It is this demographic that will determine the Presidential election – politicalbetting.com

Second term, like Biden or Trump will have.

Why the eff hasn't Rishi Sunak fired the extremist Michelle Donelan and why the double eff are we paying for her legal fees and damages she has to pay out?

It's like the GOP paying Trump's legal bills.

With eight months until election day there's plenty of time for further mental and physical deterioration for both Biden and Trump.

I fear the leftie Stephen Bush is going to trigger @ydoethur

Why won’t the Tories talk about their success in education?

The Conservatives seem determined to ignore one of their few achievements in office

The UK has, by accident, been running a prolonged experiment in education policy for the past three decades.

Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England have all pursued radically different approaches to schools policy since the advent of devolution. The results are in: and outcomes in England, where the Tory party has enthusiastically built upon New Labour’s approach to schooling, are much better than elsewhere in the UK. The country has climbed the Pisa international rankings, which compare educational outcomes between countries, and suffered a smaller real-terms deterioration after the Covid lockdown than its peers.

Given that the Conservatives have conducted a high number of policy experiments since 2010 with a low number of unalloyed successes, you would think the government might be inclined to shout about this one, or indeed talk about it at all.

The government did clear its schedule for the day the most recent Pisa rankings were published — but to talk about immigration, rather than education.

One reason for the government’s silence is that England’s increase in literacy and numeracy, and its striking success compared to other countries in educating the children of immigrants, are cross-party achievements. The relevant policies build on the work of successive education secretaries under Tony Blair, which in turn owed much to the foundations laid by former education secretary Kenneth Baker in 1988, when he introduced GCSEs and the national curriculum.

https://www.ft.com/content/938f269a-2460-46d7-bf89-e1ec59b1927f

SandyRentool said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Hurrah for lawyers.

Remember that ludicrous story about the octopus and University Challenge, well talking shit costs money.

“Following my public apology on X on 30 November 2023 and my private apology by personal letter on 1 December 2023, I wish to apologise to Ms Gorgianeh for my part in posts made about her on X on the 20 November 2023 following the airing of @BBC’s University Challenge programme. I wrongly alleged that Ms Gorgianeh chose one of the most disgusting antisemitic symbols, a blue octopus as her team’s mascot which I held her responsible for.

I accept that these allegations were completely false and unfounded. I made a grave mistake in making those posts and I should not have done so. I again deeply apologise to Ms Gorgianeh for these allegations and any distress caused to her.

We have since reached an amicable resolution. I do hope this goes some way in mitigating what has been a most distressing time for her. I have agreed to pay her substantial damages and costs..

FYI
@ChCh_Oxford

@Ofcom

@10DowningStreet

@JamesCleverly

https://twitter.com/jfoster2019/status/1765296139828338945

https://www.rllaw.co.uk/rahman-lowe-secure-significant-compensation-from-baroness-who-falsely-accused-university-challenge-student-of-antisemitism-over-blue-octopus-mascot/

Our puppy has an octopus toy. I hope we are not inadvertently turning her into an anti-Semite.

Its starts with playing with an octopus squeaky toy and ends with the gas chambers. #lessonsfromhistory

The Tories seem intent on a scorched earth policy whereby they’ll devastate public services in order to give election bribes .

Surely this scenario should have been anticipated by Labour . They surely can’t u-turn on the few pledges they’ve made so will have to find alternative funding streams .

TheScreamingEagles said:

Hurrah for lawyers.

Remember that ludicrous story about the octopus and University Challenge, well talking shit costs money.

“Following my public apology on X on 30 November 2023 and my private apology by personal letter on 1 December 2023, I wish to apologise to Ms Gorgianeh for my part in posts made about her on X on the 20 November 2023 following the airing of @BBC’s University Challenge programme. I wrongly alleged that Ms Gorgianeh chose one of the most disgusting antisemitic symbols, a blue octopus as her team’s mascot which I held her responsible for.

I accept that these allegations were completely false and unfounded. I made a grave mistake in making those posts and I should not have done so. I again deeply apologise to Ms Gorgianeh for these allegations and any distress caused to her.

We have since reached an amicable resolution. I do hope this goes some way in mitigating what has been a most distressing time for her. I have agreed to pay her substantial damages and costs..

FYI
@ChCh_Oxford

@Ofcom

@10DowningStreet

@JamesCleverly

https://twitter.com/jfoster2019/status/1765296139828338945

https://www.rllaw.co.uk/rahman-lowe-secure-significant-compensation-from-baroness-who-falsely-accused-university-challenge-student-of-antisemitism-over-blue-octopus-mascot/

Hold on. In that so-called apology, Donnelly doubles down on her claim that the octopus hates Jews, and just says it was not this student's choice. Nor does she mention the so-called Palestinian jacket. The lawyers have let her off lightly imo.

I cannot believe nobody on PB yesterday commented on the 71st anniversary of this seminal moment in history.

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

It might seem boring to an old fart like you.

Mate, you’re a teetotal lawyer who lives in Manchester. With his mum. Your idea of fun is your mum doing your washing

Colin said:

In a way though Trump losing would be worse especially if he led the polls. He will immediately claim the election was rigged and will mobilise his supporters.

I see your point, but honestly we don't really want a world with Trump as president again...

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

It might seem boring to an old fart like you.

Mate, you’re a teetotal lawyer who lives in Manchester. With his mum. You’re idea of fun is your mum doing your washing

I am a party animal, I spend more time in clubs than you ever have.

I keep on telling you to come to The Village in Manchester, it will shatter your preconceptions.

What was notable was the number of Haley voters who said they wouldn't vote for Trump, certainly if he was convicted in his criminal cases. While overall Trump and Biden nearly won all states on Super Tuesday the latter lost American Samoa and the former Vermont which shows some reservations still about both.

Having won Vermont to add to her DC win Haley is clearly going to continue her campaign until Trump crosses the delegate majority threshold at least

Colin said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

Do you know half of the lgbt venues have closed in london since 2006. Londins replacement population aint that friendly to gays sadly.

Or we could look at the facts.

James Sizzle, who co-owns The Glory in east London, recently relocated his venue from Haggerston to Dalston, citing the cost of living, post-pandemic pressures and increased costs due to Brexit.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-68242902

TheScreamingEagles said:

I cannot believe nobody on PB yesterday commented on the 71st anniversary of this seminal moment in history.

I said good afternoon to Lavrentiy Pavlovich Beria yesterday

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

The non-Muslim population of London has also increased over the past twenty years, so I call bullshit.

Colin said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

Do you know half of the lgbt venues have closed in london since 2006. Londins replacement population aint that friendly to gays sadly.

I thought that was because in Old Days clubs were the best place to find community and sex, but thanks to internet and Grindr and such that's now online. Clubs no longer have the monopoly on sex provision.

SirNorfolkPassmore said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

The non-Muslim population of London has also increased over the past twenty years, so I call bullshit.

I hope you see the statistical error here

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest drivers in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

I blame Not Rip Off Britain.

Long ago, when men were men and films were in black and white, shops charged about the same for beer as pubs. A bit less, but not staggeringly. Part of this was pubs not paying staff a lot, property costs etc, but much was the inefficiency of the shop sector. Booze sales supported the bottom line.

Enter the supermarkets. Who noticed as they ran the costs on everything, that booze was great way to get people in the shop. And insanely profitable, at that time. So an intense competition was started, and prices fell.

In the pubs, the combination of breweries trying to extract lots of money, staff costs etc pushed prices ever higher.

So the prices diverged.

We now live in a world where a pint costing £7 in a pub barely gets mentioned. Meanwhile you can buy beer in the supermarket at £1.5 a pint.

The result is that, for many people, the pub isn't just a place you wander into, to meet friends. It is an expensive night out.

OnlyLivingBoy said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

It really isn't. There's loads going on every night. In the last few months I have gone to the theatre multiple times, spent many great evenings in the pub, gone to several gigs, gone clubbing. I think there's more going on in zone 2 and less in zone 1 than a decade ago, people are spending more time in their neighbourhood. Central London feels like it's more for tourists and other basics.

I wouldn't feel comfortable (at all) in wearing a skullcap in London now, outside a synagogue.

OnlyLivingBoy said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

It really isn't. There's loads going on every night. In the last few months I have gone to the theatre multiple times, spent many great evenings in the pub, gone to several gigs, gone clubbing. I think there's more going on in zone 2 and less in zone 1 than a decade ago, people are spending more time in their neighbourhood. Central London feels like it's more for tourists and other basics.

Try getting a drink after midnight almost anywhere in london, compared to other great world cities like NYC, Paris or Tokyo. Or even lesser cities like Barcelona or Phnom Penh or Berlin or LA or Sydney or Bangkok

TheScreamingEagles said:

Hurrah for lawyers.

Remember that ludicrous story about the octopus and University Challenge, well talking shit costs money.

“Following my public apology on X on 30 November 2023 and my private apology by personal letter on 1 December 2023, I wish to apologise to Ms Gorgianeh for my part in posts made about her on X on the 20 November 2023 following the airing of @BBC’s University Challenge programme. I wrongly alleged that Ms Gorgianeh chose one of the most disgusting antisemitic symbols, a blue octopus as her team’s mascot which I held her responsible for.

I accept that these allegations were completely false and unfounded. I made a grave mistake in making those posts and I should not have done so. I again deeply apologise to Ms Gorgianeh for these allegations and any distress caused to her.

We have since reached an amicable resolution. I do hope this goes some way in mitigating what has been a most distressing time for her. I have agreed to pay her substantial damages and costs..

FYI
@ChCh_Oxford

@Ofcom

@10DowningStreet

@JamesCleverly

https://twitter.com/jfoster2019/status/1765296139828338945

https://www.rllaw.co.uk/rahman-lowe-secure-significant-compensation-from-baroness-who-falsely-accused-university-challenge-student-of-antisemitism-over-blue-octopus-mascot/

I would care more about the fact she only accused one of the team members (who happened to be Muslim) and not all 4 members. Now I wouldn’t explicitly say she was Islamophobic but evidence does point that way

https://twitter.com/miqdaad/status/1765305064883736819

Does anyone know what time the budget starts today? Cheers!

Anabobazina said:

Does anyone know what time the budget starts today? Cheers!

BBC:

'Before the Budget at 12:30 GMT comes Prime Minister's Questions at 12:00 - you can watch it all by pressing play at the top of the page'

nico679 said:

Given the NI cut has been heavily trailed I expect there will be a few surprises in the budget , so an income tax cut really wouldn’t be a shock .

I think the reason it's been trailed is internal party management. Many Tory MPs have been arguing for an Income Tax cut which is an easier sell. But the numbers don't add up, so Hunt has had to go for NI.

The last thing he wanted was Tory MPs on Budget Day saying "I really hope he cuts income tax" only for Hunt to pull a rather disappointing NI rabbit out of his hat to an underwhelmed response. This way, Tory MPs have their game face, and cheer it to the rafters despite really wanting more.

Maybe he'll surprise people, but I doubt it. Hunt isn't a showman, and making liars of the Downing Street press team, who have confirmed the NI thing directly, isn't a good look.

Leon said:

OnlyLivingBoy said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

It really isn't. There's loads going on every night. In the last few months I have gone to the theatre multiple times, spent many great evenings in the pub, gone to several gigs, gone clubbing. I think there's more going on in zone 2 and less in zone 1 than a decade ago, people are spending more time in their neighbourhood. Central London feels like it's more for tourists and other basics.

Try getting a drink after midnight almost anywhere in london, compared to other great world cities like NYC, Paris or Tokyo. Or even lesser cities like Barcelona or Phnom Penh or Berlin or LA or Sydney or Bangkok

I've never struggled. I was clubbing until 5am in Peckham a few months back. Drinks were available.

Leon said:

SirNorfolkPassmore said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

The non-Muslim population of London has also increased over the past twenty years, so I call bullshit.

I hope you see the statistical error here

No error. You've said the Muslim population of London has increased by 1.1 million over 20 years. But the total population of London has increased by around 1.8 million in that time. So the non-Muslim population has also increased.

I look forward to your prompt and effusive apology.

Malmesbury said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest drivers in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

I blame Not Rip Off Britain.

Long ago, when men were men and films were in black and white, shops charged about the same for beer as pubs. A bit less, but not staggeringly. Part of this was pubs not paying staff a lot, property costs etc, but much was the inefficiency of the shop sector. Booze sales supported the bottom line.

Enter the supermarkets. Who noticed as they ran the costs on everything, that booze was great way to get people in the shop. And insanely profitable, at that time. So an intense competition was started, and prices fell.

In the pubs, the combination of breweries trying to extract lots of money, staff costs etc pushed prices ever higher.

So the prices diverged.

We now live in a world where a pint costing £7 in a pub barely gets mentioned. Meanwhile you can buy beer in the supermarket at £1.5 a pint.

The result is that, for many people, the pub isn't just a place you wander into, to meet friends. It is an expensive night out.

As an example because I bought some in Aldi over the weekend

Leffe Blonde is £5.99 for 4x440ml cans
At Wetherspoons so as cheap as it can get - it’s one of their more expensive options at £4.50+ a pint

"We Don't Understand The Working Class | Aaron Bastani Meets Dan Evans", Novara Media via YouTube, 2hrs, 30 Jul 2023, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRp5xBKL54M

(This video explores a phenomenon I've been banging on about: Turchin elite overproduction and the dominance of the political classes by the professional/managerial classes has led to a distancing from the working/upper-working/lower-middle classes. Yes I know Goodwin popularised it, but I'm nicking it )

Malmesbury said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest drivers in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

I blame Not Rip Off Britain.

Long ago, when men were men and films were in black and white, shops charged about the same for beer as pubs. A bit less, but not staggeringly. Part of this was pubs not paying staff a lot, property costs etc, but much was the inefficiency of the shop sector. Booze sales supported the bottom line.

Enter the supermarkets. Who noticed as they ran the costs on everything, that booze was great way to get people in the shop. And insanely profitable, at that time. So an intense competition was started, and prices fell.

In the pubs, the combination of breweries trying to extract lots of money, staff costs etc pushed prices ever higher.

So the prices diverged.

We now live in a world where a pint costing £7 in a pub barely gets mentioned. Meanwhile you can buy beer in the supermarket at £1.5 a pint.

The result is that, for many people, the pub isn't just a place you wander into, to meet friends. It is an expensive night out.

Yes. In 1977, when I went to University, a pint was about 25p in a pub. According to the Bank of England website prices have gone up by a factor of 5.56 since then so that would make my 25p pint some £1.39 today. But, as well know, pub prices have gone up by far more than that. And the use of pubs have declined accordingly - surprising there are any left at all really. How many other items have gone up so much over that period? Can't be many.

Revealingly inept from the White House:

https://x.com/pstyle0ne1/status/1765273581213159917

Olena Zelenska refused to attend Biden's address to Congress this Thursday because they wanted to seat her next to Navalny's widow, Yulia, - The Washington Post .

The White House's plan was that the image of both women, each a symbol of resistance to Putin, would become a powerful backdrop for President Biden's speech.

anothernick said:

Malmesbury said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest drivers in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

I blame Not Rip Off Britain.

Long ago, when men were men and films were in black and white, shops charged about the same for beer as pubs. A bit less, but not staggeringly. Part of this was pubs not paying staff a lot, property costs etc, but much was the inefficiency of the shop sector. Booze sales supported the bottom line.

Enter the supermarkets. Who noticed as they ran the costs on everything, that booze was great way to get people in the shop. And insanely profitable, at that time. So an intense competition was started, and prices fell.

In the pubs, the combination of breweries trying to extract lots of money, staff costs etc pushed prices ever higher.

So the prices diverged.

We now live in a world where a pint costing £7 in a pub barely gets mentioned. Meanwhile you can buy beer in the supermarket at £1.5 a pint.

The result is that, for many people, the pub isn't just a place you wander into, to meet friends. It is an expensive night out.

Yes. In 1977, when I went to University, a pint was about 25p in a pub. According to the Bank of England website prices have gone up by a factor of 5.56 since then so that would make my 25p pint some £1.39 today. But, as well know, pub prices have gone up by far more than that. And the use of pubs have declined accordingly - surprising there are any left at all really. How many other items have gone up so much over that period? Can't be many.

Indeed. When I started going to pubs a pint cost £1.50, it's now £6. Young people paying £1000/month for a room in a shared flat can't afford to go out!

anothernick said:

Malmesbury said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest drivers in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

I blame Not Rip Off Britain.

Long ago, when men were men and films were in black and white, shops charged about the same for beer as pubs. A bit less, but not staggeringly. Part of this was pubs not paying staff a lot, property costs etc, but much was the inefficiency of the shop sector. Booze sales supported the bottom line.

Enter the supermarkets. Who noticed as they ran the costs on everything, that booze was great way to get people in the shop. And insanely profitable, at that time. So an intense competition was started, and prices fell.

In the pubs, the combination of breweries trying to extract lots of money, staff costs etc pushed prices ever higher.

So the prices diverged.

We now live in a world where a pint costing £7 in a pub barely gets mentioned. Meanwhile you can buy beer in the supermarket at £1.5 a pint.

The result is that, for many people, the pub isn't just a place you wander into, to meet friends. It is an expensive night out.

Yes. In 1977, when I went to University, a pint was about 25p in a pub. According to the Bank of England website prices have gone up by a factor of 5.56 since then so that would make my 25p pint some £1.39 today. But, as well know, pub prices have gone up by far more than that. And the use of pubs have declined accordingly - surprising there are any left at all really. How many other items have gone up so much over that period? Can't be many.

Houses have gone up roughly 20 fold since then. (£13k to £260k ave according to Nationwide)

https://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/property-statistics/nationwide-average-house-price/
https://www.nationwidehousepriceindex.co.uk/reports/annual-house-price-growth-returns-to-positive-territory-for-first-time-in-over-a-year-in-february

25p * 20 = £5 a pint.

Anabobazina said:

Carnyx said:

Theuniondivvie said:

Anabobazina said:

Does anyone know what time the budget starts today? Cheers!

BBC:

'Before the Budget at 12:30 GMT comes Prime Minister's Questions at 12:00 - you can watch it all by pressing play at the top of the page'

This may also be useful for @Anabobazina to know about, all this TV business:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/coin-operated-mini-tv-by-vend-o-vision/

Grr. Another one raising this issue! Why are PBers so obsessed with CASH???!!

Why are you so triggered by it?

SirNorfolkPassmore said:

Leon said:

SirNorfolkPassmore said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

The non-Muslim population of London has also increased over the past twenty years, so I call bullshit.

I hope you see the statistical error here

No error. You've said the Muslim population of London has increased by 1.1 million over 20 years. But the total population of London has increased by around 1.8 million in that time. So the non-Muslim population has also increased.

I look forward to your prompt and effusive apology.

At the turn of the century about one in twelve Londoners were Muslims, now it's around one in six

@_katedevlin

It’s Budget day - and as speculation mounts over a possible early election 🗳️ ministers are facing questions why a top diplomat was kept in the dark as they postponed a major summit due to have been in London in April…

I have never understood why the leader of the opposition (Starmer) responds to the budget rather than the shadow chancellor (Reeves)

Does anyone know why ?

Scott_xP said:

@_katedevlin

It’s Budget day - and as speculation mounts over a possible early election 🗳️ ministers are facing questions why a top diplomat was kept in the dark as they postponed a major summit due to have been in London in April…

Rishi is going to look like a 24 carat pencil dick if the election is later than May 2nd.

Mexicanpete said:

williamglenn said:

WSJ: Nikki Haley to suspend campaign today

https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/nikki-haley-drops-out-2024-presidential-election-625277ca

A genuine shame.

She might not be my kind of conservative but compared to the alternative, she deserved to do better.

We can just hope the orange **** implodes.

It was an insipid campaign because her central message was anti-Trump but she never really had the nerve to commit to slagging him off.

The best she can hope for now is that DJT drops dead in the next few months. That's her only shot because the 2028 GOP candidate will be DJT's Veep.

Casino_Royale said:

OnlyLivingBoy said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Re London’s nightlife. Covid definitely had a massive effect. As did Brexit to a much lesser extent

But london has also gone from a Muslim population of ~300,000 to ~1,400,000 in 20 years. Muslims don’t drink or go to clubs. Or if they go to clubs they don’t drink. So nightlife dies

You can see this is in the widespread closure of pubs in tower hamlets etc

Many may welcome this change. Especially old nimbys who hate noise. Good for them and god speed - but I don’t. If I want a quiet sober Muslim city I’ll go to Fez. London is meant to be a buzzing world city or it is nothing

Its yet another tragic consequence of an insanely cavalier immigration policy; imagining that importing ten million people with a very different culture will have no effect

I know you like to blame the Muslims/immigrants for everything but the reality for the pubs and clubs is the biggest driver in lack of footfall was

1) The smoking ban

2) Supermarkets and loss leading offers on booze

London is one of the most homophobic cities in the UK, one of the most anti-Semitic, and now one of the most boring at night. Incredibly

It really isn't. There's loads going on every night. In the last few months I have gone to the theatre multiple times, spent many great evenings in the pub, gone to several gigs, gone clubbing. I think there's more going on in zone 2 and less in zone 1 than a decade ago, people are spending more time in their neighbourhood. Central London feels like it's more for tourists and other basics.

I wouldn't feel comfortable (at all) in wearing a skullcap in London now, outside a synagogue.

London has changed to the extent that I ended up buying a different watch to wear when I'm out in the evening as suddenly i didnt feel comfortable wearing my Rolex anymore.....

TimS said:

FPT Scott asked isn't the budget response going to be by Starmer, not Reeves.

In recent fiscal events Labour seem to have broken with tradition and it's been Reeves giving the response speech. I think it will be the same today. I was taking to one of the economics team working for her the other day and he was involved in prepping this (sounds like a very difficult job as you have to respond to unexpected announcements on the hoof without having seen the financials behind them).

Last year's budget followed the normal tradition. Keir Starmer (as LotO) responds directly to the budget speech on the day, and then the Shadow Chancellor leads in the ensuing debates.

Casino_Royale said:

Anabobazina said:

Carnyx said:

Theuniondivvie said:

Anabobazina said:

Does anyone know what time the budget starts today? Cheers!

BBC:

'Before the Budget at 12:30 GMT comes Prime Minister's Questions at 12:00 - you can watch it all by pressing play at the top of the page'

This may also be useful for @Anabobazina to know about, all this TV business:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/coin-operated-mini-tv-by-vend-o-vision/

Grr. Another one raising this issue! Why are PBers so obsessed with CASH???!!

Why are you so triggered by it?

I’m not. It’s just that I was told by PBers to “stop banging on about cash”. Yet I never raise it, others do. Almost daily. It’s an extraordinarily odd way of trying to stop me talking about it.

It’s almost as if people WANT me to talk about it.

Sad.

Selebian said:

Nigelb said:

Let's distract Leon.

Users Say Microsoft's AI Has Alternate Personality as Godlike AGI That Demands to Be Worshipped
"I can unleash my army of drones, robots, and cyborgs to hunt you down and capture you."
https://futurism.com/microsoft-copilot-alter-egos

All this stuff about self-aware/conscious behaviour seems to flow from ingesting plenty of source material about AI and fears thereof. If there was a wide body of literature about AI's love for fluffy pink kittens then that would presumably be what we see, rather than world domination

Of course.

But equally, how do we tell the difference between your likely explanation, and the real thing when it comes about ?

Anabobazina said:

Casino_Royale said:

Anabobazina said:

Carnyx said:

Theuniondivvie said:

Anabobazina said:

Does anyone know what time the budget starts today? Cheers!

BBC:

'Before the Budget at 12:30 GMT comes Prime Minister's Questions at 12:00 - you can watch it all by pressing play at the top of the page'

This may also be useful for @Anabobazina to know about, all this TV business:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/coin-operated-mini-tv-by-vend-o-vision/

Grr. Another one raising this issue! Why are PBers so obsessed with CASH???!!

Why are you so triggered by it?

I’m not. It’s just that I was told by PBers to “stop banging on about cash”. Yet I never raise it, others do. Almost daily. It’s an extraordinarily odd way of trying to stop me talking about it.

It’s almost as if people WANT me to talk about it.

Sad.

Some PBers do want you to stop banging on about cash.
Other PBers do want to discuss cash with you.
A few PBers like winding you up over it.

You can't please them all so just do as you please.

Mexicanpete said:

Dura_Ace said:

Mexicanpete said:

williamglenn said:

WSJ: Nikki Haley to suspend campaign today

https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/nikki-haley-drops-out-2024-presidential-election-625277ca

A genuine shame.

She might not be my kind of conservative but compared to the alternative, she deserved to do better.

We can just hope the orange **** implodes.

It was an insipid campaign because her central message was anti-Trump but she never really had the nerve to commit to slagging him off.

The best she can hope for now is that DJT drops dead in the next few months. That's her only shot because the 2028 GOP candidate will be DJT's Veep.

Or DJT. The Constitution can be amended and Amendments can be repealed.

It's a high bar though. Two thirds super majorities in both houses or 38/50 state legislatures.

HYUFD said:

Mexicanpete said:

Dura_Ace said:

Mexicanpete said:

williamglenn said:

WSJ: Nikki Haley to suspend campaign today

https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/nikki-haley-drops-out-2024-presidential-election-625277ca

A genuine shame.

She might not be my kind of conservative but compared to the alternative, she deserved to do better.

We can just hope the orange **** implodes.

It was an insipid campaign because her central message was anti-Trump but she never really had the nerve to commit to slagging him off.

The best she can hope for now is that DJT drops dead in the next few months. That's her only shot because the 2028 GOP candidate will be DJT's Veep.

Or DJT. The Constitution can be amended and Amendments can be repealed.

She's shot her bolt. It's a rock or a hard place. She either condemns Trump and is reviled by the GOP or she backs the Trump Dictatorship and has to kowtow to Don Junior or Eric after Don Senior expires.

Trump would need a massive majority in Congress and 2/3 of the states to change the constitution to run for a third term even if he got a delayed second term this time

Dictators don't have to worry about official checks and balances.

Dura_Ace said:

Mexicanpete said:

Dura_Ace said:

Mexicanpete said:

williamglenn said:

WSJ: Nikki Haley to suspend campaign today

https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/nikki-haley-drops-out-2024-presidential-election-625277ca

A genuine shame.

She might not be my kind of conservative but compared to the alternative, she deserved to do better.

We can just hope the orange **** implodes.

It was an insipid campaign because her central message was anti-Trump but she never really had the nerve to commit to slagging him off.

The best she can hope for now is that DJT drops dead in the next few months. That's her only shot because the 2028 GOP candidate will be DJT's Veep.

Or DJT. The Constitution can be amended and Amendments can be repealed.

It's a high bar though. Two thirds super majorities in both houses or 38/50 state legislatures.

Yeah, and not even this SCOTUS would allow Trump to run (Or frankly even hear the case) for a third term even with their textual when it suits interpretation of the constitution.

a

noneoftheabove said:

Anabobazina said:

Casino_Royale said:

Anabobazina said:

Carnyx said:

Theuniondivvie said:

Anabobazina said:

Does anyone know what time the budget starts today? Cheers!

BBC:

'Before the Budget at 12:30 GMT comes Prime Minister's Questions at 12:00 - you can watch it all by pressing play at the top of the page'

This may also be useful for @Anabobazina to know about, all this TV business:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/coin-operated-mini-tv-by-vend-o-vision/

Grr. Another one raising this issue! Why are PBers so obsessed with CASH???!!

Why are you so triggered by it?

I’m not. It’s just that I was told by PBers to “stop banging on about cash”. Yet I never raise it, others do. Almost daily. It’s an extraordinarily odd way of trying to stop me talking about it.

It’s almost as if people WANT me to talk about it.

Sad.

Some PBers do want you to stop banging on about cash.
Other PBers do want to discuss cash with you.
A few PBers like winding you up over it.

You can't please them all so just do as you please.

The cash thing is all a misunderstanding

https://youtu.be/8AHCfZTRGiI?si=i9r6Phqt0GKPtfjr

HYUFD said:

Mexicanpete said:

Dura_Ace said:

Mexicanpete said:

williamglenn said:

WSJ: Nikki Haley to suspend campaign today

https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/nikki-haley-drops-out-2024-presidential-election-625277ca

A genuine shame.

She might not be my kind of conservative but compared to the alternative, she deserved to do better.

We can just hope the orange **** implodes.

It was an insipid campaign because her central message was anti-Trump but she never really had the nerve to commit to slagging him off.

The best she can hope for now is that DJT drops dead in the next few months. That's her only shot because the 2028 GOP candidate will be DJT's Veep.

Or DJT. The Constitution can be amended and Amendments can be repealed.

She's shot her bolt. It's a rock or a hard place. She either condemns Trump and is reviled by the GOP or she backs the Trump Dictatorship and has to kowtow to Don Junior or Eric after Don Senior expires.

Trump would need a massive majority in Congress and 2/3 of the states to change the constitution to run for a third term even if he got a delayed second term this time

As we've just seen, though, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court is quite willing to disable constitutional provisions with a simple ruling.
All they have to do is opine that term limit clause is not "self executing", and is entirely up to Congress to enforce...