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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 12,642
edited March 8 in General
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times – politicalbetting.com

Latest YouGov government approval ratings, 22-23 February 2025Approve: 16% (+2 from 15-17 Feb)Disapprove: 62% (-6)Net: -46 (+8)yougov.co.uk/topics/polit…

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  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,301
    Given things will probably get worse before they get better, is it worth sacking Reeves now?
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    edited February 27
    I find these numbers quite astonishing. What did people imagine they'd get if they voted Labour in?

    I think that questions like - 'Given you voted Labour and this is where we are now - how do you feel' ought to get very high positives - although if you actually asked that based on the above it wouldn't be so.

    Personally I'd give both Starmer and Reeves around 9/10 for their performance given that they are part of a Labour government. Labour of course being a party of 19th century ideas that weren't right even then.

    (Suspect I'm not still 'first')

  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 33,698
    edited February 27
    It is going to get worse for Labour. Trump and Musk are so going to butt-**** Starmer in half an hour. I am half expecting Andy Tate to be declared Prime Minister whilst Starmer is arrested for treason.

    On the other hand, in other news, what is Suella on? She can be whatever she wants. If she doesn't want to be English/British, so be it, but she has no right to imply any of the England football team, past and present, that they aren't English. I am sure she sees some racist point scoring win in amongst her peculiar narrative. Silly woman.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 5,848
    That’s before the defence increase announcement so I’d expect the approval to go up a bit .

    As for Reeves well the next election is miles away so I don’t think she’ll be going anytime soon .
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 18,271
    edited February 27
    Omnium said:

    I find these numbers quite astonishing. What did people imagine they'd get if they voted Labour in?

    I think that questions like - 'Given you voted Labour and this is where we are now - how do you feel' ought to get very high positives - although if you actually asked that based on the above it wouldn't be so.

    Personally I'd give both Starmer and Reeves around 9/10 for their performance given that they are part of a Labour government. Labour of course being a party of 19th century ideas that weren't right even then.

    (Suspect I'm not still 'first')

    It also depends what scores you give the others. Take the Trump/Ukraine situation. It's not difficult to see how Starmer could improve on his response but at least he's serious. The alternatives to Labour are firstly Conservatives, whose one and only foreign policy position is Abolish Chagos, and let's not talk about pronouns (You're the only one talking about pronouns, Kemi, it's never a good time but certainly not now). And secondly Reform whose leader has gone to ground because he knows he will be found out if anyone is paying attention.

    Against that parcel of rogues, the government looks pretty good.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 33,698
    williamglenn said:

    Starmer is showing the limitations of irresponsible populism. He whipped up anger with rhetoric like "the Johnson variant" and pretended that all the problems could be solved by getting the Tories out instead of doing the hard graft of opposition - putting in the intellectual work to come up with fresh thinking for the challenges we face in 2025.

    If you are saying Labour talking down the economy and then doing nothing to address the economy for five months in Government you have a point. However there was no greater example of irresponsible populism than the "Johnson variant" of Brexit.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 56,314
    Mexicanpete said:

    williamglenn said:

    Starmer is showing the limitations of irresponsible populism. He whipped up anger with rhetoric like "the Johnson variant" and pretended that all the problems could be solved by getting the Tories out instead of doing the hard graft of opposition - putting in the intellectual work to come up with fresh thinking for the challenges we face in 2025.

    If you are saying Labour talking down the economy and then doing nothing to address the economy for five months in Government you have a point. However there was no greater example of irresponsible populism than the "Johnson variant" of Brexit.
    Neither being in or out of the EU is inherently populist in itself. It just depends how the arguments are framed.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 55,677
    "Paying debt to Starmer you party for a living
    What you take won't kill you but careful what you're giving"
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 79,999
    Meeting about the nursery my daughter attends OFSTED (Not yet published) report in an hour's time. I have my suspicions about what might get discussed but we shall see !
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 33,698
    williamglenn said:

    Mexicanpete said:

    williamglenn said:

    Starmer is showing the limitations of irresponsible populism. He whipped up anger with rhetoric like "the Johnson variant" and pretended that all the problems could be solved by getting the Tories out instead of doing the hard graft of opposition - putting in the intellectual work to come up with fresh thinking for the challenges we face in 2025.

    If you are saying Labour talking down the economy and then doing nothing to address the economy for five months in Government you have a point. However there was no greater example of irresponsible populism than the "Johnson variant" of Brexit.
    Neither being in or out of the EU is inherently populist in itself. It just depends how the arguments are framed.
    As you well know, Farage sold Brexit as providing an inherent anti immigration benefit. Johnson saw race as an important issue to make himself Prime Minister by promoting Brexit which would see Eastern Europeans sent packing. When he was asked who would clean our toilets when the Poles went home he provided an immigration alternative which his audience didn't understand.
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    FF43 said:

    Omnium said:

    I find these numbers quite astonishing. What did people imagine they'd get if they voted Labour in?

    I think that questions like - 'Given you voted Labour and this is where we are now - how do you feel' ought to get very high positives - although if you actually asked that based on the above it wouldn't be so.

    Personally I'd give both Starmer and Reeves around 9/10 for their performance given that they are part of a Labour government. Labour of course being a party of 19th century ideas that weren't right even then.

    (Suspect I'm not still 'first')

    It also depends what scores you give the others. Take the Trump/Ukraine situation. It's not difficult to see how Starmer could improve on his response but at least he's serious. The alternatives to Labour are firstly Conservatives, whose one and only foreign policy position is Abolish Chagos, and let's not talk about pronouns (You're the only one talking about pronouns, Kemi, it's never a good time but certainly not now). And secondly Reform whose leader has gone to ground because he knows he will be found out if anyone is paying attention.

    Against that parcel of rogues, the government looks pretty good.
    Seems a reasonable summary.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 39,678
    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 33,698
    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    National humiliation number one in a series of 12.
  • CatManCatMan Posts: 3,389
    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    Very strange for the Americans to name a guesthouse after Tony Blair
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 3,870
    Mexicanpete said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    National humiliation number one in a series of 12.
    Which nation? It might be a way of local American staff expressing distress.
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    Mexicanpete said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    National humiliation number one in a series of 12.
    They're not good enough for tea!
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    CharlieShark said:

    Mexicanpete said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    National humiliation number one in a series of 12.
    Yet the White House has issued invites to journalists to the press conference with the PM of Great Britain and Ireland. So it looks likes we have got some territory back at least.
    They'll correct it to 'Governor' soon.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 46,933
    Mexicanpete said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    National humiliation number one in a series of 12.
    I wonder if the option of not going was considered.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 55,677
    viewcode said:

    CatMan said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    Very strange for the Americans to name a guesthouse after Tony Blair
    It wasn't. It was named after "The Blair Witch Project" in the 1990s. Clinton was a big horror fan and often had Mark Kermode over to discuss "The Exorcist". Al Gore had a similar passion for "Angel Heart", a stance which cost him Louisiana in 2000 and hence the Presidency. On such things history turns...

    :):):):):):):):):):)
    Al Gore invented the Al Gore Rhythm.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 66,474
    edited February 27
    Sky reporting the Union Flag is flying upside down at Blair House [President's Guest House]
  • FossFoss Posts: 1,568
    viewcode said:

    CatMan said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    Very strange for the Americans to name a guesthouse after Tony Blair
    It wasn't. It was named after "The Blair Witch Project" in the 1990s. Clinton was a big horror fan and often had Mark Kermode over to discuss "The Exorcist". Al Gore had a similar passion for "Angel Heart", a stance which cost him Louisiana in 2000 and hence the Presidency. On such things history turns...

    :):):):):):):):):):)
    You laugh, but I do wonder how many votes Tipper Gore's war on metal and rap cost the Gore presidential campaign...
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 9,009
    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 55,677
    edited February 27
    Omnium said:

    CharlieShark said:

    Mexicanpete said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    National humiliation number one in a series of 12.
    Yet the White House has issued invites to journalists to the press conference with the PM of Great Britain and Ireland. So it looks likes we have got some territory back at least.
    They'll correct it to 'Governor' soon.
    "The Anglosphere is to be reorganised into the First Galactic Empire! For a safe and secure society!"
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 66,474
    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    NOA
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 11,607
    Mexicanpete said:

    It is going to get worse for Labour. Trump and Musk are so going to butt-**** Starmer in half an hour. I am half expecting Andy Tate to be declared Prime Minister whilst Starmer is arrested for treason.

    On the other hand, in other news, what is Suella on? She can be whatever she wants. If she doesn't want to be English/British, so be it, but she has no right to imply any of the England football team, past and present, that they aren't English. I am sure she sees some racist point scoring win in amongst her peculiar narrative. Silly woman.

    Nah.

    Trump/Musk approval ratings in the UK are dire. People might be supremely disappointed in Starmer, but the loathing some PBers feel for him is unusual. The contrast of the (relatively) benign Starmer with the grostesque US administration can only help him.

    The comments on the BBC demonstrate the appetite for a Love Actually moment. People are aghast at the way Canada has been treated, and despite some of the clever economics chat on here, would support the PM if we responded in kind.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,301
    Omnium said:

    CharlieShark said:

    Mexicanpete said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @Stone_SkyNews

    🇺🇸🇬🇧 It seems that the union flag is flying upside down outside Blair House - the presidential guesthouse opposite the White House where PM Starmer is staying for his visit.

    https://x.com/Stone_SkyNews/status/1895155785887277218

    National humiliation number one in a series of 12.
    Yet the White House has issued invites to journalists to the press conference with the PM of Great Britain and Ireland. So it looks likes we have got some territory back at least.
    They'll correct it to 'Governor' soon.
    I'd prefer Exarch. It has an X in it, so would appeal to Vice-President Musk.
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 3,870
    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    Seems to me those two men's personalities are pretty much diametrically opposed in every way. Could produce an interesting dynamic.
  • kjhkjh Posts: 13,084
    edited February 27
    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    Davey might be fun. Could end up in a punch up.

    Sandals at dawn.
  • CatManCatMan Posts: 3,389
    I miss the days when the PM showed up in America on Concorde with a "Take your slumbering Air Force One and shove it" attitude.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,301
    kinabalu said:

    rcs1000 said:

    NickPalmer said:

    The header is at least arguably reasonable from an economic viewpoint, but unwise from a political viewpoint. The US needs to feel that further sanctions would be uncomfortable.

    Here's the thing (morning all!), the sanctions will probably negatively affect the US more than the EU. They will raise the cost of the US reindustrialising, they will raise consumer prices, while probably having only a very modest effect on the EU's exports.

    So why get into a pissing contest? Instead, just ignore Trump and the US, and get on with raising Eurozone domestic demand.
    I'd actually like to see "ignore Trump" adopted as a general policy by other countries. Don't take that call. Don't go to DC. Don't invite him anywhere. Freeze him out. Get him off the news.

    He'll soon get the message.
    I don't think that's really viable with the US President.

    One reason he loves the job so much, it guarantees him permanent attention, he's even told his people to treat it like a TV show.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 45,032
    edited February 27
    Eabhal said:

    Mexicanpete said:

    It is going to get worse for Labour. Trump and Musk are so going to butt-**** Starmer in half an hour. I am half expecting Andy Tate to be declared Prime Minister whilst Starmer is arrested for treason.

    On the other hand, in other news, what is Suella on? She can be whatever she wants. If she doesn't want to be English/British, so be it, but she has no right to imply any of the England football team, past and present, that they aren't English. I am sure she sees some racist point scoring win in amongst her peculiar narrative. Silly woman.

    Nah.

    Trump/Musk approval ratings in the UK are dire. People might be supremely disappointed in Starmer, but the loathing some PBers feel for him is unusual. The contrast of the (relatively) benign Starmer with the grostesque US administration can only help him.

    The comments on the BBC demonstrate the appetite for a Love Actually moment. People are aghast at the way Canada has been treated, and despite some of the clever economics chat on here, would support the PM if we responded in kind.
    Arguably the only unusual thing about SKS is he's the first non-Tory PM for 14 years, after some prize specimens of Tory PMs. Everything else is mere handwaving and rationalisation to justify this partisan attitude to him, like Slab's reaction to SNP taking the latter's toys and pram away.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 56,314
    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    Like him or loathe him, the one British politician we have who could hold his own with Trump is BoJo.

    It would be interesting to see how Blair would handle him.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 45,032
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky reporting the Union Flag is flying upside down at Blair House [President's Guest House]

    That's odd as the flag is usually bent onto the halyard in a manner that makes it very obvious which is the correct way up, with the wooden toggle at the top edge/corner. So deliberate?
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 56,314
    Carnyx said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky reporting the Union Flag is flying upside down at Blair House [President's Guest House]

    That's odd as the flag is usually bent onto the halyard in a manner that makes it very obvious which is the correct way up, with the wooden toggle at the top edge/corner. So deliberate?
    A distress signal for Canadian reinforcements to come and intervene?
  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 5,716
    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    Likewise having Mandelson navigate the insanity is somewhat reassuring, even to the extent of knowing how dodgy dealings work.

    But, let's see.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 45,032
    edited February 27
    williamglenn said:

    Carnyx said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky reporting the Union Flag is flying upside down at Blair House [President's Guest House]

    That's odd as the flag is usually bent onto the halyard in a manner that makes it very obvious which is the correct way up, with the wooden toggle at the top edge/corner. So deliberate?
    A distress signal for Canadian reinforcements to come and intervene?
    No, because it's a US Government facility. Could just be a crap flagmaker.
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 9,009
    williamglenn said:

    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    Like him or loathe him, the one British politician we have who could hold his own with Trump is BoJo.

    It would be interesting to see how Blair would handle him.
    You give people a simple multiple choice question, then they give an answer that wasn't one of the choices. Tricky audience, PB.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 32,397
    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    Me too.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    Yes, given Reeves' ratings are even lower than the government's hard to see how Starmer cannot remove her
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    HYUFD said:

    Yes, given Reeves' ratings are even lower than the government's hard to see how Starmer cannot remove her

    You're a patriot above a partisan I imagine. Should he?
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 52,653
    edited February 27
    Eabhal said:

    Mexicanpete said:

    It is going to get worse for Labour. Trump and Musk are so going to butt-**** Starmer in half an hour. I am half expecting Andy Tate to be declared Prime Minister whilst Starmer is arrested for treason.

    On the other hand, in other news, what is Suella on? She can be whatever she wants. If she doesn't want to be English/British, so be it, but she has no right to imply any of the England football team, past and present, that they aren't English. I am sure she sees some racist point scoring win in amongst her peculiar narrative. Silly woman.

    Nah.

    Trump/Musk approval ratings in the UK are dire. People might be supremely disappointed in Starmer, but the loathing some PBers feel for him is unusual. The contrast of the (relatively) benign Starmer with the grostesque US administration can only help him.

    The comments on the BBC demonstrate the appetite for a Love Actually moment. People are aghast at the way Canada has been treated, and despite some of the clever economics chat on here, would support the PM if we responded in kind.
    For sure. As soon as the US turned on Canada and Mexico, I decided to cut loose from my financial commitments to the US. Netflix, AppleTV, Paramount, all cancelled. Amazon Prime scheduled to stop in the autumn. No more Californian Pinot from Virgin Wines or Alaskan salmon from Waitrose. Not using Amazon at all is the tough one - the time and hassle it takes to try and buy the same stuff from domestic online suppliers, compared to the easy click and buy from Amazon, is remarkable. But I will do my best. The big question is my already booked trip to the US for 2026, which I may have to re-envisage as a mostly Canadian road trip.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    edited February 27
    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them. Trump also says 25% tariffs on EU imports will be coming 'soon.'

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05ml3q2gn7o
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 61,139
    HYUFD said:

    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and EU tariffs from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them.

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    As long as people keep making concessions when he imposes tariffs, he will keep doing it.

    Simply ignore him.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 32,397
    HYUFD said:

    Yes, given Reeves' ratings are even lower than the government's hard to see how Starmer cannot remove her

    But she's a firewall. He might want to hold off sacking her. Also she has (belatedly) tied herself to the growth agenda so it's a big victory for the anti-growth coalition if she's sacked, which seems a fairly dire message to send.
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 7,804
    The biggest problem in the government right now is you’ve got two figures at the top, Starmer and Reeves, who are both quite wooden, not particularly inspiring, and can’t sell a positive vision well.

    I have said before that Starmer needs a Chancellor that contrasts with his weaknesses and emphasises his strengths. Reeves is not that person. It was inevitable she would have to make hard choices, but the way she has taken those choices was handled poorly, and she simply cannot sell them. She has tried to pivot to talk about growth, but comes across as wooden and uninspiring. She isn’t able to convert the concept of “growth” into meaningful outcomes for voters. This is aside from all the CV and expenses stuff which isnt in itself any kind of smoking gun but doesn’t help her image. In short, I think she’s in the wrong role and Starmer could really do with getting rid.
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and EU tariffs from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them.

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    As long as people keep making concessions when he imposes tariffs, he will keep doing it.

    Simply ignore him.
    You're completely right, but it won't play out that way.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 32,427
    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    Whoever is least likely to be jetlagged, perhaps?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yes, given Reeves' ratings are even lower than the government's hard to see how Starmer cannot remove her

    But she's a firewall. He might want to hold off sacking her. Also she has (belatedly) tied herself to the growth agenda so it's a big victory for the anti-growth coalition if she's sacked, which seems a fairly dire message to send.
    I expect the unions will demand her removal if she starts cutting public services spending without raising tax on the wealthy and corporations, though she is safe for now
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 66,474
    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    Northern_Al said:

    I've no idea how Starmer's meeting with Trump will go. But how about an interesting polling hypothetical. You have a choice of Starmer, Badenoch or Farage as PM to attend that meeting, today. Who would you choose?
    Seems fairly straightforward to me.

    Kemi, she speaks her mind..to anyone
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 32,397
    numbertwelve said:

    The biggest problem in the government right now is you’ve got two figures at the top, Starmer and Reeves, who are both quite wooden, not particularly inspiring, and can’t sell a positive vision well.

    I have said before that Starmer needs a Chancellor that contrasts with his weaknesses and emphasises his strengths. Reeves is not that person. It was inevitable she would have to make hard choices, but the way she has taken those choices was handled poorly, and she simply cannot sell them. She has tried to pivot to talk about growth, but comes across as wooden and uninspiring. She isn’t able to convert the concept of “growth” into meaningful outcomes for voters. This is aside from all the CV and expenses stuff which isnt in itself any kind of smoking gun but doesn’t help her image. In short, I think she’s in the wrong role and Starmer could really do with getting rid.

    This is the real nub of the issue. The Government is making people poorer and life shitter, and doing so wilfully. I really think we're past personality, and entering the era of honest retail politics. I don't see that putting a fresh coat of lipstick on the Labour pig will make much difference.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    From a LABOUR PM, you can't blame the Tories for Trump's state visit invite this time
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    Make's Great Britain 'Great' surely.

    I wonder if we could stick a Trump Golden statue on the top of the column in Trafalgar Square, sorry 'Donald Square'?
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 32,397
    HYUFD said:

    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them. Trump also says 25% tariffs on EU imports will be coming 'soon.'

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05ml3q2gn7o

    What is the border drug issue with Canada? It's the first I've heard of it.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 66,474
    HYUFD said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    From a LABOUR PM, you can't blame the Tories for Trump's state visit invite this time
    Actually Starmer handed a letter from the King to Trump with his invitation for the visit
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    edited February 27
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    HYUFD said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    From a LABOUR PM, you can't blame the Tories for Trump's state visit invite this time
    Actually Starmer handed a letter from the King to Trump with his invitation for the visit
    Yes but it is the government who choose who to invite for state visits, the King just sends the formal invite in response to advice from the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Office
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 56,314
    HYUFD said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    From a LABOUR PM, you can't blame the Tories for Trump's state visit invite this time
    What Trump was missing during his first term was a Labour PM to play the Blair role to his Bush.
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 3,870
    numbertwelve said:

    The biggest problem in the government right now is you’ve got two figures at the top, Starmer and Reeves, who are both quite wooden, not particularly inspiring, and can’t sell a positive vision well.

    I have said before that Starmer needs a Chancellor that contrasts with his weaknesses and emphasises his strengths. Reeves is not that person. It was inevitable she would have to make hard choices, but the way she has taken those choices was handled poorly, and she simply cannot sell them. She has tried to pivot to talk about growth, but comes across as wooden and uninspiring. She isn’t able to convert the concept of “growth” into meaningful outcomes for voters. This is aside from all the CV and expenses stuff which isnt in itself any kind of smoking gun but doesn’t help her image. In short, I think she’s in the wrong role and Starmer could really do with getting rid.

    Depends on who is available to replace her. Why should he go by the public's approval ratings if he considers she's doing a good job?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    HYUFD said:

    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them. Trump also says 25% tariffs on EU imports will be coming 'soon.'

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05ml3q2gn7o

    What is the border drug issue with Canada? It's the first I've heard of it.
    It is a great excuse for Trump to slap tariffs on them mainly
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 66,474
    HYUFD said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    HYUFD said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    From a LABOUR PM, you can't blame the Tories for Trump's state visit invite this time
    Actually Starmer handed a letter from the King to Trump with his invitation for the visit
    Yes but it is the government who choose who to invite for state visits, the King just sends the formal invite in response to advice from the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Office
    Presumably the King has to agree as it is in his name
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 61,139
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    HYUFD said:

    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them. Trump also says 25% tariffs on EU imports will be coming 'soon.'

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05ml3q2gn7o

    What is the border drug issue with Canada? It's the first I've heard of it.
    There isn't really one. There is - or was - a people issue*, but the Canadian government has really stepped up border security.

    * Albeit with 1% of the numbers of the Southern Border, but it was a genuine issue
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 7,804
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    HYUFD said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    HYUFD said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    From a LABOUR PM, you can't blame the Tories for Trump's state visit invite this time
    Actually Starmer handed a letter from the King to Trump with his invitation for the visit
    Yes but it is the government who choose who to invite for state visits, the King just sends the formal invite in response to advice from the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Office
    Presumably the King has to agree as it is in his name
    If the government recommends one, he can’t ultimately refuse.
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 3,870
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    I hope Mr Trump doesn't post anything that hurts anyone's feelings whilst he's here.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 55,677
    Omnium said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    Make's Great Britain 'Great' surely.

    I wonder if we could stick a Trump Golden statue on the top of the column in Trafalgar Square, sorry 'Donald Square'?
    Trump Tower of London.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    "U.S. service members who are transgender or otherwise exhibit gender dysphoria are prohibited from military service unless they obtain an exemption, according to an internal Pentagon memo.

    The memo, revealed in a court filing on Wednesday night, details the Trump administration's new policy regarding transgender individuals. The policy notes that such service members "may be considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis, provided there is a compelling Government interest."'

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-says-transgender-troops-disqualified-from-service-without-exemption
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    Sunil_Prasannan said:

    Omnium said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    Make's Great Britain 'Great' surely.

    I wonder if we could stick a Trump Golden statue on the top of the column in Trafalgar Square, sorry 'Donald Square'?
    Trump Tower of London.
    Such a fate would be the right one.
  • CatManCatMan Posts: 3,389
    rcs1000 said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    HYUFD said:

    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them. Trump also says 25% tariffs on EU imports will be coming 'soon.'

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05ml3q2gn7o

    What is the border drug issue with Canada? It's the first I've heard of it.
    There isn't really one. There is - or was - a people issue*, but the Canadian government has really stepped up border security.

    * Albeit with 1% of the numbers of the Southern Border, but it was a genuine issue
    Isn't there a thing with pharmaceutical drugs in Canada being much cheaper, and that some enterprising Americans get them shipped over?
  • FishingFishing Posts: 5,804
    edited February 27
    HYUFD said:

    Yes, given Reeves' ratings are even lower than the government's hard to see how Starmer cannot remove her

    Who else have they got? Rayner? Miliband? Lammy?

    There's no obvious replacement in this shower of a government with even Reeves's dismally low level of economic competence, let alone judgement.

    That's why she was picked in the first place, and it's what's saving her, just as it saved Sunak in the last year of the last government.
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 18,271
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    HYUFD said:

    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them. Trump also says 25% tariffs on EU imports will be coming 'soon.'

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05ml3q2gn7o

    What is the border drug issue with Canada? It's the first I've heard of it.
    Trump complains Canada is not stopping fentanyl being smuggled to the USA. Which is true. It's all going the other way.
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,876
    Fishing said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yes, given Reeves' ratings are even lower than the government's hard to see how Starmer cannot remove her

    Who else have they got? Rayner? Miliband? Lammy?

    There's no obvious replacement in this shower of a government with even Reeves's dismally low level of economic competence, let alone judgement.

    That's why she was picked in the first place, and it's what's saving her, just as it saved Sunak in the last year of the last government.
    What's saving her is that Starmer entirely agrees with you in that there is no adequate replacement.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    edited February 27
    Fishing said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yes, given Reeves' ratings are even lower than the government's hard to see how Starmer cannot remove her

    Who else have they got? Rayner? Miliband? Lammy?

    There's no obvious replacement in this shower of a government with even Reeves's dismally low level of economic competence, let alone judgement.

    That's why she was picked in the first place, and it's what's saving her, just as it saved Sunak in the last year of the last government.
    Plus, even if it was only as an HBOS corporate complaints manager, she is the only Cabinet minister with significant private sector business experience. Though Yvette Cooper has an MSc in Economics and was an economic researcher for John Smith and at a research centre and worked as a journalist for the FT so she does at least have knowledge of the brief
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 18,271
    williamglenn said:

    Carnyx said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky reporting the Union Flag is flying upside down at Blair House [President's Guest House]

    That's odd as the flag is usually bent onto the halyard in a manner that makes it very obvious which is the correct way up, with the wooden toggle at the top edge/corner. So deliberate?
    A distress signal for Canadian reinforcements to come and intervene?
    Set fire to the White House again?
  • MattWMattW Posts: 29,331
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    HYUFD said:

    Trump says he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports to the US and confirms he will go ahead with 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports from next week as neither nation had done enough on border security and drug trafficking to merit further suspension of them. Trump also says 25% tariffs on EU imports will be coming 'soon.'

    So the great global trade war of 2025 is now underway, albeit as Starmer visits Trump in DC the UK is not being targeted specifically yet

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8yy3wpn6eo

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05ml3q2gn7o

    What is the border drug issue with Canada? It's the first I've heard of it.
    Isn't that the flood of fentanyl coming over the border that Canada is not stopping?

    Unfortunately in the previous year the US authorities only seized a handful of kilograms, so it exists mainly in Trump's head. It still made the Executive Order:

    https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-duties-to-address-the-flow-of-illicit-drugs-across-our-national-border/
  • scampi25scampi25 Posts: 238
    IanB2 said:

    Eabhal said:

    Mexicanpete said:

    It is going to get worse for Labour. Trump and Musk are so going to butt-**** Starmer in half an hour. I am half expecting Andy Tate to be declared Prime Minister whilst Starmer is arrested for treason.

    On the other hand, in other news, what is Suella on? She can be whatever she wants. If she doesn't want to be English/British, so be it, but she has no right to imply any of the England football team, past and present, that they aren't English. I am sure she sees some racist point scoring win in amongst her peculiar narrative. Silly woman.

    Nah.

    Trump/Musk approval ratings in the UK are dire. People might be supremely disappointed in Starmer, but the loathing some PBers feel for him is unusual. The contrast of the (relatively) benign Starmer with the grostesque US administration can only help him.

    The comments on the BBC demonstrate the appetite for a Love Actually moment. People are aghast at the way Canada has been treated, and despite some of the clever economics chat on here, would support the PM if we responded in kind.
    For sure. As soon as the US turned on Canada and Mexico, I decided to cut loose from my financial commitments to the US. Netflix, AppleTV, Paramount, all cancelled. Amazon Prime scheduled to stop in the autumn. No more Californian Pinot from Virgin Wines or Alaskan salmon from Waitrose. Not using Amazon at all is the tough one - the time and hassle it takes to try and buy the same stuff from domestic online suppliers, compared to the easy click and buy from Amazon, is remarkable. But I will do my best. The big question is my already booked trip to the US for 2026, which I may have to re-envisage as a mostly Canadian road trip.
    Weird! Just weird
  • LeonLeon Posts: 64,506
    Chagos ok’d by Trump

    That’s it. My micro sympathy for Starmer has gone. He’s a repulsive traitor getting the support of an American lunatic

    Fuck them all
  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 5,716
    I think I've gone easy on the wailing and gnashing of teeth this last few weeks but, my word, the optics from the US have been as bad as they possibly could be.

    Yet, somewhere beneath that, there has been the wriggling of a trout in a burn and just the hint that, despite all the Russia love, despite the appearance of wanting to turn the US into a Russia style constructed reality democracy, that the international relations piece could end up somewhere a bit different from where the mood music is driving at. The old adage of taking Trump seriously but not literally.

    It's maybe a false hope, we should prepare for the absolute, absolute lightening bolt of the US fully aligning with another bloc, and a Europe (with other Western democracies) ready to go alone. But, meanwhile, our guys talk to their guys at all levels (if DOGE hasn't fired them yet), continuing to work together, ready for tomorrow, ready for a future reset to normal.

    I often Flightradar 24 what is out of my kitchen window in the day. Usually civil aircraft, but this morning was the transatlantic transfer of a USAF refuelling plane into Mildenhall. So, a lot of normal continues.

    Finally on this. The Trump supporters have made waves on here in recent weeks, so it's always heartening to see when those who have pretty uncompromising right wing views align themselves with normality. I've been grateful for many of the contributions of @fishing and @stillwaters over the last week or two.

  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 129,729
    Leon said:

    Chagos ok’d by Trump

    That’s it. My micro sympathy for Starmer has gone. He’s a repulsive traitor getting the support of an American lunatic

    Fuck them all

    Though it now becomes Trump's problem to preserve the military base there, he won't let Mauritius remove it
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 55,694
    Sunil_Prasannan said:

    Omnium said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Sky

    Trump accepts state visit to UK

    Make's Great Britain 'Great' surely.

    I wonder if we could stick a Trump Golden statue on the top of the column in Trafalgar Square, sorry 'Donald Square'?
    Trump Tower of London.
    As long as his crown jewels aren't on display...
  • MattWMattW Posts: 29,331
    Pro_Rata said:

    I think I've gone easy on the wailing and gnashing of teeth this last few weeks but, my word, the optics from the US have been as bad as they possibly could be.

    Yet, somewhere beneath that, there has been the wriggling of a trout in a burn and just the hint that, despite all the Russia love, despite the appearance of wanting to turn the US into a Russia style constructed reality democracy, that the international relations piece could end up somewhere a bit different from where the mood music is driving at. The old adage of taking Trump seriously but not literally.

    It's maybe a false hope, we should prepare for the absolute, absolute lightening bolt of the US fully aligning with another bloc, and a Europe (with other Western democracies) ready to go alone. But, meanwhile, our guys talk to their guys at all levels (if DOGE hasn't fired them yet), continuing to work together, ready for tomorrow, ready for a future reset to normal.

    I often Flightradar 24 what is out of my kitchen window in the day. Usually civil aircraft, but this morning was the transatlantic transfer of a USAF refuelling plane into Mildenhall. So, a lot of normal continues.

    Finally on this. The Trump supporters have made waves on here in recent weeks, so it's always heartening to see when those who have pretty uncompromising right wing views align themselves with normality. I've been grateful for many of the contributions of @fishing and @stillwaters over the last week or two.

    I'm not sure if @StillWaters is part of the astringent right !
  • MattWMattW Posts: 29,331
    I wonder if all the media talking expectations of Mr Starmer down a hole to Australia will help or not?

    17:08 "Starmer has few Trump cards"
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c625ex282zzt
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 55,694
    HYUFD said:

    Leon said:

    Chagos ok’d by Trump

    That’s it. My micro sympathy for Starmer has gone. He’s a repulsive traitor getting the support of an American lunatic

    Fuck them all

    Though it now becomes Trump's problem to preserve the military base there, he won't let Mauritius remove it
    So...we are paying a mountain of cash so the US can keep its base there?

    Eh?
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 12,226
    AnneJGP said:

    numbertwelve said:

    The biggest problem in the government right now is you’ve got two figures at the top, Starmer and Reeves, who are both quite wooden, not particularly inspiring, and can’t sell a positive vision well.

    I have said before that Starmer needs a Chancellor that contrasts with his weaknesses and emphasises his strengths. Reeves is not that person. It was inevitable she would have to make hard choices, but the way she has taken those choices was handled poorly, and she simply cannot sell them. She has tried to pivot to talk about growth, but comes across as wooden and uninspiring. She isn’t able to convert the concept of “growth” into meaningful outcomes for voters. This is aside from all the CV and expenses stuff which isnt in itself any kind of smoking gun but doesn’t help her image. In short, I think she’s in the wrong role and Starmer could really do with getting rid.

    Depends on who is available to replace her. Why should he go by the public's approval ratings if he considers she's doing a good job?
    If he thinks she is doing a good job his judgement is even worse than I thought
  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 5,716
    MattW said:

    Pro_Rata said:

    I think I've gone easy on the wailing and gnashing of teeth this last few weeks but, my word, the optics from the US have been as bad as they possibly could be.

    Yet, somewhere beneath that, there has been the wriggling of a trout in a burn and just the hint that, despite all the Russia love, despite the appearance of wanting to turn the US into a Russia style constructed reality democracy, that the international relations piece could end up somewhere a bit different from where the mood music is driving at. The old adage of taking Trump seriously but not literally.

    It's maybe a false hope, we should prepare for the absolute, absolute lightening bolt of the US fully aligning with another bloc, and a Europe (with other Western democracies) ready to go alone. But, meanwhile, our guys talk to their guys at all levels (if DOGE hasn't fired them yet), continuing to work together, ready for tomorrow, ready for a future reset to normal.

    I often Flightradar 24 what is out of my kitchen window in the day. Usually civil aircraft, but this morning was the transatlantic transfer of a USAF refuelling plane into Mildenhall. So, a lot of normal continues.

    Finally on this. The Trump supporters have made waves on here in recent weeks, so it's always heartening to see when those who have pretty uncompromising right wing views align themselves with normality. I've been grateful for many of the contributions of @fishing and @stillwaters over the last week or two.

    I'm not sure if @StillWaters is part of the astringent right !
    I had to look up the name, as I thought of stark dawning first, who definitely isn't.

    Astringent. Nice word for that :)
  • MattWMattW Posts: 29,331
    AnneJGP said:

    HYUFD said:

    "U.S. service members who are transgender or otherwise exhibit gender dysphoria are prohibited from military service unless they obtain an exemption, according to an internal Pentagon memo.

    The memo, revealed in a court filing on Wednesday night, details the Trump administration's new policy regarding transgender individuals. The policy notes that such service members "may be considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis, provided there is a compelling Government interest."'

    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-says-transgender-troops-disqualified-from-service-without-exemption

    That'll give people an easy out if the USA ever needs to introduce conscription.
    The last figure I saw was that this would affect 10-20,000 service people.

    (That's out of around 1.3 million - not sure how accurate I think the number is.)
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 14,394
    edited February 27
    MarqueeMark said:

    HYUFD said:

    Leon said:

    Chagos ok’d by Trump

    That’s it. My micro sympathy for Starmer has gone. He’s a repulsive traitor getting the support of an American lunatic

    Fuck them all

    Though it now becomes Trump's problem to preserve the military base there, he won't let Mauritius remove it
    So...we are paying a mountain of cash so the US can keep its base there?

    Eh?
    Starmer’s Kissing the Ring session is going great for UK isn’t it 🤮

    But it also is all proof I need, Farage, Badenoch, all Tories who thought Trump would laugh Chagos deal out of town as being bad for America, don’t have a diddly squat clue what Chagos Deal is really all about, and what’s really been going on.

    This line “ I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country.”. US and India created Chagos Deal, it’s annoying lies when they keep up the pretence it’s all down to us. 😠
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 56,314
    How long until the Chinese mega fishing fleets turn up in British Indian Ocean Territory?

    https://x.com/pettitfrontier/status/1894497444303396978
  • scampi25scampi25 Posts: 238
    So far all looks good with the visit . No signs of behaviour from Trump to justify some of the hysterical rantings on PB. He's not my cup of tea but if he can bring a quick peace in Ukraine and maybe elsewhere - maybe there's method in his madness.
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 28,167
    scampi25 said:

    So far all looks good with the visit . No signs of behaviour from Trump to justify some of the hysterical rantings on PB. He's not my cup of tea but if he can bring a quick peace in Ukraine and maybe elsewhere - maybe there's method in his madness.

    Why do we want a quick peace in Ukraine ?
  • scampi25scampi25 Posts: 238
    To save lives! Wntl!
  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 5,716
    another_richard said:

    scampi25 said:

    So far all looks good with the visit . No signs of behaviour from Trump to justify some of the hysterical rantings on PB. He's not my cup of tea but if he can bring a quick peace in Ukraine and maybe elsewhere - maybe there's method in his madness.

    Why do we want a quick peace in Ukraine ?
    So we can stop all those bloody planes crashing on the RoC border?
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 27,110
    edited February 27
    Hang on, is it Saturday already?
This discussion has been closed.

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