
Well that's an interesting consequence we didn't foresee. I wonder whether the US will go for it, I don't think they can not bother trying to engage Russia. Not that I think the Russians are being sincere, also, where does this leave Assad, I wonder whether he will blithely go along with Russia confiscating his chemical weapons...
Max.
We most definitely did see this consequence.
Both tactically when it was reported that Russia were sending two land assault ships to theatre, a couple of days ago.
And earlier when speculating on where the UNSC could find grounds for compromise.
The interesting question now is, if Syria and Russia have agreed to take the CW out of the war zone, whether this move will be supported by a consensus resolution in the UNSC.
Russia may decide it is better just to pick the CW up and take them away bypassing the UN as a diplomatic response to the US and its allies advancing its strike plans independently of the security council.
Remember Russia has already been playing a role in securing Syrian CW by assisting the Assad regime reduce its 5 CW facilities to two, both located at (or near) seaports well within territory controlled by the government. I posted a link to a Lavrov statement to this effect a few days back.
ONS data shows living standards falling for 37 out of the last 38 moths as living standards are measured by income growth compared to inflation. Fiddling around with some notional ratios won't change any of that
That's what happens to countries that live beyond their means or didn't you realise that ?
Don't blame me for the three year stagnation between announcements from Osborne that he's established growth.
I don't, I blame the fkwit Party in office 1997-2010 who absoultely trashed the joint .
if he based himself on Brown he should be your kind of guy. 13 more years of no boom and bust.
I'm sure Sky has just said: "Cameron has welcomed the (Russian) news..."
I think they are referring retrospectively to a previous general statement (about Syria giving up CW), and not in fact to a new statement in the light of today's developments...
Mr Osborne has not cut government spending. If was politically possible for Mr Osborne to raise taxes, then it was politically possible for Mr Osborne to cut spending. He chose to raise taxes.
anotherDave
Mr. Osborne has cut government spending in real terms.
Here (again) is the evidence. Note 2013-2015 are latest PESA 2013 forecasts.:
Public Sector Aggregates: Total Managed Expenditure ---------------------------------------------------------------- Year Nominal Change | Real Change | GDP Ratio Change £ bn % | £ bn % | % % ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling
I'm sure Sky has just said: "Cameron has welcomed the (Russian) news..."
I think they are referring retrospectively to a previous general statement (about Syria giving up CW), and not in fact to a new statement in the light of today's developments...
Bit sloppy of Sky...
Correction.
Sky now saying: "Cameron says Syria should be encouraged to put its CW beyond use, under international supervision."
Some polls such as Reachtel actually had Abbott ahead on the preferred PM measure by election day. I have yet to see a poll with Miliband ahead as preferred PM. Of course in 1970, after the devaluation of sterling, and in 1979, after the winter of discontent and the IMF bailout, both Wilson and Callaghan were doomed. Heath and Thatcher may have been less likeable than Harold and 'Sunny Jim' but they were also much tougher, combative and heavyweight figures than Ed Miliband, as indeed is Tony Abbott!
@Avery. Those bills he moved from 2012/3 to 2013/4 starting to show up in your figures.
And why aren't you posting total govt spending, we're told the rise in borrowing costs are a mark of Osbornes genius as was the fall.
tim
I did point out at the time I noticed the 2013 "deployment of automatic stabilisers" that no one was commenting on the 4.24% real terms increase in spending planned for 2013-14.
Given that growth this year must have exceeded even George's wildest fantasies, I wonder if he will attempt to deflate the projection a bit in the second half or leave it alone after consulting the electoral calendar. [Rhetorical wondering, tim].
The figures are total government expenditure ("Total Managed Expenditure" as defined for PESA statements).
Borrowing costs will impact the fiscal outcome this year, though to date they have underrun forecast (by about 1% if I remember correctly). This will probably reverse out in the second half, but it all depends on the government's net cash requirement. The last monthly figure showed a very healthy cash surplus, but without knowing the cash out phasing, it would be unwise to bank this so early in the year.
@Avery. Those bills he moved from 2012/3 to 2013/4 starting to show up in your figures.
And why aren't you posting total govt spending, we're told the rise in borrowing costs are a mark of Osbornes genius as was the fall.
tim
I did point out at the time I noticed the 2013 "deployment of automatic stabilisers" that no one was commenting on the 4.24% real terms increase in spending planned for 2013-14.
Given that growth this year must have exceeded even George's wildest fantasies, I wonder if he will attempt to deflate the projection a bit in the second half or leave it alone after consulting the electoral calendar. [Rhetorical wondering, tim].
The figures are total government expenditure ("Total Managed Expenditure" as defined for PESA statements).
Borrowing costs will impact the fiscal outcome this year, though to date they have underrun forecast (by about 1% if I remember correctly). This will probably reverse out in the second half, but it all depends on the government's net cash requirement. The last monthly figure showed a very healthy cash surplus, but without knowing the cash out phasing, it would be unwise to bank this so early in the year.
Juggling the books. Shame he couldn't actually do something for the economy.
All very interesting, but meanwhile there's a civil war raging, chemical weapons being used on a big scale again - something which has happened, thank goodness, only very rarely since 1925 - and on civilians too, and there's a risk of escalation and of the use of chemical weapons spreading - they are cheap, and eminently well suited to genocidal use against helpless civilians. If Kerry and Obama have managed to get Russian support for a way out of that with no Western shots being fired - a big 'if', as I said - then that's great, and a vindication of their approach, but we'll have to see how the situation develops. What surprised me was that some posters seemed to think the reports were a setback for Kerry.
So you're fine with using chemical weapons against 'nutters'. Presumably that depends on which 'nutters' the US and west are allied with at any given time.
Reassuring given what the Syrian rebels have already said.
Y'wanna deal on Syria ... hand over the crap to be destroyed then hand over the crap who used it... deal done, otherwise we will take out x..y..z .. just as a little demo.
Unfortunately they will also take out a lot of innocent civilians as per usual with their precision bombing.
So you're fine with using chemical weapons against 'nutters'. Presumably that depends on which 'nutters' the US and west are allied with at any given time.
Reassuring given what the Syrian rebels have already said.
From the sounds of things, Syria have already said yes. It looks like this has been an option discussed with the Russians for some time.
y0kel pointed this out a while ago: as early as September 4! We are incredibly lucky to be so well-informed on PB, as we are when TimT is about. I very much hope that they keep posting here.
Syria Updates: Shadow Armies and Shadow Supporters
Interesting that the US administration has stated that the first batches of US trained insurgents have entered Syria from Jordan. This would verify my posting on here on the 21st that such units had entered Syria and others were to follow. Interesting too that after a post that there seemed to be a lot of Special Operations assets setting up shop recently that the Sunday Times suggested that British SOF were in play. Unconfirmed. Certainly French in-theatre assets are certainly passing on feeds to chosen opposition forces
It also looks like the the question marks over the scale of US forces deployed for what was apparently some missile strikes didn't quite fit. It appears that Administration thinking is to perhaps go for something more concerted even if short. Where many made the error was to look to the Med, it is South and East of Syria where the most devastating kit is. Its whether it would ever get used that is the question.
It is dawning on Assad's government that they are not in the clear yet. Whenever Assad's officials spread out, the estimate was that some wouldn't bother coming back, taking the opportunity in the disjointed situation to bail out. Some , though no one truly notable, have already in recent days, going to ground. Today though we saw the defection of a senior General today after rumours last night. The problem is the guys name, he could be one of two people. One is a General..the other a General who's an even bigger fish. Which one we'll find out soon.
There is a feeling others will follow. Some intelligence assessments are that the finger pointing in the aftermath of the chemical weapons attack may both indicate and develop into rather more severe strains amongst some of Assad's officials & military men. The US for well over a year has been looking for a coup leadership, whether for physically ousting Assad or simply just breaking off. No evidence that they have it yet but there are stresses.
On the special weapons front there are stories that a suggestion has been floated by one of Assad's external allies to ship his stocks out of the country as a way to short circuit any strike plans. This is as yet unconfirmed and, even if it is, it isn't clear if its going to be taken up.
According to the titanic intellect of ScottP (and the level headed calm judgement of SeanT) whatever happens now to Syrias chemical weapons is down to Ed Miliband
Yes one repeats his self incessantly, the other is just manic.
The PB Warmongers are all Al Qeada sympathisers. No more, no less. When Assad goes who do you think will take over Syria?
Lembit Opik's on the market.
Prince Edward? IIRC the Estonians offered him the Crown in 1990 - he was quite keen to accept but the FCO vetoed. Something about poking the Russian bear. ;-)
@MyBurningEars - You were asking about the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum a couple of threads back. It's superb, if you're at all interested in early vernacular, especially timber-framed, buildings. Also quite a good general family day out.
Anyone think that Osborne might have made a mistake touting an economic victory when for those who didn't get his bonus gift living standards fell for 37 out of the last 38 months?
MG.. Read the post..it could be three rocks.. or three old army trcks..maybe next time Chemical Weapons deployment unit, or a Presidential Palace..or a desert convoy ,, Give up the bad boys and walk away..
The PB Warmongers are all Al Qeada sympathisers. No more, no less. When Assad goes who do you think will take over Syria?
Lembit Opik's on the market.
Prince Edward? IIRC the Estonians offered him the Crown in 1990 - he was quite keen to accept but the FCO vetoed. Something about poking the Russian bear. ;-)
I can't quite see Lembit taking over Syria. But I suppose on a more unfortunate note this conflict may kill off Aramaic given many of the pockets which speak the language are in the frontline.
Since we are talking about who can put pressure on whom in Syria it's worth highlighting one of the main players in all this.
Syria, the Saudi connection: The Prince with close ties to Washington at the heart of the push for war
He has been gone from the capital for eight years, but Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Washington wielded influence over no fewer than five different US presidents, has re-emerged as a pivotal figure in the struggle by America and its allies to tilt the battlefield balance against the regime in Syria.
Appointed by the Saudi king, his uncle, last year as the head of the Saudi General Intelligence Agency, Prince Bandar has reportedly for months been focused exclusively on garnering international support, including arms and training, for Syrian rebel factions in pursuit of the eventual toppling of President Bashar al-Assad.
It is a long-term Saudi goal, that in the past several days has been subsumed by the more immediate crisis over the purported use of chemical weapons by Damascus, which, according to Riyadh, must be met by a stern response. That message is being delivered to President Barack Obama by the current Saudi Ambassador in Washington, Adel al-Jubeir, who is a Bandar protégé.
This is ahistorical, irrational and ultimately an ex post facto justification for the mad decision of the President of the United States to make the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime a "red line".
Not really. At no time have I said it was wise of Obama to do so.
My father gave me much bad advice, but he did give me one very good piece of advice: 'Never make a threat you're not prepared to carry out'.
'Never make a threat you're not prepared to carry out ... or I'll kill you'.
The worst piece of advice my Dad ever gave me was "Come down to White Hart Lane for the Spurs game, son". I did and 40 years of misery has ensured.
Anyone think that Osborne might have made a mistake touting an economic victory when for those who didn't get his bonus gift living standards fell for 37 out of the last 38 months?
How are you measuring living standards? If you are just taking real gross incomes that doesn't take into account the massive increase in personal allowances for the lowest paid.
Prince Edward? IIRC the Estonians offered him the Crown in 1990 - he was quite keen to accept but the FCO vetoed. Something about poking the Russian bear. ;-)
It's not quite the same thing, but I do like how the deposed Tsar Simeon II of Bulgaria made a political re-appearance as Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in the early 2000s. He is one of just two heads of state of WW2 to still be alive, which is another unusual claim to fame.
@Avery. Those bills he moved from 2012/3 to 2013/4 starting to show up in your figures.
And why aren't you posting total govt spending, we're told the rise in borrowing costs are a mark of Osbornes genius as was the fall.
tim
I did point out at the time I noticed the 2013 "deployment of automatic stabilisers" that no one was commenting on the 4.24% real terms increase in spending planned for 2013-14.
Given that growth this year must have exceeded even George's wildest fantasies, I wonder if he will attempt to deflate the projection a bit in the second half or leave it alone after consulting the electoral calendar. [Rhetorical wondering, tim].
The figures are total government expenditure ("Total Managed Expenditure" as defined for PESA statements).
Borrowing costs will impact the fiscal outcome this year, though to date they have underrun forecast (by about 1% if I remember correctly). This will probably reverse out in the second half, but it all depends on the government's net cash requirement. The last monthly figure showed a very healthy cash surplus, but without knowing the cash out phasing, it would be unwise to bank this so early in the year.
Juggling the books. Shame he couldn't actually do something for the economy.
Mr. Brooke
There are days when I have a vision of you, another richard and malcolmg fighting over the last half bottle of matron's sherry in a Borders nursing home.
Your only collective joy in life would be looking forward to fresh stocks arriving with the next benevolent visit from Southam Observer.
It's not quite the same thing, but I do like how the deposed Tsar Simeon II of Bulgaria made a political re-appearance as Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in the early 2000s.
His surname is Sakskoburggotski in Bulgarian I believe (although it should probably be Wettin as should Her Majesty's).
Otto von Hapsburg-Lothringen MEP was I believe offered the crown of Hungary at one point, although I am not sure how seriously.
perhaps part of your problem Mr Pole is lacking the experience of life outside the SE which Mr G, Mr Richard and myself happily provide. We will be the first to cheer if Osborne does something for the real economy, maybe you should use that as your benchmark. ;-)
Anyone think that Osborne might have made a mistake touting an economic victory when for those who didn't get his bonus gift living standards fell for 37 out of the last 38 months?
How are you measuring living standards? If you are just taking real gross incomes that doesn't take into account the massive increase in personal allowances for the lowest paid.
The tax burden has risen, across all groups.George is spending more than Labour did remember You don't think living standards have risen in the group you are talking about do you?
Well, how is Miliband going to raise living standards for public sector workers without giving them above-inflation pay rises?
Strange electoral system. PR, but seats distributed as much by area as population, rural areas overrepresented. Balance seats awarded to parties with >4% of the national vote, but which fail to win a county seat. Modified Sainte-Lagüe used to calculate seats. In a close election, the system seems to be marginally biased in favour of the Left, leading to calls for reform...
Anyone think that Osborne might have made a mistake touting an economic victory when for those who didn't get his bonus gift living standards fell for 37 out of the last 38 months?
How are you measuring living standards? If you are just taking real gross incomes that doesn't take into account the massive increase in personal allowances for the lowest paid.
The tax burden has risen, across all groups.George is spending more than Labour did remember You don't think living standards have risen in the group you are talking about do you?
Osborne is completely useless, but it's a bit rich for Labour to complain the government are spending too much. Especially since they've opposed every single proposed cut.
Encouraging stuff from Ed Balls on housebuilding, and admission that Labour got it wrong on housebuilding and an acceptance that for the last forty years we haven't built enough houses.
That has to be the centrepiece of the next election, up against Osbornes Barber boom and another generation crippled by house price inflation
They talked about house building for the whole time they were in power, but it mysteriously never happened.
If he's got more sense than Cameron he won't push the vote if he thinks he's going to lose. Unlike the bumbling Etonian amateur Number Ten/whipping operation I'd expect him to know the numbers before the vote and extract concessions beforehand from Syria/Russia/Iran
Of course in ReD's case both votes went the opposite way to which he intended!
'Encouraging stuff from Ed Balls on housebuilding, and admission that Labour got it wrong on housebuilding and an acceptance that for the last forty years we haven't built enough houses.'
Great stuff from the deficit denier.
www.dailymail.co.uk/.../Most-annoying-MP-Ed-Balls-stops-denying-Labou... 1 Apr 2011 - Coming clean: Ed Balls admitted Labour racked up the economic deficit ... He has been a key 'deficit denier' for the opposition since he was appointed ... time in office: 'I don't think we had a structural deficit at all in that period.
Anyone think that Osborne might have made a mistake touting an economic victory when for those who didn't get his bonus gift living standards fell for 37 out of the last 38 months?
How are you measuring living standards? If you are just taking real gross incomes that doesn't take into account the massive increase in personal allowances for the lowest paid.
The tax burden has risen, across all groups.George is spending more than Labour did remember You don't think living standards have risen in the group you are talking about do you?
Osborne is completely useless, but it's a bit rich for Labour to complain the government are spending too much. Especially since they've opposed every single proposed cut.
So many of "the cuts" have increased spending. Sacking District Nurses and forcing a million more people into A&E was an act of unparalleled genius.
Ah yes the other tactic, saying that cutting spending always increases it by some contorted logic. They've used this repeatedly often backed up by a 'charity' with links to Labour.
Anyone think that Osborne might have made a mistake touting an economic victory when for those who didn't get his bonus gift living standards fell for 37 out of the last 38 months?
How are you measuring living standards? If you are just taking real gross incomes that doesn't take into account the massive increase in personal allowances for the lowest paid.
The tax burden has risen, across all groups.George is spending more than Labour did remember You don't think living standards have risen in the group you are talking about do you?
How about answering the question? How are you measuring living standards?
(Clue: VAT and other taxes are already included in RPI. Income tax is not.)
Anyone think that Osborne might have made a mistake touting an economic victory when for those who didn't get his bonus gift living standards fell for 37 out of the last 38 months?
How are you measuring living standards? If you are just taking real gross incomes that doesn't take into account the massive increase in personal allowances for the lowest paid.
The tax burden has risen, across all groups.George is spending more than Labour did remember You don't think living standards have risen in the group you are talking about do you?
Osborne is completely useless, but it's a bit rich for Labour to complain the government are spending too much. Especially since they've opposed every single proposed cut.
So many of "the cuts" have increased spending. Sacking District Nurses and forcing a million more people into A&E was an act of unparalleled genius.
Ah yes the other tactic, saying that cutting spending always increases it by some contorted logic. They've used this repeatedly often backed up by a 'charity' with links to Labour.
There's no one in the world who thinks treating old people in A&E is cheaper than District Nurses treating them in their homes. No one.
I've no idea about what you're talking about with the nurses, but Labour trott out the "it won't save money" line for every single cut so I just save time by assume they're talking partisan rot to score points as usual.
Talk of elections over the North Sea reminds me of one of PB's absent friends - "Jan from Norway" - A much missed contributor from the betting wing of the site.
It's an ultra-proportional system which somehow managed to allow the centre-left to win the election last time despite getting less votes than the centre-right. Bit of a paradox.
Comments
Give us enough time to finish the war - and we'll hand them right over..
The worst piece of advice my Dad ever gave me was "Come down to White Hart Lane for the Spurs game, son". I did and 40 years of misery has ensured.
"Saddam agrees to comply with U.N."
Published November 14, 2002
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Claiming Iraq was seeking the "path of peace," Saddam Hussein's government agreed yesterday to the return of international weapons inspectors, accepting a stringent U.N. resolution two days ahead of a deadline."
It was Ed Miliband wot did it claims Nick Palmer ....
The point the chart makes is that when Labour had power it pumped up GDP growth on the back of a credit bubble but such 'growth' did not translate into an equivalent benefit to consumers and households in living standards.
If Labour couldn't improve living standards faster than GDP growth at a time of (albeit artificial) boom, what prospects do you think the party has of doing it in a period of austerity?
Miliband and Balls may be running around saying that Osborne hasn't "solved the living standards problem" but at least he hasn't made it substantially worse like Gordon did during his 'no boom and bust' period as Chancellor.
What's more, George has performed better than Gordon on living standards even after realising his higher priorities of reducing debt and the deficit, and, decreasing government spending in real terms.
Syria .. Falkirk.. TUC meeting.. BBC deadheads all blaming each other..
Who in their right mind gives a Feck what is going on with someone's hair..sheesh..
This stuff is called "Idiot Cluster"...
We most definitely did see this consequence.
Both tactically when it was reported that Russia were sending two land assault ships to theatre, a couple of days ago.
And earlier when speculating on where the UNSC could find grounds for compromise.
The interesting question now is, if Syria and Russia have agreed to take the CW out of the war zone, whether this move will be supported by a consensus resolution in the UNSC.
Russia may decide it is better just to pick the CW up and take them away bypassing the UN as a diplomatic response to the US and its allies advancing its strike plans independently of the security council.
Remember Russia has already been playing a role in securing Syrian CW by assisting the Assad regime reduce its 5 CW facilities to two, both located at (or near) seaports well within territory controlled by the government. I posted a link to a Lavrov statement to this effect a few days back.
Interesting days ahead.
Lembit Opik's on the market.
Yes Sunil - because the oppo are bad guys - Assad should be allowed to use all means required including nuclear weapons.
BTW I thought it was the US wot used nuclear weapons?
Bit sloppy of Sky...
Mr. Osborne has cut government spending in real terms.
Here (again) is the evidence. Note 2013-2015 are latest PESA 2013 forecasts.:
Personally i think it's right that my betters should be able to afford to live far away from problems they censor from the news.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/boys-quizzed-over-500-rapes-a-year-by-gangs-8335165.html
Still there is always the risk of a slip between cup and lip!
Sky now saying: "Cameron says Syria should be encouraged to put its CW beyond use, under international supervision."
Word for word, the Russian suggestion...
It is Putin who should be sending the vodka, not Obama the Bourbon.
but...
"We have some serious scepticism.."
I did point out at the time I noticed the 2013 "deployment of automatic stabilisers" that no one was commenting on the 4.24% real terms increase in spending planned for 2013-14.
Given that growth this year must have exceeded even George's wildest fantasies, I wonder if he will attempt to deflate the projection a bit in the second half or leave it alone after consulting the electoral calendar. [Rhetorical wondering, tim].
The figures are total government expenditure ("Total Managed Expenditure" as defined for PESA statements).
Borrowing costs will impact the fiscal outcome this year, though to date they have underrun forecast (by about 1% if I remember correctly). This will probably reverse out in the second half, but it all depends on the government's net cash requirement. The last monthly figure showed a very healthy cash surplus, but without knowing the cash out phasing, it would be unwise to bank this so early in the year.
Not the wisest example considering who sold and approved of Iraq using those weapons against Iran.
Not the wisest example considering who sold and approved of Iraq using those weapons against Iran. Of course it is they're nutters.
I would be a teetotaller if my girlfriend was a two times Olympic and 14 times World and 25 times European Rhythmic Gymnastics medalliist.
See here: http://i.wp.pl/a/f/jpeg/19720/SAWH980725306670.jpeg
Note to malcolmg: Look what you might gain if you give up the Buckies, mg!
So you're fine with using chemical weapons against 'nutters'. Presumably that depends on which 'nutters' the US and west are allied with at any given time.
Reassuring given what the Syrian rebels have already said. But at least Egypt with it's chemical weapons is a haven of stability that only massacres hundreds of protestors when it has to, right?
So you're fine with using chemical weapons against 'nutters'. Presumably that depends on which 'nutters' the US and west are allied with at any given time.
Reassuring given what the Syrian rebels have already said. But at least Egypt with it's chemical weapons is a haven of stability that only massacres hundreds of protestors when it has to, right?
No I'm quite happy for the nutters to shell each other.
Here's a few of the other things mg would have to do, along with running a minor superpower, before pulling in that class:
http://lazerhorse.org/2013/07/17/pictures-putin-james-bond-action-hero-man/
NOTE: Avery , Looks just a bit too thin for me, I like a proper figure , 36-23-36 , none of your skint rabbits.
The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum is certainly cranking its way up my "to do" list, GeoffM seemed to have enjoyed himself there too. The collection of buildings looks impressive from a distance, more so when you consider the distance they were shipped!
At some point I will find someone who has visited the preserved architectural villages of Slovakia I was rabbiting on about, too.
Aw, malcolm, here was I thinking you were raucle not sapsie.
I have few principles in life but have abided by this one, except in emergencies.
http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2009/11/30/1225805/212259-tony-abbott-091130.jpg
It's not quite the same thing, but I do like how the deposed Tsar Simeon II of Bulgaria made a political re-appearance as Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in the early 2000s. He is one of just two heads of state of WW2 to still be alive, which is another unusual claim to fame.
There are days when I have a vision of you, another richard and malcolmg fighting over the last half bottle of matron's sherry in a Borders nursing home.
Your only collective joy in life would be looking forward to fresh stocks arriving with the next benevolent visit from Southam Observer.
Otto von Hapsburg-Lothringen MEP was I believe offered the crown of Hungary at one point, although I am not sure how seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x_vusWz33c
perhaps part of your problem Mr Pole is lacking the experience of life outside the SE which Mr G, Mr Richard and myself happily provide. We will be the first to cheer if Osborne does something for the real economy, maybe you should use that as your benchmark. ;-)
http://www.nrk.co/valg2013
Exit poll due in 90 seconds.
AP: 30.3%
H: 26.2%
FRP: 16.2%
SP: 7.9%
KRF: 6.0%
V: 4.6%
SV: 4.0%
MDG: 2.1%
R: 0.9%
52.9% for the centre-right coalition.
PR, but seats distributed as much by area as population, rural areas overrepresented. Balance seats awarded to parties with >4% of the national vote, but which fail to win a county seat.
Modified Sainte-Lagüe used to calculate seats.
In a close election, the system seems to be marginally biased in favour of the Left, leading to calls for reform...
'Encouraging stuff from Ed Balls on housebuilding, and admission that Labour got it wrong on housebuilding and an acceptance that for the last forty years we haven't built enough houses.'
Great stuff from the deficit denier.
www.dailymail.co.uk/.../Most-annoying-MP-Ed-Balls-stops-denying-Labou...
1 Apr 2011 - Coming clean: Ed Balls admitted Labour racked up the economic deficit ... He has been a key 'deficit denier' for the opposition since he was appointed ... time in office: 'I don't think we had a structural deficit at all in that period.
(Clue: VAT and other taxes are already included in RPI. Income tax is not.)
Will ye nae come back again ??