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This poll is barking – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 12,212
edited December 20 in General
imageThis poll is barking – politicalbetting.com

This poll from More in Common is utterly barking in my view, the two best breeds, Huskies and Malamutes, aren’t listed. I’d love to know why Green voters think a poodle would be the best PM.

Read the full story here

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Comments

  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,327
    Didn't we sniff that particular lamppost before?

  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,327
    And first?

    Poodles don't moult? So less energy consuming vacuuming to do.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,956
    edited December 20
    Carnyx said:

    Didn't we sniff that particular lamppost before?

    I don’t think so, but is has been a long year week.

    Edit - Just checked the PB servers and this is the first time I have done a thread on this.
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 8,471
    FPT:
    On peerages, it's been so long since Labour's been in power that the inbuilt Tory majority has grown, so it's hardly surprising that they've sought to rebalance a bit. As for Sue Gray, it's not difficult to justify her appointment on the basis of her long and distinguished career at, or near the top of, the CS, regardless of her career over the last couple of years.

    Toby Young is a much more 'interesting' appointment, and tells us something about Badenoch's views, I think.
    And Thérèse Coffey will no doubt set the House of Lords on fire with her soaring rhetoric.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,327
    edited December 20
    Fairliered said:

    A miniature schnauzer would make the best Prime Minister. Annoying, barks a lot but doesn’t have any particular uses. Alternatively, @IanB2’s dog. Never misses a photo opportunity.

    So long as it's been doctored. Makes life much simpler. (Referring to the former, not the latter.)
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,053
    TheScreamingEagles said:

    Carnyx said:

    Didn't we sniff that particular lamppost before?

    I don’t think so, but is has been a long year week.

    Edit - Just checked the PB servers and this is the first time I have done a thread on this.
    When we discussed it before, it was off topic. Now it’s the subject of a thread, we will need to stop discussing it.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,705
    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 8,471
    And on topic: I'm utterly gobsmacked that XL Bully was favoured by only 3% of Reform voters. I'd have predicted over 50%.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,693
    edited December 20
    I think this poll says more about the sort of dogs supporters of the parties keep.

    The Coles have never owned a dog. A couple of cats have lived with us.
  • FishingFishing Posts: 5,125
    edited December 20
    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Sue Gray. Therese Coffey. Mark Pack. Toby Young.

    As if any sensible person wasn’t already convinced that the House of Lords simply needs total abolition?

    Again like her or not, Gray is actually quite well qualified to scrutinise legislation.
    The real issue is the absurdity that is the Lords.
    The trouble with Lords reform isn't the absurdity of the current situation, it's that nobody can agree on what should replace it, let alone how to get there from here.

    Well, that and that the country has about ten million more important things to think about, from Ukraine to potholes to Net Zero to HS2 to ...
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,112
    I'm not surprised that Reform voters favour the inbred, systemically unhealthy, obese breathless British Bulldog.

    I don't see why German Shephards are so popular, and just a few short premiership ago we had an Old English Sheepdog as PM.

    Border Collie looks the most suitable on that list, being energetic and intelligent. Personally I would think an Airdale would be a good choice. Intelligent, loyal, trainable but not a lapdog.
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,776
    Why are there no sighthounds on the list? What a travesty!
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,471
    edited December 20
    We'd be better off with a cat.
    Bury their shit instead of leaving it for us to step in.
    Don't need entertaining in all weathers.
    Lick their arse then go to sleep when bored.
    Sounds like a winning manifesto.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,112
    edited December 20
    Chris said:

    Why are there no sighthounds on the list? What a travesty!

    If it weren't that they are a little too European, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an excellent choice amongst sighthounds. Intelligent, good-natured,watchful, expressive, clean and great with children. A foe of rats and bushy tailed tree rats.

    I just happen to have one myself:




    Note the other creature in the image is an English short-hair tom-cat, and mostly tolerant of his step sibling.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    Nearly finished a week of doing my taxes. Just a couple of hours needed now, after Christmas

    What gets me REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY QUITE RESENTFUL is the fact that: if I am a day late filing my returns, I get INSTANTLY fined. But HMRC, all working from home, are now taking A YEAR to process Tax Exemption forms, despite multiple calls, and feeble promises, thereby costing me serious money

    Utter state of this country
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,166
    Foxy said:


    Chris said:

    Why are there no sighthounds on the list? What a travesty!

    If it weren't that they are a little too European, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an excellent choice amongst sighthounds. Intelligent, good-natured,watchful, expressive, clean and great with children. A foe of rats and bushy tailed tree rats.

    I just happen to have one myself:



    And what breed is the dog ?
  • david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,834
    Fishing said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Sue Gray. Therese Coffey. Mark Pack. Toby Young.

    As if any sensible person wasn’t already convinced that the House of Lords simply needs total abolition?

    Again like her or not, Gray is actually quite well qualified to scrutinise legislation.
    The real issue is the absurdity that is the Lords.
    The trouble with Lords reform isn't the absurdity of the current situation, it's that nobody can agree on what should replace it, let alone how to get there from here.

    Well, that and that the country has about ten million more important things to think about, from Ukraine to potholes to Net Zero to HS2 to ...
    Lots of people can agree on what should replace it. Most constitutional reform happens without consensus; it's not needed.

    However, PMs quite like the ability to make appointments, and promises of appointments, and MPs quite like being in the Boss chamber, which it wouldn't be - or not to anything like the same extent - if the upper House were elected. (The UK could move to a unicameral parliament but reducing scrutiny of legislation and of the government doesn't strike me as a great idea).
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    Leon said:

    Nearly finished a week of doing my taxes. Just a couple of hours needed now, after Christmas

    What gets me REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY QUITE RESENTFUL is the fact that: if I am a day late filing my returns, I get INSTANTLY fined. But HMRC, all working from home, are now taking A YEAR to process Tax Exemption forms, despite multiple calls, and feeble promises, thereby costing me serious money

    Utter state of this country

    I'm not joking. A YEAR. AT LEAST

    To process one form
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,112
    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:


    Chris said:

    Why are there no sighthounds on the list? What a travesty!

    If it weren't that they are a little too European, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an excellent choice amongst sighthounds. Intelligent, good-natured,watchful, expressive, clean and great with children. A foe of rats and bushy tailed tree rats.

    I just happen to have one myself:



    And what breed is the dog ?
    The moggie could not be described as intelligent. He has a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a cat in rodent control. He catches mice, then brings them into the kitchen and releases them indoors. The mouse then disappears under the furniture and the cat wanders off. Fortunately my trusty hound and I are now quite good at catching them.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    When it came up before the Green/Poodle detail amused me, and it still does. So random.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,826
    On thread Give Sue Gray a peerage....BARKING.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    edited December 20
    david_herdson said:

    Fishing said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Sue Gray. Therese Coffey. Mark Pack. Toby Young.

    As if any sensible person wasn’t already convinced that the House of Lords simply needs total abolition?

    Again like her or not, Gray is actually quite well qualified to scrutinise legislation.
    The real issue is the absurdity that is the Lords.
    The trouble with Lords reform isn't the absurdity of the current situation, it's that nobody can agree on what should replace it, let alone how to get there from here.

    Well, that and that the country has about ten million more important things to think about, from Ukraine to potholes to Net Zero to HS2 to ...
    However, PMs quite like the ability to make appointments, and promises of appointments, and MPs quite like being in the Boss chamber, which it wouldn't be - or not to anything like the same extent - if the upper House were elected.
    Which is also why one of my preferred reforms - no MPs/donors appointed until 10 years or two elections have passed since they were in office/gave donation - will never happen. Removes immediate ability to act as a patron/kick an old duffer upstairs/reward a loser of an ally.

    The list is no more or less ridiculous than the average, unless there's even more 30 year olds than a few recent ones, but the pace on Lords reform is glacial for many reasons, and lack of ability to reward is one of them.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,166
    Japan trying to get back into the high end chip game from a standing start (and with an IBM collaboration).

    Rapidus, Japan's state-backed chip foundry, took delivery of its first EUV Lithography machine, which weighs 71 tons, stands 3.4 meters tall, and costs around US$180 million each, a first for a Japan chip maker, Nikkei reports...
    https://x.com/dnystedt/status/1869921824706068876
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 43,426
    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:


    Chris said:

    Why are there no sighthounds on the list? What a travesty!

    If it weren't that they are a little too European, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an excellent choice amongst sighthounds. Intelligent, good-natured,watchful, expressive, clean and great with children. A foe of rats and bushy tailed tree rats.

    I just happen to have one myself:



    And what breed is the dog ?
    The moggie could not be described as intelligent. He has a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a cat in rodent control. He catches mice, then brings them into the kitchen and releases them indoors. The mouse then disappears under the furniture and the cat wanders off. Fortunately my trusty hound and I are now quite good at catching them.
    The average PM could not be described as intelligent. They have a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a PM in running the country. They should run the country for the people, but end up running it for themselves, and even muck that up. The rest of us then have to try to cope with the mess.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Nearly finished a week of doing my taxes. Just a couple of hours needed now, after Christmas

    What gets me REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY QUITE RESENTFUL is the fact that: if I am a day late filing my returns, I get INSTANTLY fined. But HMRC, all working from home, are now taking A YEAR to process Tax Exemption forms, despite multiple calls, and feeble promises, thereby costing me serious money

    Utter state of this country

    I'm not joking. A YEAR. AT LEAST

    To process one form
    Bureacracies tend to be more concerned with adherence to their own rules by others than their own compliance with standards, rules, or the law.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 28,393
    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    In Starlight Barking, the absolutely bonkers sequel to 101 Dalmations one of the Dalmatian puppies essentially becomes Prime Minister.

    Personally I think their well reported health issues would make things difficult, but not impossible to run the coutnry.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 63,598
    Sky

    Breaking

    On Mandelsons appointment Trump's spokesperson says he is an 'absolute moron' !!!!!
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,166
    "When you're beating Fury, don't go too hard on him..."
    https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1870124055321292960
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,112
    JosiasJessop said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:


    Chris said:

    Why are there no sighthounds on the list? What a travesty!

    If it weren't that they are a little too European, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an excellent choice amongst sighthounds. Intelligent, good-natured,watchful, expressive, clean and great with children. A foe of rats and bushy tailed tree rats.

    I just happen to have one myself:



    And what breed is the dog ?
    The moggie could not be described as intelligent. He has a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a cat in rodent control. He catches mice, then brings them into the kitchen and releases them indoors. The mouse then disappears under the furniture and the cat wanders off. Fortunately my trusty hound and I are now quite good at catching them.
    The average PM could not be described as intelligent. They have a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a PM in running the country. They should run the country for the people, but end up running it for themselves, and even muck that up. The rest of us then have to try to cope with the mess.
    I hadn't really considered my cat for PM, but I get your analogy. So the mice are part of his migration programme, and the dog more of a Home Secretary role.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    kle4 said:

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Nearly finished a week of doing my taxes. Just a couple of hours needed now, after Christmas

    What gets me REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY QUITE RESENTFUL is the fact that: if I am a day late filing my returns, I get INSTANTLY fined. But HMRC, all working from home, are now taking A YEAR to process Tax Exemption forms, despite multiple calls, and feeble promises, thereby costing me serious money

    Utter state of this country

    I'm not joking. A YEAR. AT LEAST

    To process one form
    Bureacracies tend to be more concerned with adherence to their own rules by others than their own compliance with standards, rules, or the law.
    It's making me quite irritable. I spoke to my Knapping Foreign Tax Accountant today, and she said the only tax authority in the world that is as fucked up as the UK's is....Germany's

    And it just so happens that my much-needed tax form is for exemption from tax by.... Germany

    She said "the whole thing could take easily two years, or more"

    I've already waited one year for the UK - AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T DELIVERED - and even when I get the form, perhaps when I am dead, I have to wait at least another year for the fucking krauts to be as shite as the British

    It is emblematic of the two sick men of Europe. Germany and the UK
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Sue Gray. Therese Coffey. Mark Pack. Toby Young.

    As if any sensible person wasn’t already convinced that the House of Lords simply needs total abolition?

    Again like her or not, Gray is actually quite well qualified to scrutinise legislation.
    The real issue is the absurdity that is the Lords.
    There are several easy ways to make it more effective and cut out some of the more egregious concerns, but it's all or nothing it seems (getting rid of hereditaries after 25 years barely counts).
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,112
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Breaking

    On Mandelsons appointment Trump's spokesperson says he is an 'absolute moron' !!!!!

    I am sure Trump's spokesperson is very familiar at identifying absolute morons.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 28,787
    I think even our staunchest Labourites are waking up to the fact that Sir Popularity Vacuum is a gonner.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    edited December 20
    As it is a dog thread I do seriously have to recommend that 101 Dalmatians sequel. I read it 30 years and still remember it vividly, that's a rare thing. Whatever you'd think the plot would be to such a sequel, it is not.
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 8,471
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Breaking

    On Mandelsons appointment Trump's spokesperson says he is an 'absolute moron' !!!!!

    Trump's ex-spokesperson, assuming he was referring to Trump.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,112
    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I don't think Toby Young got in by mistake, so much as his father pulling strings. So much for the Meritocracy.

    https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/a-wellconnected-ambitious-blowhard-toby-young-is-just-what-education-doesn-t-need-a3731921.html#r3z-addoor
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I know Tobes reasonably well. OOOOH the stories I could tell, but shan't

    He used to be quite a lad, but these days is much more sensible. He is doing genuinely good work with the Free Speech Union, taking on very deserving cases, he has also been cancelled at least twice, quite nastily, generally by people who hate the idea of Academies, or indeed of anyone rightwing

    For the Free Speech Union alone it's a good appointment, far more deserved that 90% of these fucking time wasters on the left. Have you seen Starmer's list? Fucksake Well done Kemi
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 63,598
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    I think even our staunchest Labourites are waking up to the fact that Sir Popularity Vacuum is a gonner.

    Not yet but a diminishing number
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,166
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Breaking

    On Mandelsons appointment Trump's spokesperson says he is an 'absolute moron' !!!!!

    I'm surprised the spokesperson thinks they can get away with calling their boss a moron, however true that might be.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    Foxy said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Breaking

    On Mandelsons appointment Trump's spokesperson says he is an 'absolute moron' !!!!!

    I am sure Trump's spokesperson is very familiar at identifying absolute morons.
    People have been very odd around the ambassadorship. Some would suggest you cannot go for anyone who ever talked shit about Trump, which can certainly be argued, but they might also imply it has to be someone who Trump personally likes or shares opinions with him, when such a person probably couldn't be relied upon to put forth the government's preferred positions (regardless of whether we would agree with the government position). You could go with a career bureaucrat, but the same peopel would probably say they would lack to x-factor a well known person would or something.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 63,598
    Northern_Al said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Breaking

    On Mandelsons appointment Trump's spokesperson says he is an 'absolute moron' !!!!!

    Trump's ex-spokesperson, assuming he was referring to Trump.
    It was directed at Mandelsons appointment and not the best observation at the start of his UK Ambassador role to US
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 28,787
    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I know Tobes reasonably well. OOOOH the stories I could tell, but shan't

    He used to be quite a lad, but these days is much more sensible. He is doing genuinely good work with the Free Speech Union, taking on very deserving cases, he has also been cancelled at least twice, quite nastily, generally by people who hate the idea of Academies, or indeed of anyone rightwing

    For the Free Speech Union alone it's a good appointment, far more deserved that 90% of these fucking time wasters on the left. Have you seen Starmer's list? Fucksake Well done Kemi
    I agree. The fact he provokes billious attacks from our lefties says everything about his politics, nothing about his suitability. Do you folks want the Lords rammed to the rafters with centrist drones nodding through every bit of authoritarian lunacy that Sir Helmet dreams up? - Wait don't answer that.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    I now have threee friends/acquaintances who have become Peers

    With two of them I have done stuff that would REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    IanB2 said:

    Fairliered said:

    A miniature schnauzer would make the best Prime Minister. Annoying, barks a lot but doesn’t have any particular uses. Alternatively, @IanB2’s dog. Never misses a photo opportunity.

    Indeed. Clever, well behaved, independently minded, and has learned a lot more from his travels than a certain PB’er. And trained up from an early age, not even one year old when this was taken…
    As if to disprove my prior comment about his perennial grin, he is very serious faced there.
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 8,471
    edited December 20
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    I think even our staunchest Labourites are waking up to the fact that Sir Popularity Vacuum is a gonner.

    I suspect he'll last somewhat longer than will your increasing propensity to make up childish names for him. I recall you being particularly proud of 'Sir Bellend'.
    Edit - I've seen you've just added 'Sir Helmet'. Gosh, you're hilarious.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I know Tobes reasonably well. OOOOH the stories I could tell, but shan't

    He used to be quite a lad, but these days is much more sensible. He is doing genuinely good work with the Free Speech Union, taking on very deserving cases, he has also been cancelled at least twice, quite nastily, generally by people who hate the idea of Academies, or indeed of anyone rightwing

    For the Free Speech Union alone it's a good appointment, far more deserved that 90% of these fucking time wasters on the left. Have you seen Starmer's list? Fucksake Well done Kemi
    I agree. The fact he provokes billious attacks from our lefties says everything about his politics, nothing about his suitability. Do you folks want the Lords rammed to the rafters with centrist drones nodding through every bit of authoritarian lunacy that Sir Helmet dreams up? - Wait don't answer that.
    Look at Starmer's list, and weep for Britain


    Steamer’s new peerages:

    Professor Wendy Alexander
    Sir Brendan Barber
    Luciana Berger
    Mary Bousted
    Kevin Brennan
    Lyn Brown
    Dinah Caine
    Kay Carberry
    Margaret Curran
    Thangam Debbonaire
    Julie Elliott
    David Evans
    Sue Gray
    Theresa Griffin
    Anji Hunter
    Carwyn Jones
    Mike Katz
    Gerard Lemos
    Alison Levitt KC
    Anne Longfield
    Deborah Mattinson
    Steve McCabe
    Claude Morae
    Wendy Nichols
    Simon Pitkeathley
    Dame Anne Marie Rafferty
    Krish Raval
    Marvin Rees
    Revd Dr Russell David Rook
    Phil Wilson
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    Northern_Al said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    I think even our staunchest Labourites are waking up to the fact that Sir Popularity Vacuum is a gonner.

    I suspect he'll last somewhat longer than will your increasing propensity to make up childish names for him. I recall you being particularly proud of 'Sir Bellend'.
    Weren't the Corbynites really excited about Sir Kid Starver? Or was that the Tories perhaps?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,166
    Talking of Trump, he has promised to primary every Republican who voted against the continuing resolution.
    2026 should be fun.

    The Republican no votes on the CR:

    Bean (FL)
    Biggs
    Brecheen
    Burchett
    Burlison
    Cammack
    Cloud
    Clyde
    Crane
    Curtis
    Duncan
    Fulcher
    Good (VA)
    Gosar
    Harris
    Hunt
    Lamborn
    Lesko
    Lopez
    Luttrell
    Масе
    Massie
    McCormick
    Mills
    Mooney
    Moore (UT)
    Moran
    Norman
    Ogles
    Perry
    Posey
    Rosendale
    ROY
    Schweikert
    Self
    Spartz
    Tiffany
    Van Duyne
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    Leon said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I know Tobes reasonably well. OOOOH the stories I could tell, but shan't

    He used to be quite a lad, but these days is much more sensible. He is doing genuinely good work with the Free Speech Union, taking on very deserving cases, he has also been cancelled at least twice, quite nastily, generally by people who hate the idea of Academies, or indeed of anyone rightwing

    For the Free Speech Union alone it's a good appointment, far more deserved that 90% of these fucking time wasters on the left. Have you seen Starmer's list? Fucksake Well done Kemi
    I agree. The fact he provokes billious attacks from our lefties says everything about his politics, nothing about his suitability. Do you folks want the Lords rammed to the rafters with centrist drones nodding through every bit of authoritarian lunacy that Sir Helmet dreams up? - Wait don't answer that.
    Look at Starmer's list, and weep for Britain


    Steamer’s new peerages:

    Professor Wendy Alexander
    Sir Brendan Barber
    Luciana Berger
    Mary Bousted
    Kevin Brennan
    Lyn Brown
    Dinah Caine
    Kay Carberry
    Margaret Curran
    Thangam Debbonaire
    Julie Elliott
    David Evans
    Sue Gray
    Theresa Griffin
    Anji Hunter
    Carwyn Jones
    Mike Katz
    Gerard Lemos
    Alison Levitt KC
    Anne Longfield
    Deborah Mattinson
    Steve McCabe
    Claude Morae
    Wendy Nichols
    Simon Pitkeathley
    Dame Anne Marie Rafferty
    Krish Raval
    Marvin Rees
    Revd Dr Russell David Rook
    Phil Wilson
    Rees is an interesting one. Mayor of Bristol who did such a good job the position was abolished.

    Too many MPs. To that extent Young is not entirely unreasonable as an alternative.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    Pagan2 said:

    Northern_Al said:

    FPT:
    On peerages, it's been so long since Labour's been in power that the inbuilt Tory majority has grown, so it's hardly surprising that they've sought to rebalance a bit. As for Sue Gray, it's not difficult to justify her appointment on the basis of her long and distinguished career at, or near the top of, the CS, regardless of her career over the last couple of years.

    Toby Young is a much more 'interesting' appointment, and tells us something about Badenoch's views, I think.
    And Thérèse Coffey will no doubt set the House of Lords on fire with her soaring rhetoric.

    To be honest I think we would probably get better governance if we abolished the commons and left it to the lords.

    If not however....gray like many is getting a peerage merely for doing her job and that is wrong. Same with all the people appointed by any party. Doing your job 9 to 5 is rewarded by pay....honours should be reserved for those that go above and beyond merely doing a well remunerated job.

    Experts in a field yes being the possible exception.

    A CEO or a civil servant or an ex mp for just doing what they are paid for can fuck off back to a richly deserved obscurity when they retire
    100%

    Preach it brother
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 8,471
    kle4 said:

    Northern_Al said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    I think even our staunchest Labourites are waking up to the fact that Sir Popularity Vacuum is a gonner.

    I suspect he'll last somewhat longer than will your increasing propensity to make up childish names for him. I recall you being particularly proud of 'Sir Bellend'.
    Weren't the Corbynites really excited about Sir Kid Starver? Or was that the Tories perhaps?
    Corbynites, I think. The irrepressible BJO pushed it hard on here.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    kle4 said:

    Leon said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I know Tobes reasonably well. OOOOH the stories I could tell, but shan't

    He used to be quite a lad, but these days is much more sensible. He is doing genuinely good work with the Free Speech Union, taking on very deserving cases, he has also been cancelled at least twice, quite nastily, generally by people who hate the idea of Academies, or indeed of anyone rightwing

    For the Free Speech Union alone it's a good appointment, far more deserved that 90% of these fucking time wasters on the left. Have you seen Starmer's list? Fucksake Well done Kemi
    I agree. The fact he provokes billious attacks from our lefties says everything about his politics, nothing about his suitability. Do you folks want the Lords rammed to the rafters with centrist drones nodding through every bit of authoritarian lunacy that Sir Helmet dreams up? - Wait don't answer that.
    Look at Starmer's list, and weep for Britain


    Steamer’s new peerages:

    Professor Wendy Alexander
    Sir Brendan Barber
    Luciana Berger
    Mary Bousted
    Kevin Brennan
    Lyn Brown
    Dinah Caine
    Kay Carberry
    Margaret Curran
    Thangam Debbonaire
    Julie Elliott
    David Evans
    Sue Gray
    Theresa Griffin
    Anji Hunter
    Carwyn Jones
    Mike Katz
    Gerard Lemos
    Alison Levitt KC
    Anne Longfield
    Deborah Mattinson
    Steve McCabe
    Claude Morae
    Wendy Nichols
    Simon Pitkeathley
    Dame Anne Marie Rafferty
    Krish Raval
    Marvin Rees
    Revd Dr Russell David Rook
    Phil Wilson
    Rees is an interesting one. Mayor of Bristol who did such a good job the position was abolished.

    Too many MPs. To that extent Young is not entirely unreasonable as an alternative.
    Complete non-entities. Toby Young is a titan compared to them (and I don't actually think Toby is a titan, just a clever guy doing properly good stuff with the FSU)
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 52,256
    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 63,598
    edited December 20
    This is the report by Sky and it was from Trump's campaign co- manager

    https://news.sky.com/story/trump-campaign-co-manager-calls-mandelson-absolute-moron-as-peer-is-confirmed-as-new-us-ambassador-13277216
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 22,372
    IanB2 said:

    Fairliered said:

    A miniature schnauzer would make the best Prime Minister. Annoying, barks a lot but doesn’t have any particular uses. Alternatively, @IanB2’s dog. Never misses a photo opportunity.

    Indeed. Clever, well behaved, independently minded, and has learned a lot more from his travels than a certain PB’er. And trained up from an early age, not even one year old when this was taken…
    "...This is John Cole, outside Venice(?) for the Nine O'Clock News. And now it's back to Angela in the studio..."
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 63,598
    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    That is shocking from the BBC if it is genuine
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    edited December 20
    1. Attendance requirements - it's not full time, but it's more than an occasional hobby
    2. No ex-MPs/political staffers/donors right away - it's not a retirement home, reward for being a loser, or to be a prize to be bought
    3. Greater time for scrutiny
    Simple and straightforward.


  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    viewcode said:

    IanB2 said:

    Fairliered said:

    A miniature schnauzer would make the best Prime Minister. Annoying, barks a lot but doesn’t have any particular uses. Alternatively, @IanB2’s dog. Never misses a photo opportunity.

    Indeed. Clever, well behaved, independently minded, and has learned a lot more from his travels than a certain PB’er. And trained up from an early age, not even one year old when this was taken…
    "...This is John Cole, outside Venice(?) for the Nine O'Clock News. And now it's back to Angela in the studio..."
    I'm assuming it's Florence, based on deep historical research (that is, Assassin's Creed games).
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 63,598
    viewcode said:

    IanB2 said:

    Fairliered said:

    A miniature schnauzer would make the best Prime Minister. Annoying, barks a lot but doesn’t have any particular uses. Alternatively, @IanB2’s dog. Never misses a photo opportunity.

    Indeed. Clever, well behaved, independently minded, and has learned a lot more from his travels than a certain PB’er. And trained up from an early age, not even one year old when this was taken…
    "...This is John Cole, outside Venice(?) for the Nine O'Clock News. And now it's back to Angela in the studio..."
    Lovely city and wonderful Duomo
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    That is shocking from the BBC if it is genuine
    My guess is Yes. I have received multiple letters like this from the Beeb when I was on license strike, and they look exactly like that. And they often set out to be as menacing as possible. DO YOU REALISE YOU CAN GO TO JAIL?? Shit like that, designed to frighten the old, frail and dim

    It is quite unpleasant, so I can easily believe they send out letters like this for Xmas
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    Northern_Al said:

    kle4 said:

    Northern_Al said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    I think even our staunchest Labourites are waking up to the fact that Sir Popularity Vacuum is a gonner.

    I suspect he'll last somewhat longer than will your increasing propensity to make up childish names for him. I recall you being particularly proud of 'Sir Bellend'.
    Weren't the Corbynites really excited about Sir Kid Starver? Or was that the Tories perhaps?
    Corbynites, I think. The irrepressible BJO pushed it hard on here.
    It's hard to tell Corbynites from Tories sometimes, in fairness.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 50,144
    kle4 said:

    IanB2 said:

    Fairliered said:

    A miniature schnauzer would make the best Prime Minister. Annoying, barks a lot but doesn’t have any particular uses. Alternatively, @IanB2’s dog. Never misses a photo opportunity.

    Indeed. Clever, well behaved, independently minded, and has learned a lot more from his travels than a certain PB’er. And trained up from an early age, not even one year old when this was taken…
    As if to disprove my prior comment about his perennial grin, he is very serious faced there.
    He was wondering why he had to get up at 5 am and walk half way across Florence just to see the sun come up. What you can’t see, but could certainly hear, is the army of Firenze refuse collectors off to the left of the photo, emptying the bins and sweeping the streets ready for another day in tourist central.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 28,393
    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 63,598
    edited December 20
    Musk backed Germany's AFD today and with Trump' co campaign director's derogatory comments about Mandelson and add in millions given to Farage by Musk, will this help or hinder Reform?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    People won't see it that way, will they? Reform will say It's up to the Beeb to fund itself, with ads or streaming and thus it's up to the Beeb if Enders or Strictly endure, and of course if the Beeb lets them go C4 or ITV can buy them and do them, anyway, as with Bake Off

    The argument that the BBC is some precious mass broadcaster is over, and the Beeb lost. Young people barely watch it

    This makes me sad. It's a great British soft power institution. I want it to survive and thrive. But it needs to adapt and fast, and frightening old ladies on Xmas Day is not a great look
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,166
    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    If Starmer had any nous at all, he'd abolish the license fee, and fund the BBC from general taxation.
    Economically, insignificant; culturally and politically, huge.

    If Labour don't regularly shoot the 'Fukers' foxes, they'll go the way of the Tories.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,575
    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    People won't see it that way, will they? Reform will say It's up to the Beeb to fund itself, with ads or streaming and thus it's up to the Beeb if Enders or Strictly endure, and of course if the Beeb lets them go C4 or ITV can buy them and do them, anyway, as with Bake Off

    The argument that the BBC is some precious mass broadcaster is over, and the Beeb lost. Young people barely watch it

    This makes me sad. It's a great British soft power institution. I want it to survive and thrive. But it needs to adapt and fast, and frightening old ladies on Xmas Day is not a great look
    Focus on news and flog off the entertainment stuff may be the only way - it's easier to justify money for the former.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,112
    IanB2 said:

    kle4 said:

    IanB2 said:

    Fairliered said:

    A miniature schnauzer would make the best Prime Minister. Annoying, barks a lot but doesn’t have any particular uses. Alternatively, @IanB2’s dog. Never misses a photo opportunity.

    Indeed. Clever, well behaved, independently minded, and has learned a lot more from his travels than a certain PB’er. And trained up from an early age, not even one year old when this was taken…
    As if to disprove my prior comment about his perennial grin, he is very serious faced there.
    He was wondering why he had to get up at 5 am and walk half way across Florence just to see the sun come up. What you can’t see, but could certainly hear, is the army of Firenze refuse collectors off to the left of the photo, emptying the bins and sweeping the streets ready for another day in tourist central.
    A dog that does his duty and can appear solemn on appropriate occasions does sound rather suited to the job.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 52,109
    Leon said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I know Tobes reasonably well. OOOOH the stories I could tell, but shan't

    He used to be quite a lad, but these days is much more sensible. He is doing genuinely good work with the Free Speech Union, taking on very deserving cases, he has also been cancelled at least twice, quite nastily, generally by people who hate the idea of Academies, or indeed of anyone rightwing

    For the Free Speech Union alone it's a good appointment, far more deserved that 90% of these fucking time wasters on the left. Have you seen Starmer's list? Fucksake Well done Kemi
    I agree. The fact he provokes billious attacks from our lefties says everything about his politics, nothing about his suitability. Do you folks want the Lords rammed to the rafters with centrist drones nodding through every bit of authoritarian lunacy that Sir Helmet dreams up? - Wait don't answer that.
    Look at Starmer's list, and weep for Britain


    Steamer’s new peerages:

    Professor Wendy Alexander
    Sir Brendan Barber
    Luciana Berger
    Mary Bousted
    Kevin Brennan
    Lyn Brown
    Dinah Caine
    Kay Carberry
    Margaret Curran
    Thangam Debbonaire
    Julie Elliott
    David Evans
    Sue Gray
    Theresa Griffin
    Anji Hunter
    Carwyn Jones
    Mike Katz
    Gerard Lemos
    Alison Levitt KC
    Anne Longfield
    Deborah Mattinson
    Steve McCabe
    Claude Morae
    Wendy Nichols
    Simon Pitkeathley
    Dame Anne Marie Rafferty
    Krish Raval
    Marvin Rees
    Revd Dr Russell David Rook
    Phil Wilson
    HOUSE OF LORDS = HOUSE OF UNELECTED HAS-BEENS!
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 52,109
    Just about to tuck in to my Vegan No-dog Cambodian Dog Curry :)
  • MattWMattW Posts: 23,869
    edited December 20
    I think it is just an extension to the silly season.

    For nativists, here is a good list of 12 white dog breeds, including one that looks like one of those string bath mats that your grandma used to have. There will be a dilemma, as most of them are foreign.

    https://www.thesprucepets.com/white-dog-breeds-4846529
  • david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,834
    kle4 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    People won't see it that way, will they? Reform will say It's up to the Beeb to fund itself, with ads or streaming and thus it's up to the Beeb if Enders or Strictly endure, and of course if the Beeb lets them go C4 or ITV can buy them and do them, anyway, as with Bake Off

    The argument that the BBC is some precious mass broadcaster is over, and the Beeb lost. Young people barely watch it

    This makes me sad. It's a great British soft power institution. I want it to survive and thrive. But it needs to adapt and fast, and frightening old ladies on Xmas Day is not a great look
    Focus on news and flog off the entertainment stuff may be the only way - it's easier to justify money for the former.
    Make it a subscription service, take it out of government control and form it into a mutual, owned by the subscribers. They could actually charge a market fee then and make some decent TV. And I'd have no problem with adverts.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    Sunil_Prasannan said:

    Leon said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I know Tobes reasonably well. OOOOH the stories I could tell, but shan't

    He used to be quite a lad, but these days is much more sensible. He is doing genuinely good work with the Free Speech Union, taking on very deserving cases, he has also been cancelled at least twice, quite nastily, generally by people who hate the idea of Academies, or indeed of anyone rightwing

    For the Free Speech Union alone it's a good appointment, far more deserved that 90% of these fucking time wasters on the left. Have you seen Starmer's list? Fucksake Well done Kemi
    I agree. The fact he provokes billious attacks from our lefties says everything about his politics, nothing about his suitability. Do you folks want the Lords rammed to the rafters with centrist drones nodding through every bit of authoritarian lunacy that Sir Helmet dreams up? - Wait don't answer that.
    Look at Starmer's list, and weep for Britain


    Steamer’s new peerages:

    Professor Wendy Alexander
    Sir Brendan Barber
    Luciana Berger
    Mary Bousted
    Kevin Brennan
    Lyn Brown
    Dinah Caine
    Kay Carberry
    Margaret Curran
    Thangam Debbonaire
    Julie Elliott
    David Evans
    Sue Gray
    Theresa Griffin
    Anji Hunter
    Carwyn Jones
    Mike Katz
    Gerard Lemos
    Alison Levitt KC
    Anne Longfield
    Deborah Mattinson
    Steve McCabe
    Claude Morae
    Wendy Nichols
    Simon Pitkeathley
    Dame Anne Marie Rafferty
    Krish Raval
    Marvin Rees
    Revd Dr Russell David Rook
    Phil Wilson
    HOUSE OF LORDS = HOUSE OF UNELECTED HAS-BEENS!
    Indeed. That list alone makes me yearn to abolish it
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 23,140
    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    If Labour are cancelling latin why shouldn't Reform finish the job off with the ballroom?
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 28,393
    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    People won't see it that way, will they? Reform will say It's up to the Beeb to fund itself, with ads or streaming and thus it's up to the Beeb if Enders or Strictly endure, and of course if the Beeb lets them go C4 or ITV can buy them and do them, anyway, as with Bake Off

    The argument that the BBC is some precious mass broadcaster is over, and the Beeb lost. Young people barely watch it

    This makes me sad. It's a great British soft power institution. I want it to survive and thrive. But it needs to adapt and fast, and frightening old ladies on Xmas Day is not a great look
    What you describe as clever politics is Reform abolishing the licence fee "on day one" and not on day 682 after consultation and implementation of alternative funding mechanisms. The voters Reform is targeting watch BBC1. They watch Eastenders and Strictly, even if you and I and sneering middle class professionals like the chaps who tweet for Reform do not.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 28,787
    edited December 20
    Northern_Al said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    I think even our staunchest Labourites are waking up to the fact that Sir Popularity Vacuum is a gonner.

    I suspect he'll last somewhat longer than will your increasing propensity to make up childish names for him. I recall you being particularly proud of 'Sir Bellend'.
    Edit - I've seen you've just added 'Sir Helmet'. Gosh, you're hilarious.
    Thanks - one tries.

    Was I particularly proud of it though? Just run of the mill posting.
  • PoodleInASlipstreamPoodleInASlipstream Posts: 259
    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    This is the letter that dropped through my door this week. Keep in mind I don't legally need a TV licence and have done nothing wrong.



    I don't think people who have a TV licence realise the torrent of threats the BBC pours out to people who don't need one. Dozens of letters like this or worse every year, and there's no way of stopping them other than buying a licence (filling in the "I don't need a licence" form only pauses the letters).

    If I, as a private individual or in the course of normal business, sent a stream of letters like this to someone I'd expect a visit from the plod in short order. It's legal intimidation and yes, very smart politics to highlight it.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    edited December 20
    PoodleInASlipstream said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    This is the letter that dropped through my door this week. Keep in mind I don't legally need a TV licence and have done nothing wrong.



    I don't think people who have a TV licence realise the torrent of threats the BBC pours out to people who don't need one. Dozens of letters like this or worse every year, and there's no way of stopping them other than buying a licence (filling in the "I don't need a licence" form only pauses the letters).

    If I, as a private individual or in the course of normal business, sent a stream of letters like this to someone I'd expect a visit from the plod in short order. It's legal intimidation and yes, very smart politics to highlight it.
    Yep, that's what they're like, and sometimes worse

    I can easily believe the Christmas one, indeed I am 97% sure it is real. This is their style

    YOU HAVE ONLY FIVE DAYS LEFT, OR ELSE
  • CHartCHart Posts: 48
    Musk at it again calling for the german nazi party to save germany.

    Only the AfD can save Germany
    Quote
    Naomi Seibt

    @SeibtNaomi
    ·

    https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1869986946031988780
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 28,393
    kle4 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    People won't see it that way, will they? Reform will say It's up to the Beeb to fund itself, with ads or streaming and thus it's up to the Beeb if Enders or Strictly endure, and of course if the Beeb lets them go C4 or ITV can buy them and do them, anyway, as with Bake Off

    The argument that the BBC is some precious mass broadcaster is over, and the Beeb lost. Young people barely watch it

    This makes me sad. It's a great British soft power institution. I want it to survive and thrive. But it needs to adapt and fast, and frightening old ladies on Xmas Day is not a great look
    Focus on news and flog off the entertainment stuff may be the only way - it's easier to justify money for the former.
    So your plan is to sell off the stuff people like watching, and subsidise what people don't watch but their betters think is important. Good luck selling that on the doorstep.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,112
    noneoftheabove said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    If Labour are cancelling latin why shouldn't Reform finish the job off with the ballroom?
    If it's salsa for the goose it's salsa for the gander.

    Whatever else, it isn't American Smooth.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 56,483
    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    kle4 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    People won't see it that way, will they? Reform will say It's up to the Beeb to fund itself, with ads or streaming and thus it's up to the Beeb if Enders or Strictly endure, and of course if the Beeb lets them go C4 or ITV can buy them and do them, anyway, as with Bake Off

    The argument that the BBC is some precious mass broadcaster is over, and the Beeb lost. Young people barely watch it

    This makes me sad. It's a great British soft power institution. I want it to survive and thrive. But it needs to adapt and fast, and frightening old ladies on Xmas Day is not a great look
    Focus on news and flog off the entertainment stuff may be the only way - it's easier to justify money for the former.
    So your plan is to sell off the stuff people like watching, and subsidise what people don't watch but their betters think is important. Good luck selling that on the doorstep.
    People, increasingly, are not watching it. The stats on consumption of BBC material by young people are asotnishingly bleak for the Beeb. Most kids don't consume ANY
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 28,787
    Kemi explains her picks:

    https://conservativehome.com/2024/12/20/new-kemi-badenoch-my-appointments-to-the-lords-are-true-radicals-the-smart-and-the-very-brave/
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 23,140
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Musk backed Germany's AFD today and with Trump' co campaign director's derogatory comments about Mandelson and add in millions given to Farage by Musk, will this help or hinder Reform?

    The US billionaries, not just Musk, are going to throw their money around in Europe now to finish off democracy aided by Putin and the middle eastern royal dictators. They won't find it particularly hard to win.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 28,393
    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    kle4 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    Reform abolishing the licence fee might be clever politics. Reform axing Eastenders and Strictly is a less obvious vote-winner.
    People won't see it that way, will they? Reform will say It's up to the Beeb to fund itself, with ads or streaming and thus it's up to the Beeb if Enders or Strictly endure, and of course if the Beeb lets them go C4 or ITV can buy them and do them, anyway, as with Bake Off

    The argument that the BBC is some precious mass broadcaster is over, and the Beeb lost. Young people barely watch it

    This makes me sad. It's a great British soft power institution. I want it to survive and thrive. But it needs to adapt and fast, and frightening old ladies on Xmas Day is not a great look
    Focus on news and flog off the entertainment stuff may be the only way - it's easier to justify money for the former.
    So your plan is to sell off the stuff people like watching, and subsidise what people don't watch but their betters think is important. Good luck selling that on the doorstep.
    People, increasingly, are not watching it. The stats on consumption of BBC material by young people are asotnishingly bleak for the Beeb. Most kids don't consume ANY
    And they are not voting for Reform either, or buying television licences. People who pay the licence fee want it abolished but also want to keep their favourite programmes it pays for.

    What is interesting is whether the streamers can keep it up. They do not have the infrastructure to show sport live, as the boxing showed. The young'uns are increasingly hooked on short-form video as found on YouTube, TikTok and so on. No-one knows what to do. Broadcasters are flirting with streaming and streamers are releasing some programmes at intervals, like regular television.
  • Alphabet_SoupAlphabet_Soup Posts: 3,316
    Foxy said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I don't think Toby Young got in by mistake, so much as his father pulling strings. So much for the Meritocracy.

    https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/a-wellconnected-ambitious-blowhard-toby-young-is-just-what-education-doesn-t-need-a3731921.html#r3z-addoor
    That makes Toby an hereditary life peer. I don't suppose he's the first but I can't think of any others off-hand.

    Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive
    But Toby Young was very heaven
  • CHartCHart Posts: 48
    noneoftheabove said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Musk backed Germany's AFD today and with Trump' co campaign director's derogatory comments about Mandelson and add in millions given to Farage by Musk, will this help or hinder Reform?

    The US billionaries, not just Musk, are going to throw their money around in Europe now to finish off democracy aided by Putin and the middle eastern royal dictators. They won't find it particularly hard to win.
    Mind you many ordinary people in the west i speak to dont seem to want democracy anymore either.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 9,989
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Leon said:

    williamglenn said:

    A vote-winning policy from Reform:

    https://x.com/rupertlowe10/status/1870156993463247262

    Look at these threats from the BBC mafia - expect the thugs on Christmas Day!

    When we win in 2029, the licence fee is gone on day one.

    image

    That is seriously clever politics
    That is shocking from the BBC if it is genuine
    Enforcement is I think devolved to crapita....only had one visit so far and he stopped talking and walked away when I started filming the interaction
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 3,944
    On topic
    I'm surprised that greyhounds don't feature. They make lovely pets.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 52,256
    noneoftheabove said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Musk backed Germany's AFD today and with Trump' co campaign director's derogatory comments about Mandelson and add in millions given to Farage by Musk, will this help or hinder Reform?

    The US billionaries, not just Musk, are going to throw their money around in Europe now to finish off democracy aided by Putin and the middle eastern royal dictators. They won't find it particularly hard to win.
    On the big questions, what we have in Europe can't really be called democracy. In this country people have consistently voted for reductions in immigration and got the opposite. Polls show substantial majorities in favour of the death penalty but it's become a political taboo to mention it. This disconnect can't hold forever and if the existing system collapses, it won't be the end of democracy but it's rebirth.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 23,140
    Leon said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    Leon said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    ydoethur said:

    What absolute lunatic has made Toby Young a peer?

    Oh, I see now.

    FPT

    Toby Young, if I rightly remember the Channel 4 docudrama When Boris Met Dave, was at Oxford with Boris and David Cameron. Accepted by mistake, Tobes got a first in PPE like Dave and was sacked from the Times like Boris. He is the quintessential Conservative.
    I know Tobes reasonably well. OOOOH the stories I could tell, but shan't

    He used to be quite a lad, but these days is much more sensible. He is doing genuinely good work with the Free Speech Union, taking on very deserving cases, he has also been cancelled at least twice, quite nastily, generally by people who hate the idea of Academies, or indeed of anyone rightwing

    For the Free Speech Union alone it's a good appointment, far more deserved that 90% of these fucking time wasters on the left. Have you seen Starmer's list? Fucksake Well done Kemi
    I agree. The fact he provokes billious attacks from our lefties says everything about his politics, nothing about his suitability. Do you folks want the Lords rammed to the rafters with centrist drones nodding through every bit of authoritarian lunacy that Sir Helmet dreams up? - Wait don't answer that.
    Look at Starmer's list, and weep for Britain


    Steamer’s new peerages:

    Professor Wendy Alexander
    Sir Brendan Barber
    Luciana Berger
    Mary Bousted
    Kevin Brennan
    Lyn Brown
    Dinah Caine
    Kay Carberry
    Margaret Curran
    Thangam Debbonaire
    Julie Elliott
    David Evans
    Sue Gray
    Theresa Griffin
    Anji Hunter
    Carwyn Jones
    Mike Katz
    Gerard Lemos
    Alison Levitt KC
    Anne Longfield
    Deborah Mattinson
    Steve McCabe
    Claude Morae
    Wendy Nichols
    Simon Pitkeathley
    Dame Anne Marie Rafferty
    Krish Raval
    Marvin Rees
    Revd Dr Russell David Rook
    Phil Wilson
    I've vaguely heard of about five of them, Gray is the only one I know anything substantive about. I'm sure they are more red than blue for once but thats because the blues lost. They will hopefully realise and stop bleating before 2029.

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