Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Polling in 15 of the world’s leading countries finds Brits at the top of the league on wanting to be

12357

Comments

  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808

    How about the Pound?
    A pegged currency leaves you open to a foreign central bank over which you have no say
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    carnforth said:

    What stops the Irish putting a "from the single market, honest" seal on the back of a truck, driving it through the UK, and having the french wave it through at calais? I understand such a system operates on trucks going Alaska <--> lower 48 via canada.
    The french
  • Black_RookBlack_Rook Posts: 8,905
    edited February 2021
    DavidL said:

    It seems to have been sitting around 0.8 for about 3 weeks. Of course, given the new variants, it might have been going up but for the vaccines but I would like to see it start to fall a bit. If vaccinated people are generally not transmitters this should happen as the proportion of the population vaccinated increases.
    From gov.uk - estimates of R in the UK, expressed as ranges:

    06-Nov-20 1.1 1.3
    13-Nov-20 1 1.2
    20-Nov-20 1 1.1
    27-Nov-20 0.9 1
    04-Dec-20 0.8 1
    11-Dec-20 0.9 1
    18-Dec-20 1.1 1.2
    23-Dec-20 1.1 1.3
    08-Jan-21 1 1.4
    15-Jan-21 1.2 1.3
    22-Jan-21 0.8 1
    29-Jan-21 0.7 1.1
    05-Feb-21 0.7 1
    12-Feb-21 0.7 0.9

    This series is actually a little more wobbly than that for England alone, which shows a gradual but nonetheless clear and continuous decline since the start of the year.

    A range of 0.7-0.9 is also that which was estimated in June and July 2020, which is the lowest value achieved during the Summer.

    If these estimates are anything like accurate then R is indeed in decline, it's just quite gradual. This is a very stubborn Plague as, sadly, we are all too well aware.
  • stodge said:

    Evening all :)

    My brother got vaccinated on Wednesday - he has pre-existing health conditions and has shielded for much of the past year. As he has a weakened immune system, he has suffered a flu like reaction to the AZ virus but he was warned this was possible.

    He had no hesitation taking the vaccine despite the risks and there are some risks for those with poor immune systems but I spoke to him this evening and he is okay.

    I do think the very cold conditions this week have helped keep people indoors. I ventured to the local cafe to get lunch for me and Mrs Stodge (she enjoys a nice portion of bubble and squeak as I'm sure we all do). The owner is on his own and is surviving on his passing trade which is fine during the week - he closes at the weekends when most of his trade is sit down.

    Really glad your brother is doing well Stodge. Nice to get some good stories amongst all the terrible ones.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    edited February 2021

    Sadly I was stuck in the middle of a dead-lined project when your posting went up. I do intend going back and taking a closer look at it at some point as the theories and ideas surrounding democracy and politics often interest me far more than the day to day practice of it which I find rather depressing most of the time. This in turn stems I think from the fact that I never cease to be amazed how short sighted and stupid most politicians of all parties seem to be. I do genuinely believe we are all, the world over, poorly served by the vast majority of our political classes.
    There was a lot of good discussion I think personally, someone said hell you set a record for a thread staying on topic. Any comments welcome to dm me
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 31,339
    Pagan2 said:

    You know we have things called bottles now?
    Show some decorum please!
  • Following on from yesterday's polling on Brits wanting to share excess vaccines (and the UK's massive COVAX funding):

    https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/02/13/there-will-be-enough-vaccines-for-all-if-rich-countries-share


  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808

    Show some decorum please!
    Hey they are recyclable bottles so thats doing my bit
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 54,572

    saves on fuel for the lorries
    But not cost.

    And those big RORO ferries are big polluters too.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195

    Is this happening in any other part of the UK?

    https://twitter.com/AnnieWellsMSP/status/1360216398128181253?s=20

    Jeane Freeman is apparently an essential witness in the retrial of Natalie McGarry. Which side she is "essential" for probably gives you a good idea of the outcome. The latest indication was that it was the defence. Oh dear.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808

    But not cost.

    And those big RORO ferries are big polluters too.
    Was also curious that someone said the other day we have slipped from being germany's 3 biggest export market to 6th behind poland and being told this was a bad thing....we import less from germany is germany's problem not ours
  • Going gangbusters apparently.....

    https://youtu.be/6U8--wNL9aQ
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195

    From gov.uk - estimates of R in the UK, expressed as ranges:

    06-Nov-20 1.1 1.3
    13-Nov-20 1 1.2
    20-Nov-20 1 1.1
    27-Nov-20 0.9 1
    04-Dec-20 0.8 1
    11-Dec-20 0.9 1
    18-Dec-20 1.1 1.2
    23-Dec-20 1.1 1.3
    08-Jan-21 1 1.4
    15-Jan-21 1.2 1.3
    22-Jan-21 0.8 1
    29-Jan-21 0.7 1.1
    05-Feb-21 0.7 1
    12-Feb-21 0.7 0.9

    This series is actually a little more wobbly than that for England alone, which shows a gradual but nonetheless clear and continuous decline since the start of the year.

    A range of 0.7-0.9 is also that which was estimated in June and July 2020, which is the lowest value achieved during the Summer.

    If these estimates are anything like accurate then R is indeed in decline, it's just quite gradual. This is a very stubborn Plague as, sadly, we are all too well aware.
    I obviously just need to be more patient.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808

    Going gangbusters apparently.....

    https://youtu.be/6U8--wNL9aQ

    Just looking at the still......who let boris near what judging from the arm is a young female
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 98,601

    Going gangbusters apparently.....

    https://youtu.be/6U8--wNL9aQ

    His hair there is a little too obviously deliberately ruffled. There's an art to it looking messy and thus on brand, and yet not so blatantly mucked up before the camera rolls.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195
    MaxPB said:

    That's not how R works. We should already have seen it start to rise by now this far into a lockdown.
    You are going to have to explain that Max (if you can be arsed). My understanding was that the whole point of a lockdown was to reduce the R number.
  • MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 39,823
    DavidL said:

    You are going to have to explain that Max (if you can be arsed). My understanding was that the whole point of a lockdown was to reduce the R number.
    I posted an explanation previously, but busy doing some last minute packing at the moment so will have to find it later.
  • Black_RookBlack_Rook Posts: 8,905
    DavidL said:

    I obviously just need to be more patient.
    Which isn't easy. We've all been trapped in this washing machine and being spun round and round for rather a long time now.

    Anyway, some more good news: English regions - R below 1 across the board, best in those that were hit hardest by the Kent Plague

    Region : R (range) : Growth rate % per day

    England : 0.7 to 0.9 : -5 to -3

    East of England : 0.7 to 0.9 : -6 to -3
    London : 0.6 to 0.8 : -6 to -4
    Midlands : 0.7 to 0.9 : -4 to -2
    North East and Yorkshire : 0.8 to 0.9 : -4 to -1
    North West : 0.7 to 0.9 : -4 to -2
    South East : 0.7 to 0.8 : -6 to -3
    South West : 0.7 to 0.9 : -5 to -3
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195

    You'll be sorry when all the Motorway services on the M40 have closed, and nature calls.
    Only if I am on the M40 at the time. Which seems a somewhat unlikely scenario.
  • DavidL said:

    Jeane Freeman is apparently an essential witness in the retrial of Natalie McGarry. Which side she is "essential" for probably gives you a good idea of the outcome. The latest indication was that it was the defence. Oh dear.
    There is a serious point that come purdah the "Chief Mammy" act should be taken off air.

    Not that there are many "neutral" experts in SNP Scotland anymore (yes Prof Sridhar, I'm looking at you...)
  • FrankBoothFrankBooth Posts: 10,022
    Looking forward to the documentary on BBC2 with some nice Lemon Sole from M&S. Very reasonably priced I thought. Any hope of us getting more affordable fish now we're cut off from selling to Europe?

    However it doesn't appear that the UK caught quota needs to be landed here so maybe not.
  • stodgestodge Posts: 14,485

    Going gangbusters apparently.....

    https://youtu.be/6U8--wNL9aQ

    Who actually uses the term "gangbusters" ?

    I've never heard anyone use it in conversation - though it seems popular with some.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195
    MaxPB said:

    I posted an explanation previously, but busy doing some last minute packing at the moment so will have to find it later.
    Packing? You are actually going somewhere? How exciting. I had 4 days in Edinburgh this week for various court hearings (all remote). It wasn't nearly as exciting as it should have been. Edinburgh is closed and its heart is no longer beating.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    The obvious answer here is no, it wont change the fact they were executed and no on living was responsible
  • Is this happening in any other part of the UK?

    https://twitter.com/AnnieWellsMSP/status/1360216398128181253?s=20

    Downing Street Briefings as well?
  • stodgestodge Posts: 14,485


    Really glad your brother is doing well Stodge. Nice to get some good stories amongst all the terrible ones.

    Thanks for the kind word, he's had a number of health issues (including cancer) and I was really worried when he contracted Covid last spring but fortunately the symptoms, though persistent, were mild and he never needed to go to hospital or anything like that.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Carnyx said:

    Not nec; Scotland is 8-9% of the population (not sure about voting population).

    PS It usually bumps up and down between 4 and 5% of the UK poll which isn't grossly out, esp given the raltively elderly Scottosh population.
    Fair enough. For some reason I thought Scotland was about 5% of the population

    @Theuniondivvie
  • sladeslade Posts: 2,163
    The Lib Dems have been carrying out a big on line canvassing operation in the last weeks. This may be why there is a slight uptick in their poll ratings.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195
    It makes you so glad that we have devolved government. Who could possibly question that the Scottish Parliament in their, err, very expensive building, is serving the essential needs of Scotland by addressing this injustice?

    Well Professor Cuisine for one. He suggested that the Scottish Parliament look to address the possible planning violations of Antonius Pius and his wall at the same time.
  • Downing Street Briefings as well?
    There are not elections to the UK parliament and the briefings don't criticise politicians from other parts of the UK.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 26,538
    slade said:

    The Lib Dems have been carrying out a big on line canvassing operation in the last weeks. This may be why there is a slight uptick in their poll ratings.

    "Oh, you're still around?"
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 31,339
    DavidL said:

    Only if I am on the M40 at the time. Which seems a somewhat unlikely scenario.
    After Nippy engineers a reverse takeover of England, Scottish Advocates will be in great demand in Oxford. You'll be sorry then!
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    DavidL said:

    It makes you so glad that we have devolved government. Who could possibly question that the Scottish Parliament in their, err, very expensive building, is serving the essential needs of Scotland by addressing this injustice?

    Well Professor Cuisine for one. He suggested that the Scottish Parliament look to address the possible planning violations of Antonius Pius and his wall at the same time.
    Gods this idea we have to apologise for thinks people did in a couple of centuries ago has to stop and I say that as someone who might well have been a victim back then.
  • OllyTOllyT Posts: 5,035
    Pagan2 said:

    Does calling people trump apologists help? I am in no doubt a corbyn government government would have been worse by far than trumps as corbyn would actually have tried to do stuff. Should I then through corbyn apologists at his many supporters here and how would that help debate?
    It's an accurate description for people who seek to excuse Trump's actions rather than actually come out in support of them.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195

    After Nippy engineers a reverse takeover of England, Scottish Advocates will be in great demand in Oxford. You'll be sorry then!
    Damn.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195
    DavidL said:

    Damn.
    Edit. Of course I am anticipating a trip to Oxford in October for reasons I have already disclosed.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    OllyT said:

    It's an accurate description for people who seek to excuse Trump's actions rather than actually come out in support of them.
    You supported corbyns actions his were far worse if he had held the levers of power. Until trump tried to rig the election most things he did were no where near as bad.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195
    Pagan2 said:

    Gods this idea we have to apologise for thinks people did in a couple of centuries ago has to stop and I say that as someone who might well have been a victim back then.
    If we had a half decent justice system @Pagan2 you'd be a victim now. 😊
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 79,235
    Hospitals a major vector in the first wave.

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9254495/Stopping-Covid-spreading-hospitals-substantial-reduction-wave-deaths.html

    Also there's a huge jump in antibodies detected with 75 - 79 yr olds -> 80+ year olds (8.4% -> 25.7%), indicates to my mind that longer hospital stays and care homes have been major vectors in the pandemic.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 59,852
    kinabalu said:

    Anglosphere!
    Germans!
    Wokerati!
    War!
    WAR!!!!
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    DavidL said:

    If we had a half decent justice system @Pagan2 you'd be a victim now. 😊
    Well free to try me for witchcraft if you like, I will merely plead mitigating circumstances
  • The problem was that The Union Unit just didn't sound wanky enough, now fixed.
    These dicks know how the Vietnam War turned out, don't they?

    https://twitter.com/rosscolquhoun/status/1360329888662716418?s=20
  • One of the challenges of hotel quarantine:

    https://twitter.com/JadeGailberger/status/1360326222207569920?s=20
  • kle4 said:

    His hair there is a little too obviously deliberately ruffled. There's an art to it looking messy and thus on brand, and yet not so blatantly mucked up before the camera rolls.
    Never mind the hair, what about the fake selfie on a wobbly iphone effect?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195
    Pagan2 said:

    The obvious answer here is no, it wont change the fact they were executed and no on living was responsible
    So, not a believer in vampires then. Or do the undead not count as "living"? These are indeed pressing issues and if we are lucky it might leave the Scottish Parliament insufficient time to debate the latest version of the Hate Speech bill which remains an abomination.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    DavidL said:

    So, not a believer in vampires then. Or do the undead not count as "living"? These are indeed pressing issues and if we are lucky it might leave the Scottish Parliament insufficient time to debate the latest version of the Hate Speech bill which remains an abomination.
    Why would I believe in vampires or other undead, apart from the louse of hords
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Carnyx said:

    Not nec; Scotland is 8-9% of the population (not sure about voting population).

    PS It usually bumps up and down between 4 and 5% of the UK poll which isn't grossly out, esp given the raltively elderly Scottosh population.
    Fair enough. For some reason I thought Scotland was about 5% of the population

    @Theuniondivvie

    Great advert for the elite that believes it has a natural entitlement to run the country.
    Actually he was a brilliant macroeconomist, just scatty and disorganised.

    It was Brown who appointed him to the MPC.

    (He said that it reminded him of the famous quote about harlots... power without responsibility)
  • LeonLeon Posts: 59,852

    Going gangbusters apparently.....

    https://youtu.be/6U8--wNL9aQ

    I know everyone on here hates Boris, but.... that is almost-genius communication. He does this stuff very well. It's his metier. Getting over a message, hair all over the place, a sense of slight amusement, you happily wait for a decent joke (even if one doesn't arrive), he is a mixture of Blair and Reagan: in terms of his persona. He charms (those who aren't immune to him because of Brexychosis). He's better than Sturgeon, I'd say, at these personal vids.

    Starmer is going to struggle against this.

    Where Boris falls down is debates, PMQs, and often formal speeches, where his shambolic but charismatic shtick falls apart under sustained questioniing.

    It is possible that the social media age favours Boris' technique over the boring but efficient, earnest Starmers and boring but dependable, authentic Sturgeons. We shall see.

  • Black_RookBlack_Rook Posts: 8,905
    Charles said:

    Fair enough. For some reason I thought Scotland was about 5% of the population
    Based on the most recent mid-year population estimates, Scotland constitutes approximately 8.2% of the UK population. One would assume that it would have a similar proportion of the electorate, given that the demographic profiles of the home nations won't be radically different from one another.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195
    MaxPB said:

    Moving day tomorrow, saying goodbye to our flat and moving into a house with a garden!
    My sympathies. I hope you have more success in getting someone (anyone) to look after it other than yourself than I have had over the last 30 years. At least at present it is safely buried under a foot of snow.

    We went for a walk tonight in the late afternoon. The reservoir near our house was completely frozen over and the countryside would have embarrassed any picture card for being just too much. Absolutely stunning. I am so glad to have had a proper winter again.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 30,846

    Downing Street Briefings as well?
    Not quite the same kettle of fish.
  • Buxton Advertiser - Whaley Bridge election battle looms between Ruth George and Edwina Currie
    Former Conservative MP Edwina Currie is taking on Ruth George for the Whaley Bridge seat in May’s county council elections.

    https://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/news/politics/council/whaley-bridge-election-battle-looms-between-ruth-george-and-edwina-currie-3131467

    "Mrs Currie, who was a junior Health Minister and South Derbyshire MP until 1997, told how she was roused back into politics while watching Joe Biden take on Donald Trump in December.

    Describing Mr Biden as a “true hero” she said: “Watching him defeat Trump and do it enormously I thought I should be doing something more than just watching TV.”
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,195
    Pagan2 said:

    Why would I believe in vampires or other undead, apart from the louse of hords
    Well if we are being required to believe in witches, why not?
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    kle4 said:

    Yes. I think the ancients (by which I mean road planners in the 20th century) probably haven't helped things here - lots of people remember how close the road used to be to the stones, so a tunnel seems like a good idea, but there's clearly neolithic stuff all over Wiltshire.
    This is a rather good book on the topic

    http://www.silentearth.org/sir-richard-colt-hoare-history-ancient-wiltshire-1812-volume-1/
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,615
    tlg86 said:

    We (in south-east suburbia) have had a few of these. They often happen at night and have the nasty effect of stopping my overnight recordings of cricket in Australia (first world problem, I know).
    No totally a first world problem. Unless you think Australia is a first world country.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,615

    Is this happening in any other part of the UK?

    https://twitter.com/AnnieWellsMSP/status/1360216398128181253?s=20

    It must be upsetting for you, Carlotta, to be given a daily reminder of how incompetent your chosen party’s government is, compared to the SNP Scottish Government.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,291
    Pulpstar said:

    Hospitals a major vector in the first wave.

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9254495/Stopping-Covid-spreading-hospitals-substantial-reduction-wave-deaths.html

    Also there's a huge jump in antibodies detected with 75 - 79 yr olds -> 80+ year olds (8.4% -> 25.7%), indicates to my mind that longer hospital stays and care homes have been major vectors in the pandemic.

    And the second/third. About 20% of hospitalised patients with it came in with something else, or so it seems.
  • It must be upsetting for you, Carlotta, to be given a daily reminder of how incompetent your chosen party’s government is, compared to the SNP Scottish Government.
    On which metric are you measuring competence?
  • stodgestodge Posts: 14,485
    The most pleasing aspect of today's Covid numbers is the fall in numbers of those in hospital which I think is down by about 50% from the peak.

    I know some will say this is all down to vaccination and with 13 million vaccinated that's not unreasonable but we got case numbers and the R number down last spring without vaccinating anyone so I'm inclined to the view the short term success is due to the lockdown restrictions but the medium to long term success will be to re-open the economy and "normal" life without a new surge in infections as the vaccinated can move around without catching the virus and also (hopefully) without infecting anyone else.

    Concerns? Well, yes, I live in the part of the world with the lowest take up of the virus among those eligible with 73% getting vaccinated and there remain clear issues among some groups. Unfortunately, some are arguing for enforced vaccination but I'm far from convinced.

    There are some cultural issues and communication within some communities on all aspects of the virus hasn't been wholly successful. I'd like to think those who for whatever reason haven't taken the opportunity to get vaccinated will be given every opportunity to receive the vaccine and any questions or concerns will be properly addressed.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 30,846

    It must be upsetting for you, Carlotta, to be given a daily reminder of how incompetent your chosen party’s government is, compared to the SNP Scottish Government.
    Competence in shamelessly attaching oneself barnacle-like to anything resembling a TV camera is an enviable skill for politicians certainly, but I'm not sure why it's one you think everyone should emulate.
  • Which is pretty much just what they've done. AND smartest thing they COULD do. Certainly beats defending the indefensible.
  • NerysHughesNerysHughes Posts: 3,375
    Leon said:

    I know everyone on here hates Boris, but.... that is almost-genius communication. He does this stuff very well. It's his metier. Getting over a message, hair all over the place, a sense of slight amusement, you happily wait for a decent joke (even if one doesn't arrive), he is a mixture of Blair and Reagan: in terms of his persona. He charms (those who aren't immune to him because of Brexychosis). He's better than Sturgeon, I'd say, at these personal vids.

    Starmer is going to struggle against this.

    Where Boris falls down is debates, PMQs, and often formal speeches, where his shambolic but charismatic shtick falls apart under sustained questioniing.

    It is possible that the social media age favours Boris' technique over the boring but efficient, earnest Starmers and boring but dependable, authentic Sturgeons. We shall see.

    My wife absolutely loves him. She has no interest in politics at all, but he makes her smile. She is also protective over him if anyone moans about him on TV. She will always vote for him..
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,615
    DavidL said:

    Damn.
    It’s ok DavidL. When she’s taken over, she can abolish Oxford and move the clever stuff to Durham. Oxford can keep PPE and classics so they think they are still important.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,291
    Leon said:

    I know everyone on here hates Boris, but.... that is almost-genius communication. He does this stuff very well. It's his metier. Getting over a message, hair all over the place, a sense of slight amusement, you happily wait for a decent joke (even if one doesn't arrive), he is a mixture of Blair and Reagan: in terms of his persona. He charms (those who aren't immune to him because of Brexychosis). He's better than Sturgeon, I'd say, at these personal vids.

    Starmer is going to struggle against this.

    Where Boris falls down is debates, PMQs, and often formal speeches, where his shambolic but charismatic shtick falls apart under sustained questioniing.

    It is possible that the social media age favours Boris' technique over the boring but efficient, earnest Starmers and boring but dependable, authentic Sturgeons. We shall see.

    Going so far up his arse?

    Just a sales trip though, I suppose...
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    DavidL said:

    Well if we are being required to believe in witches, why not?
    Witches were sort of a different kettle of fish, more free thinkers that challenged the church ideology than creatures of myth
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,615
    DavidL said:

    So, not a believer in vampires then. Or do the undead not count as "living"? These are indeed pressing issues and if we are lucky it might leave the Scottish Parliament insufficient time to debate the latest version of the Hate Speech bill which remains an abomination.
    There was a member of the undead on QT last night. The man that did to the Scottish tories what Jim Murphy did to Scottish Labour.
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 4,509
    edited February 2021

    My wife absolutely loves him. She has no interest in politics at all, but he makes her smile. She is also protective over him if anyone moans about him on TV. She will always vote for him..
    My wife think's he can do no wrong, though she is a Tory anyway. I often wonder whether if I did half of what he did in his past, I would be forgiven....)

    :)
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,615

    On which metric are you measuring competence?
    Cases per 100,000? Deaths per 100,000?
  • Based on the most recent mid-year population estimates, Scotland constitutes approximately 8.2% of the UK population. One would assume that it would have a similar proportion of the electorate, given that the demographic profiles of the home nations won't be radically different from one another.
    What Scotland certainly doesn't have is a similar proportion of public spending to the rest of the UK, in proportion to population. The most recent figures show public spending on services identifiable to Scotland at 17.3% higher than the UK per capita average, and over 20% above the average for England alone.

    Table A1b, Page 6.
    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/847025/CRA_2019_-_main_text.pdf
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 79,235

    Following on from yesterday's polling on Brits wanting to share excess vaccines (and the UK's massive COVAX funding):

    https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/02/13/there-will-be-enough-vaccines-for-all-if-rich-countries-share


    Uganda hot on the ordering !
  • OllyTOllyT Posts: 5,035
    edited February 2021
    Pagan2 said:

    You supported corbyns actions his were far worse if he had held the levers of power. Until trump tried to rig the election most things he did were no where near as bad.
    What on earth makes you think I supported Cortbyn's actions?

    Yes, I was forgetting how fantastic Trump's response to the Covid pandemic was prior to his attempted coup.
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,924
    Can one of SKS's supporters explain WTF his strategy is for the LE's2021

    Westminster voting intention:

    CON: 39% (-1)
    LAB: 33% (-5)
    LDEM: 9% (+2)
    GRN: 7% (+2)

    via
    @Survation
    , 05 - 06 Feb
    Chgs. w/ 13 Jan
  • sarissasarissa Posts: 2,108

    Will no-one stand up for the Beaker People?
    Professor Bunsen?
  • gealbhangealbhan Posts: 2,362
    Pagan2 said:

    Witches were sort of a different kettle of fish, more free thinkers that challenged the church ideology than creatures of myth
    Nonsense.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 79,235

    I saw an article on the BBC website saying that Coca Cola are looking to develop a bottle that is plastic-free.

    I thought they already did. A glass bottle.

    Coke does actually taste better from glass bottles*

    *The fact I'm in the glass industry has nothing to do with this endorsement.
  • Pagan2 said:

    Witches were sort of a different kettle of fish, more free thinkers that challenged the church ideology than creatures of myth
    Best job in goverment = Witchfinder General

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1rYJGxPKDI

  • Can one of SKS's supporters explain WTF his strategy is for the LE's2021

    Westminster voting intention:

    CON: 39% (-1)
    LAB: 33% (-5)
    LDEM: 9% (+2)
    GRN: 7% (+2)

    via
    @Survation
    , 05 - 06 Feb
    Chgs. w/ 13 Jan

    A Top 2 finish?

    Just practicing for 2024! :lol:
  • Pubs for Easter.

    Sounds excellent. Let's hope this isn't another Johnson 'save xmas' mess.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 59,852
    edited February 2021

    My wife absolutely loves him. She has no interest in politics at all, but he makes her smile. She is also protective over him if anyone moans about him on TV. She will always vote for him..
    My Mum loves him too. As in, won't hear a word against him and ignores all dissenting voices (including mine, I think Boris has blundered badly over Covid)

    He has a solid, super-loyal constituency that is immune to any counter-evidence.

    This is a very valuable thing for a politician. Corbyn had it (tho it was not enough). It explains, perhaps, why Boris has won elections that he should have lost. It also explains why Cameron was so dismayed when Boris went Leave in the Referendum, and Cameron thereafter feared it was lost.

    Cameron sensed the danger.

    Labour have to beat this, I am not sure they can, with Starmer. We shall see.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,291

    Can one of SKS's supporters explain WTF his strategy is for the LE's2021

    Westminster voting intention:

    CON: 39% (-1)
    LAB: 33% (-5)
    LDEM: 9% (+2)
    GRN: 7% (+2)

    via
    @Survation
    , 05 - 06 Feb
    Chgs. w/ 13 Jan

    Fun With Flags!


  • What Scotland certainly doesn't have is a similar proportion of public spending to the rest of the UK, in proportion to population. The most recent figures show public spending on services identifiable to Scotland at 17.3% higher than the UK per capita average, and over 20% above the average for England alone.

    Table A1b, Page 6.
    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/847025/CRA_2019_-_main_text.pdf
    Not too surprising, is it, given a) Scotland's much lower population density and far-flung geography, as well as b) much smaller population thus fewer opportunities to benefit from economies of scale?
  • FishingFishing Posts: 5,511
    Leon said:

    I know everyone on here hates Boris, but.... that is almost-genius communication. He does this stuff very well. It's his metier. Getting over a message, hair all over the place, a sense of slight amusement, you happily wait for a decent joke (even if one doesn't arrive), he is a mixture of Blair and Reagan: in terms of his persona. He charms (those who aren't immune to him because of Brexychosis). He's better than Sturgeon, I'd say, at these personal vids.

    Starmer is going to struggle against this.

    Where Boris falls down is debates, PMQs, and often formal speeches, where his shambolic but charismatic shtick falls apart under sustained questioniing.

    It is possible that the social media age favours Boris' technique over the boring but efficient, earnest Starmers and boring but dependable, authentic Sturgeons. We shall see.

    I agree. I think a lesson from the last century or so, since mass communication started, is that the more charismatic candidate usually wins.

    Nobody has ever accused Starmer of being charismatic, that I recall, but people have often (though not always) said it about Boris. And it probably explains a large part of the difference between 2017 and 2019.
  • MortimerMortimer Posts: 14,188

    I saw an article on the BBC website saying that Coca Cola are looking to develop a bottle that is plastic-free.

    I thought they already did. A glass bottle.

    Used to be an absolute treat when I were a nipper. Pizza Express with Cola in GLASS BOTTLES!!
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    gealbhan said:

    Nonsense.
    Nonsense yourself, religous rituals are no different to christians turning wine in to blood, bread into flesh and practising ritual cannabalism.
  • stodgestodge Posts: 14,485

    Can one of SKS's supporters explain WTF his strategy is for the LE's2021

    Westminster voting intention:

    CON: 39% (-1)
    LAB: 33% (-5)
    LDEM: 9% (+2)
    GRN: 7% (+2)

    via
    @Survation
    , 05 - 06 Feb
    Chgs. w/ 13 Jan

    I'm no supporter of Starmer's but I wouldn't panic about one poll which might well be an outlier. if we see the same in several polls then it'll be time to ask questions.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808

    Best job in goverment = Witchfinder General

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1rYJGxPKDI

    Most witches however were not satanists, merely people who didn't follow the churches teachings well enough, annoyed their neighbours. Satanism is a christian sect not a pagan
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 98,601
    Pagan2 said:

    The obvious answer here is no, it wont change the fact they were executed and no on living was responsible
    Nor does society still have a sizable remnant who think burning and killing people for being witches is ok, so there's no lesson to be learned.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,291

    Not too surprising, is it, given a) Scotland's much lower population density and far-flung geography, as well as b) much smaller population thus fewer opportunities to benefit from economies of scale?
    I don't buy that argument. The Scottish central belt is as urbanised as many other parts of Britain, and other remote parts of the Isles, such as Cumbria or North Devon, West Wales don't get that much more spending.

    In health spending terms the East Midlands is the lowest per capita in England, and we have about the same population as Scotland.

    There are reasons to spend more on Scotland, including some deeply rooted health and social issues, but population density is not one.
  • Leon said:

    My Mum loves him too. As in, won't hear a word against him and ignores all dissenting voices (including mine, I think Boris has blundered badly over Covid)

    He has a solid, super-loyal constituency that is immune to any counter-evidence.

    This is a very valuable thing for a politician. Corbyn had it (tho it was not enough). It explains, perhaps, why Boris has won elections that he should have lost. It also explains why Cameron was so dismayed when Boris went Leave in the Referendum, and Cameron thereafter feared it was lost.

    Cameron sensed the danger.

    Labour have to beat this, I am not sure they can, with Starmer. We shall see.
    Used to see quite a lot of Boris. I'd be driving to my plush Islington office in my comfy executive car while he'd be wobbling down to his Doughty Street garret on a beaten-up old Raleigh. Twenty years later, he is master of all he surveys and I am ... err ... not.

    To every thing there is a season etc etc.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,808
    kle4 said:

    Nor does society still have a sizable remnant who think burning and killing people for being witches is ok, so there's no lesson to be learned.
    Nods I agree so the apology is not needed
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,291
    Pagan2 said:

    Most witches however were not satanists, merely people who didn't follow the churches teachings well enough, annoyed their neighbours. Satanism is a christian sect not a pagan
    More often, women who didn't participate in society in a way approved of by a brutal patriarchy. Witch hunts were organised misogyny, with religion as the excuse.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 30,846

    Not too surprising, is it, given a) Scotland's much lower population density and far-flung geography, as well as b) much smaller population thus fewer opportunities to benefit from economies of scale?
    No, it isn't surprising - and the conversation, from some in England as 'Scotland scrounging', from some in Scotland as 'London lying', is all sorts of toxic. Those fighting for the future of the Union will need to offer some stiff rebukes to many down South as well as countering the arguments of many up North.
This discussion has been closed.