Friends weddings is a curious one. A chore rather than something to look forward to. Especially if they've spent a fortune on tragic stuff. I'm quite a solitary guy, is it obvious??
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
This is what we like to see. I've read some boring posts on PB before but none quite as meaningless as this. Wall-to-wall waffle!
I’m not usually a fan of parody accounts on social media. I’d rather watch Famileigh tik toks. These accounts are Usually run by morons like that cat one but this tweet is a blinder. So many people falling for it. RAF plane to be painted in pride colours 😂😂😂
On that, Belgium (pop 12m)... According to De Morgen Belgium is planning several large defence investments. Here are the highlights.
- 21 additional F-35As for a total fleet size of 55 (to be assembled in Italy) - 2 additional MQ-9B SkyGuardian for a total fleet of 6 (Will be armed) - 1 additional ASW frigate for a total of 3 - 10 NASAMS Batteries with 4 launchers each
It’s so brilliantly mad and fitting that Labour people are “looking forward to Pride marches” more than anything else, this summer
Who thinks like that? Seriously? Anyone?
They have become a weird creepy cult of “progressives” - utterly divorced from the mainstream of the UK
And they like cold water swimming
Thing is, being in power with a big majority until 2029, with right wingers all foaming and frustrated, is quite a thrill. Too much of a thrill sometimes, if you know what I mean. A cold splash every so often sorts this out.
It’s like an earthquake of terrible food happened somewhere around stuttgart in 1905 and everywhere nearby suffers terribly, a devastation of smoked meats, flavourless gunk and stodgy carbs, but the further away you go - north east west south - slowly it improves - until the damage from the great stuttgart horrible food Tunguska incident is only barely perceptible in, say, Grenoble
Staying in London, I often go for the Doubletree in Ealing. Much nicer than a Travelodge in the city centre for similar money ("within policy") and with the Liz Line taking you to where you need to be.
Ealing also being my former home patch, so I'm a sort of local.
Likewise me at the Spark by Hilton in Romford - that’s stupidly cheap but the rooms are tiny and the food dire.
Staff are good, lounge / bar perfectly fine and the beer is £5 a pint so I’m not complaining
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
This is what we like to see. I've read some boring posts on PB before but none quite as meaningless as this. Wall-to-wall waffle!
A new Pseuds Corner is born!
I now see what someone earlier meant about some posters being perpetually wrong.
Casino's post is about as far from meaningless and waffle as you can get. If you didn't understand it, well, that's a different issue...
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
This is what we like to see. I've read some boring posts on PB before but none quite as meaningless as this. Wall-to-wall waffle!
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
Happened to me at scout camp seventy years ago. The wasp was as keen on the Tizer (anyone?) as I was ...
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
Happened to me at scout camp seventy years ago. The wasp was as keen on the Tizer (anyone?) as I was ...
Tizer! Nom nom nom 70 years ago? I'd have sworn Tizer was a 70s and 80s thing
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
Happened to me at scout camp seventy years ago. The wasp was as keen on the Tizer (anyone?) as I was ...
Tizer! Nom nom nom 70 years ago? I'd have sworn Tizer was a 70s and 80s thing
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
Happened to me at scout camp seventy years ago. The wasp was as keen on the Tizer (anyone?) as I was ...
Tizer! Nom nom nom 70 years ago? I'd have sworn Tizer was a 70s and 80s thing
It’s like an earthquake of terrible food happened somewhere around stuttgart in 1905 and everywhere nearby suffers terribly, a devastation of smoked meats, flavourless gunk and stodgy carbs, but the further away you go - north east west south - slowly it improves - until the damage from the great stuttgart horrible food Tunguska incident is only barely perceptible in, say, Grenoble
Something I noticed last year in Düsseldorf, Kõln and Hamburg that wherever you go the food is very samey and similar to the last time I was in Germany (Saxony, and before that, Franconia). They seem to have hoovered up all the standard restaurant dishes and made it into a sort of national cuisine, rather than regional as it used to be. And thus dumbing it down.
Although there is not a politician in the UK who garners such personally unpleasant slurs as Khan. But that should be no excuse.
It is far better to call Jenrick out for his previous unacceptable behaviour. The Desmond outrage would be a far more effective criticism of Jenrick. Shout that out from the rooftops.
With regards to Starmer saying Lets Build Bombs, doesn't the Drone Squad attack on Russian strategic bombers change the face of warfare at a fundamental level?
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
Happened to me at scout camp seventy years ago. The wasp was as keen on the Tizer (anyone?) as I was ...
Tizer! Nom nom nom 70 years ago? I'd have sworn Tizer was a 70s and 80s thing
As in ‘we can tell it’s Tizer when our eyes are shut’
Looking at the graphs, it does need a bit of baselining to current polling in order to make sense of.
I suspect that if age corrected too there would be no real differences. Pretty much everyone enjoys most of the activities fairly equally. Obviously not vegans at BBQs or Muslims down the pub, but not much in it otherwise.
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
Happened to me at scout camp seventy years ago. The wasp was as keen on the Tizer (anyone?) as I was ...
Are we past the lagershed?
I have a story. A few years ago when I was on assignment in kefalonia with my then wife (the 22 year old beautiful corbynite) the local tourist authority gave us a magnificent villa all to ourselves with stupendous views
This made me all excited (anything free makes me excited) also my wife was really hot and liked to sunbathe naked
Nature took its course so I grabbed her by the pool and threw her on the outdoor table on the terrace and ravished her there and then
She seemed to be in ecstasy - moaning wordlessly - so when I was done I slumped onto a chair feeling masculine and virile and highly skilled in the arts of outdoor love
A few glasses of assyrtiko later she revealed that no, she wasn’t in ecstasy, she was in deep pain because she was being stung by so many wasps
Shocked, I asked her why the f she didn’t tell me to stop. She said “well you seemed to be enjoying yourself so much” (she was quite sub)
Even now she refers to it as the Wasp Rape Incident
Rentoul is very anti any sort of low blow, he hates anyone using 'liar' I have to say, Oi Fatty is a bit pathetic even by Khan's standard
Speaking to Times Radio on Monday, the London mayor said: “What I find ironic, and it’s an example of the chutzpah of Mr Ozempic, is that he was in government when the government cut more than a billion pounds from their police budget.
“He was in government when the government removed Transport for London’s [TfL] operating grant, and now he’s criticising the consequences of the cuts in policing and TfL made by his government.
“What was he in 2010, 2024 when those cuts were being made in our policing? Where was he in 2015 when the government cut their operating grant to TfL?”
Jenrick has been in parliament since 2014, when he was first elected to be the MP for Newark.
He was a minister under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
France? Italy? Japan?
Eastern France: shit food. Industrial Italy - the worst food in the country. Japan - a total exception, as it always is
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
Düsseldorf used to have truly exceptional pizza. That was forty years ago, so no idea if that's still the case.
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
This is what we like to see. I've read some boring posts on PB before but none quite as meaningless as this. Wall-to-wall waffle!
A new Pseuds Corner is born!
It's better than a lot of the drivel here posted from alt right conspiracy twitter. At least there is some facts cited.
Time to tune out of PB for a bit and enjoy some long summer evenings in the garden.
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
France? Italy? Japan?
Eastern France: shit food. Industrial Italy - the worst food in the country. Japan - a total exception, as it always is
China and India have a fair amount of industry and mining. Would you describe their cuisine as shit?
Rentoul is very anti any sort of low blow, he hates anyone using 'liar' I have to say, Oi Fatty is a bit pathetic even by Khan's standard
Speaking to Times Radio on Monday, the London mayor said: “What I find ironic, and it’s an example of the chutzpah of Mr Ozempic, is that he was in government when the government cut more than a billion pounds from their police budget.
“He was in government when the government removed Transport for London’s [TfL] operating grant, and now he’s criticising the consequences of the cuts in policing and TfL made by his government.
“What was he in 2010, 2024 when those cuts were being made in our policing? Where was he in 2015 when the government cut their operating grant to TfL?”
Jenrick has been in parliament since 2014, when he was first elected to be the MP for Newark.
He was a minister under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
This is what we like to see. I've read some boring posts on PB before but none quite as meaningless as this. Wall-to-wall waffle!
A new Pseuds Corner is born!
The "rule taker" line is a laugh.
Not only did we have full access to European cooperation organisations but we had a veto on the whole shebang.
Rentoul is very anti any sort of low blow, he hates anyone using 'liar' I have to say, Oi Fatty is a bit pathetic even by Khan's standard
Speaking to Times Radio on Monday, the London mayor said: “What I find ironic, and it’s an example of the chutzpah of Mr Ozempic, is that he was in government when the government cut more than a billion pounds from their police budget.
“He was in government when the government removed Transport for London’s [TfL] operating grant, and now he’s criticising the consequences of the cuts in policing and TfL made by his government.
“What was he in 2010, 2024 when those cuts were being made in our policing? Where was he in 2015 when the government cut their operating grant to TfL?”
Jenrick has been in parliament since 2014, when he was first elected to be the MP for Newark.
He was a minister under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
It’s also a really lame, crap, rather repugnant insult
A lot of British people are overweight and would like to lose it. Criticising someone for doing something about that - however they do it - is basically criticising someone for making themselves healthier
Would khan call someone with well managed diabetes “Mr Insulin”? Or some guy getting over cancer “corporal chemotherapy”?
C4 news just had a report from the Hamilton by election and found a voter who had voted Reform on the basis that Sarwar represented 'the Pakistani community not Scots.' Somewhat concerning about the message that could come from a strong Reform result on Thursday if they do indeed beat Labour or even take the seat from the SNP, Swinney was warning about Farage and Reform 'racism' when interviewed
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
This is what we like to see. I've read some boring posts on PB before but none quite as meaningless as this. Wall-to-wall waffle!
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
The data shows the deficit so far in 2025 is much more than in 2024, because orders spiked in March to beat the tariffs, its not much less than it. It fell in April 2025 versus March 2025 but that's because March 2025 was a record high deficit caused by the tariffs.
It will take time to see exactly what the overall impact is, but a fall from a high caused by getting orders in before the tariffs is not a fall due to tariffs, its simply a reversion to mean.
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
Another Brexit benefit. Of course.
Your boy signed up to a bucket of shit.
It was all fine before.
Starmer isn't clearing up Johnson and Frost's enormous pile of excrement at a swift enough rate.
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
This is what we like to see. I've read some boring posts on PB before but none quite as meaningless as this. Wall-to-wall waffle!
A new Pseuds Corner is born!
It's better than a lot of the drivel here posted from alt right conspiracy twitter. At least there is some facts cited.
Time to tune out of PB for a bit and enjoy some long summer evenings in the garden.
Even better here in France. May/June I think are the best months. It's awash with colour and life.. It's difficult to read posts like Casino's when I'm living in a place that shows how completely bonkers Brexit and everything that lies behind it really is. They're Luddites
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
This is what we like to see. I've read some boring posts on PB before but none quite as meaningless as this. Wall-to-wall waffle!
A new Pseuds Corner is born!
Ah yes.
The traditional response of British mediocrity to an argument they barely understand, can’t refute and come to a conclusion they don’t like.
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
Immediately post-COVID I would understand it, everybody locked up, didn't spend much money etc. But now, I can't work out how people are affording it. Same with things like concert and sports tickets (although we are seeing cricket struggling to shift tickets these days for internationals). Are they sticking it all on their flexible friend and paying via Klarna, with a massive crash to hit in a couple of years?
Yes it was assumed it was a post pando phenomenon. But it’s just continued
Almost like a cartelisation of the market….
Holidays nowadays are prohibitively expensive. My assumption is that hoidays are, at a high level, fungible - and worldwide, the number of people in the market for a nice holiday has increased. So my week in Cornwall is more expensive because there are more rich Asians going to Italy (though rumour has it that there are far fewer Chinese than was previously thought...)
That’s actually one of the better theories I’ve heard. Surely something in that
You can still find amazing places that are cheap. You just gotta be imaginative, daring and flexible
This is not easy for families with young kids, unfortunately
Actually, a friend of mine has suggested tbat your best bet for a good quality family holiday at prices as they were 15 years ago is Germany. Which does appeal to me. Though I'm not sure how it would appeal to my teen- and pre-teen girls.
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
Immediately post-COVID I would understand it, everybody locked up, didn't spend much money etc. But now, I can't work out how people are affording it. Same with things like concert and sports tickets (although we are seeing cricket struggling to shift tickets these days for internationals). Are they sticking it all on their flexible friend and paying via Klarna, with a massive crash to hit in a couple of years?
Yes it was assumed it was a post pando phenomenon. But it’s just continued
Almost like a cartelisation of the market….
Holidays nowadays are prohibitively expensive. My assumption is that hoidays are, at a high level, fungible - and worldwide, the number of people in the market for a nice holiday has increased. So my week in Cornwall is more expensive because there are more rich Asians going to Italy (though rumour has it that there are far fewer Chinese than was previously thought...)
That’s actually one of the better theories I’ve heard. Surely something in that
You can still find amazing places that are cheap. You just gotta be imaginative, daring and flexible
This is not easy for families with young kids, unfortunately
Actually, a friend of mine has suggested tbat your best bet for a good quality family holiday at prices as they were 15 years ago is Germany. Which does appeal to me. Though I'm not sure how it would appeal to my teen- and pre-teen girls.
It’s boring. And the food is shit. And not cheap
Try Eastern Europe
Edit: this sounds harsh so I want to say - Germans are kind and lovely people. But the country is oddly dull and the food is genuinely bad
C4 news just had a report from the Hamilton by election and found a voter who had voted Reform on the basis that Sarwar represented 'the Pakistani community not Scots.' Somewhat concerning about the message that could come from a strong Reform result on Thursday if they do indeed beat Labour or even take the seat from the SNP, Swinney was warning about Farage and Reform 'racism' when interviewed
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
France? Italy? Japan?
Eastern France: shit food. Industrial Italy - the worst food in the country. Japan - a total exception, as it always is
China and India have a fair amount of industry and mining. Would you describe their cuisine as shit?
Both fit the theory.
Traditionally both were very agrarian states and lacked much mining or industry actually. It's only recently China has industrialised.
The failure of the Kaiserschlacht in the spring of 1918 was directly attributable to German troops capturing French villages and gorging themselves on the food and wine they found which caused such inebriation and inertia as to pause their momenturm towards Paris and allow the British, French and Americans to regroup.
If the emergence of Sauerkrautsuppe can be traced to' Stuttgart in 1905, then, only a decade later, the average German soldier, when confronted by proper food, was helpless. Obviously, Alsace and Lorraine, which were both German at the time, saw their food deteriorate before 1914 but the deterioration of the rest of French cuisine was probably a post-WW1 event (a consequence of Versailles I'd imagine).
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
Immediately post-COVID I would understand it, everybody locked up, didn't spend much money etc. But now, I can't work out how people are affording it. Same with things like concert and sports tickets (although we are seeing cricket struggling to shift tickets these days for internationals). Are they sticking it all on their flexible friend and paying via Klarna, with a massive crash to hit in a couple of years?
Yes it was assumed it was a post pando phenomenon. But it’s just continued
Almost like a cartelisation of the market….
Holidays nowadays are prohibitively expensive. My assumption is that hoidays are, at a high level, fungible - and worldwide, the number of people in the market for a nice holiday has increased. So my week in Cornwall is more expensive because there are more rich Asians going to Italy (though rumour has it that there are far fewer Chinese than was previously thought...)
That’s actually one of the better theories I’ve heard. Surely something in that
You can still find amazing places that are cheap. You just gotta be imaginative, daring and flexible
This is not easy for families with young kids, unfortunately
Actually, a friend of mine has suggested tbat your best bet for a good quality family holiday at prices as they were 15 years ago is Germany. Which does appeal to me. Though I'm not sure how it would appeal to my teen- and pre-teen girls.
It’s boring. And the food is shit
Try Eastern Europe
Recently I found even big-city prices in Sofia and Bucharest were more than reasonable. I still haven't "done" Transylvania (apart from a long weekend in Cluj),must get round to it
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
Immediately post-COVID I would understand it, everybody locked up, didn't spend much money etc. But now, I can't work out how people are affording it. Same with things like concert and sports tickets (although we are seeing cricket struggling to shift tickets these days for internationals). Are they sticking it all on their flexible friend and paying via Klarna, with a massive crash to hit in a couple of years?
Yes it was assumed it was a post pando phenomenon. But it’s just continued
Almost like a cartelisation of the market….
Holidays nowadays are prohibitively expensive. My assumption is that hoidays are, at a high level, fungible - and worldwide, the number of people in the market for a nice holiday has increased. So my week in Cornwall is more expensive because there are more rich Asians going to Italy (though rumour has it that there are far fewer Chinese than was previously thought...)
That’s actually one of the better theories I’ve heard. Surely something in that
You can still find amazing places that are cheap. You just gotta be imaginative, daring and flexible
This is not easy for families with young kids, unfortunately
Actually, a friend of mine has suggested tbat your best bet for a good quality family holiday at prices as they were 15 years ago is Germany. Which does appeal to me. Though I'm not sure how it would appeal to my teen- and pre-teen girls.
Berlin was very reasonable priced when I was there last weekend. Prices were comparable to up north compared to Paris which is London prices at least (and often more)
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
A possibly related theory is that every European country has an industrial north where beer is brewed and a holiday resort south where wine is made.
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
Immediately post-COVID I would understand it, everybody locked up, didn't spend much money etc. But now, I can't work out how people are affording it. Same with things like concert and sports tickets (although we are seeing cricket struggling to shift tickets these days for internationals). Are they sticking it all on their flexible friend and paying via Klarna, with a massive crash to hit in a couple of years?
Yes it was assumed it was a post pando phenomenon. But it’s just continued
Almost like a cartelisation of the market….
Holidays nowadays are prohibitively expensive. My assumption is that hoidays are, at a high level, fungible - and worldwide, the number of people in the market for a nice holiday has increased. So my week in Cornwall is more expensive because there are more rich Asians going to Italy (though rumour has it that there are far fewer Chinese than was previously thought...)
That’s actually one of the better theories I’ve heard. Surely something in that
You can still find amazing places that are cheap. You just gotta be imaginative, daring and flexible
This is not easy for families with young kids, unfortunately
I've just booked a train jaunt along the french and italian rivieras and up into the swiss alps in August. Nine days, average £48pppn for the hotels (two sharing).
The key, as you suggest, is not to pick where to go first.
C4 news just had a report from the Hamilton by election and found a voter who had voted Reform on the basis that Sarwar represented 'the Pakistani community not Scots.' Somewhat concerning about the message that could come from a strong Reform result on Thursday if they do indeed beat Labour or even take the seat from the SNP, Swinney was warning about Farage and Reform 'racism' when interviewed
Yes, a big vote for them there would be no joke. It would indicate the R number of this particular virus is spiralling upwards.
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
There was a paper somewhere that shows pandemic savings still haven't been used up. Even while millions were on furlough, the savings rate was something like 5x higher than usual as richer people stopped going out or on holiday.
I think the cost of living crisis was sustained by this effect. Richer households simply haven't felt a pinch, so just keep spending despite all the economic gloom. That continues to properly up hotel and restaurant prices.
(If rich households were a oil & gas company, they'd have been subject to a windfall tax during COVID to induce them to consume and invest).
Higher savings and then higher interest on those savings and then higher values for investments and pensions and finally higher pay.
There are many millions of people who have done very well in recent years.
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
Another Brexit benefit. Of course.
Your boy signed up to a bucket of shit.
It was all fine before.
Starmer isn't clearing up Johnson and Frost's enormous pile of excrement at a swift enough rate.
Yeah, except he isn't, is he? He's found a small skidmark on an old pair of undies no-one uses anymore, and had chucked away, and has instead decided to muckspread an entire tanker full of manure all over his house and say THERE.. WE HOLD ALL THE CARDS!
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
When I was about eleven or twelve, I was cutting grass with a finger mower (*) on an old Fergie (**) tractor when a wasp got tangled in my long hair. I could feel it moving and buzzing around in my hair, and tried to sweep it out with my hand whilst maintaining an even mow. A big mistake; it ended up stinging me on the scalp, and we ended up with an area of grass that was somewhat unevenly shorn. You could almost trace my fight with the beast in the grass's cut.
I've always wondered if that's why I've always preferred shorter haircuts. Either that, or my brother threatening to cut my hair with a finger mower...
(*) A blooming deadly-looking thing, which I've always thought would create a good scene from a horror movie. Perhaps on a vehicle somewhat faster than a Fergie though. (**) That tractor's still in the family, and has recently been restored. I want to drive it again. Hopefully without a wasp this time.
This is the future for the west. Authoritarian populist hard right democracy
Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has 85.2% approval rating after 6 years in office. By slamming all the bad people in jail for a long long time, and ignoring the bleating of the liberals and the Economist
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
Immediately post-COVID I would understand it, everybody locked up, didn't spend much money etc. But now, I can't work out how people are affording it. Same with things like concert and sports tickets (although we are seeing cricket struggling to shift tickets these days for internationals). Are they sticking it all on their flexible friend and paying via Klarna, with a massive crash to hit in a couple of years?
Yes it was assumed it was a post pando phenomenon. But it’s just continued
Almost like a cartelisation of the market….
Holidays nowadays are prohibitively expensive. My assumption is that hoidays are, at a high level, fungible - and worldwide, the number of people in the market for a nice holiday has increased. So my week in Cornwall is more expensive because there are more rich Asians going to Italy (though rumour has it that there are far fewer Chinese than was previously thought...)
That’s actually one of the better theories I’ve heard. Surely something in that
You can still find amazing places that are cheap. You just gotta be imaginative, daring and flexible
This is not easy for families with young kids, unfortunately
I've just booked a train jaunt along the french and italian rivieras and up into the swiss alps in August. Nine days, average £48pppn for the hotels (two sharing).
The key, as you suggest, is not to pick where to go first.
That’s fantastic. Enjoy
And yes being flexible is essential
You can find places in nice sunny parts of France that are good value in summer. Just think outside the box. See that Aveyron piece in the Mail I linked earlier
Trouble is young families with kids are the opposite of flexible
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
Another Brexit benefit. Of course.
Your boy signed up to a bucket of shit.
It was all fine before.
Starmer isn't clearing up Johnson and Frost's enormous pile of excrement at a swift enough rate.
Yeah, except he isn't, is he? He's found a small skidmark on an old pair of undies no-one uses anymore, and had chucked away, and has instead decided to muckspread an entire tanker full of manure all over his house and say THERE.. WE HOLD ALL THE CARDS!
Bit of a shit analogy, Johnson and Frost's deal is what the UK is using currently except for the bits that are being renegotiated. As predicted the UK totally shat it's own bed with Brexit, also as predicted those responsible for the shat had no cogent plan for post-Brexit and it's the people who wanted to stay in who are having to make the best of it.
"German police will undertake a new search in Portugal this week as part of ongoing investigations into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann."
These new leads always seem to come at this time of year.
I remember when the South Yorkshire plods inevitably disgraced themselves after getting the government to give them £1.15m for their 'investigation':
A senior policeman investigating the disappearance of Ben Needham on a Greek island has been summoned back to the UK amid reports members of his team went on an eight-hour drinking session.
Police are investigating a report in The Sun , external that officers spent an evening drinking wine and beer after launching a new appeal for information.
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
Immediately post-COVID I would understand it, everybody locked up, didn't spend much money etc. But now, I can't work out how people are affording it. Same with things like concert and sports tickets (although we are seeing cricket struggling to shift tickets these days for internationals). Are they sticking it all on their flexible friend and paying via Klarna, with a massive crash to hit in a couple of years?
Yes it was assumed it was a post pando phenomenon. But it’s just continued
Almost like a cartelisation of the market….
Holidays nowadays are prohibitively expensive. My assumption is that hoidays are, at a high level, fungible - and worldwide, the number of people in the market for a nice holiday has increased. So my week in Cornwall is more expensive because there are more rich Asians going to Italy (though rumour has it that there are far fewer Chinese than was previously thought...)
That’s actually one of the better theories I’ve heard. Surely something in that
You can still find amazing places that are cheap. You just gotta be imaginative, daring and flexible
This is not easy for families with young kids, unfortunately
Actually, a friend of mine has suggested tbat your best bet for a good quality family holiday at prices as they were 15 years ago is Germany. Which does appeal to me. Though I'm not sure how it would appeal to my teen- and pre-teen girls.
It’s boring. And the food is shit
Try Eastern Europe
Recently I found even big-city prices in Sofia and Bucharest were more than reasonable. I still haven't "done" Transylvania (apart from a long weekend in Cluj),must get round to it
I am a bit spoiled by having a Transylvanian deli within walking distance. Lots of very nice treats to be had. And great sausages for Autumn/Winter slow-cooked stews.
This is the future for the west. Authoritarian populist hard right democracy
Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has 85.2% approval rating after 6 years in office. By slamming all the bad people in jail for a long long time, and ignoring the bleating of the liberals and the Economist
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
Another Brexit benefit. Of course.
Your boy signed up to a bucket of shit.
It was all fine before.
Starmer isn't clearing up Johnson and Frost's enormous pile of excrement at a swift enough rate.
Yeah, except he isn't, is he? He's found a small skidmark on an old pair of undies no-one uses anymore, and had chucked away, and has instead decided to muckspread an entire tanker full of manure all over his house and say THERE.. WE HOLD ALL THE CARDS!
Bit of a shit analogy, Johnson and Frost's deal is what the UK is using currently except for the bits that are being renegotiated. As predicted the UK totally shat it's own bed with Brexit, also as predicted those responsible for the shat had no cogent plan for post-Brexit and it's the people who wanted to stay in who are having to make the best of it.
If the UK 'shat the bed' then how come since 2010 "despite Brexit" and despite "shitting the bed" the UK has grown faster than Europe?
Just how much faster than them would we have grown had we not "shat the bed" or Brexited in your eyes?
Its a load of crap. There's been no meaningful economic change, just whining of some vested interests and some people who can't get over losing.
Rentoul is very anti any sort of low blow, he hates anyone using 'liar' I have to say, Oi Fatty is a bit pathetic even by Khan's standard
Speaking to Times Radio on Monday, the London mayor said: “What I find ironic, and it’s an example of the chutzpah of Mr Ozempic, is that he was in government when the government cut more than a billion pounds from their police budget.
“He was in government when the government removed Transport for London’s [TfL] operating grant, and now he’s criticising the consequences of the cuts in policing and TfL made by his government.
“What was he in 2010, 2024 when those cuts were being made in our policing? Where was he in 2015 when the government cut their operating grant to TfL?”
Jenrick has been in parliament since 2014, when he was first elected to be the MP for Newark.
He was a minister under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
This is the future for the west. Authoritarian populist hard right democracy
Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has 85.2% approval rating after 6 years in office. By slamming all the bad people in jail for a long long time, and ignoring the bleating of the liberals and the Economist
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
Another Brexit benefit. Of course.
Your boy signed up to a bucket of shit.
It was all fine before.
Starmer isn't clearing up Johnson and Frost's enormous pile of excrement at a swift enough rate.
Yeah, except he isn't, is he? He's found a small skidmark on an old pair of undies no-one uses anymore, and had chucked away, and has instead decided to muckspread an entire tanker full of manure all over his house and say THERE.. WE HOLD ALL THE CARDS!
Oh dear! Have you forgotten Johnson and Frost's "oven ready for the microwave" deal. You remember, the one that put a customs demarcation in the Irish Sea.
Starmer may have achieved the square root of SFA but in terms of trade and defence arrangements with Europe, they may be disappointing, but they are still head and shoulders better than Johnson's dog's breakfast.
This is the future for the west. Authoritarian populist hard right democracy
Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has 85.2% approval rating after 6 years in office. By slamming all the bad people in jail for a long long time, and ignoring the bleating of the liberals and the Economist
My company has just sent an internal memo around that's utterly scathing of the UK-EU defence pact.
It says it's celebrated by the Government as a triumph but a closer examination of its provisions reveals troubling compromises that may undermine British sovereignty and military autonomy while offering only marginal economic benefits.
Remember the Golden Rule of Starmer-Reeves, everything this Labour government does - sooner or later it turns out to be damaging for the UK
EVERY. SINGLE. THING
Key points:
1) Agreement’s provisions represent a shift toward reintegration with EU military structures, bypassing parliament. While HMG touts access to the EU’s €8 billion European Defence Fund (EDF) as a win, enabling UK firms like BAE Systems to bid for collaborative projects in drone tech and cybersecurity, the fine print reveals heavy constraints. British companies must partner with EU-led consortia, often as juniors, with 60% of project work required to occur in EU states, limiting UK roles to niche tasks. Worse, Britain gains no voting rights in the European Defence Agency (EDA), locking it into a “rule-taker” status reminiscent of Norway’s associate membership.
2) Agreement prioritises EU defence coordination mechanisms, potentially constraining Britain’s freedom to leverage global partnerships. By aligning with the EDA, the UK risks gradual entanglement in EU regulatory frameworks for AI and emissions standards. These standards are set without British input, which could erode autonomy in emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Britain has traded long-term strategic flexibility for short-term export gains estimated at a modest £150–200 million annually.
3) While HMG highlights EDF access as a lifeline for SMEs, the reality is participation risks tech transfer demands, where EU partners may require sharing proprietary UK intellectual property. Certification alignment, though streamlining exports for firms, tacitly surrenders regulatory autonomy. The defence industrial collaboration appears one-sided: British firms gain limited project slots but must adhere to EU procurement rules, stifling innovation and relegating them to peripheral roles in flagship initiatives like FCAS.
4) Agreement emphasises cooperation with EU structures like PESCO, creating overlap with NATO without concrete safeguards. Critics argue tailored bilateral deals with France or Germany could have delivered similar benefits without institutional entanglements. Instead, the UK faces a paradox: modest commercial opportunities offset by gradual absorption into Europe’s regulatory orbit, diminishing its independence.
Conclusion: a series of concessions - while deeper security cooperation has merit, this prioritises short term diplomacy over long term strategy. The EDF’s limited revenue streams pale against the risks of sovereignty erosion and regulatory subordination. For a nation that once championed “Global Britain,” this feels less like a rebirth and more like a retreat into Europe’s shadow.
Another Brexit benefit. Of course.
Your boy signed up to a bucket of shit.
It was all fine before.
Starmer isn't clearing up Johnson and Frost's enormous pile of excrement at a swift enough rate.
Yeah, except he isn't, is he? He's found a small skidmark on an old pair of undies no-one uses anymore, and had chucked away, and has instead decided to muckspread an entire tanker full of manure all over his house and say THERE.. WE HOLD ALL THE CARDS!
Oh dear! Have you forgotten Johnson and Frost's "oven ready for the microwave" deal. You remember, the one that put a customs demarcation in the Irish Sea.
Starmer may have achieved the square root of SFA but in terms of trade and defence arrangements with Europe, they may be disappointing, but they are still head and shoulders better than Johnson's dog's breakfast.
Johnson's deal was a good deal that got us out of the EU, not paying into Europe anymore, able to make our own rules, able to sign our own trade deals, and we kept free trade with Europe.
Everything Vote Leave promised.
If it pissed off a few people in Northern Ireland, then so frigging what? They're never happy with anything anyway.
New theory: anywhere with heavy industry or mining has shit food, even now - or they have only recently recovered (Britain) - because for decades or even centuries the emphasis was on producing the quickest and heaviest calories for really hungry people with not much time and no room for discernment
A possibly related theory is that every European country has an industrial north where beer is brewed and a holiday resort south where wine is made.
I’ve generally been impressed by pub food in County Durham, although the quantities seem to assume you’re working in the Pit, or on the land.
On cost of living - a couple of weeks ago I treated myself and my girlfriend to a night in a nice hotel - not super-expensive but more per night than I would usually pay. Nice and comfortable, dinner also a bit on the pricey side, the sort of occasional one-off I used to do for wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays when I was married.
When I used to spend a night like this before, perhaps 10+ years ago, the majority of people staying were the age I am now, 50s. This time, of the people at breakfast, we were clearly the only ones of working age, apart from two of a 3-generation family group who'd been staying for a party the night before. Pensioners have the money now, not working people. O/T that may reflect in some of the answers, e.g. Reform appear to be the travellers - they skew older than average.
Was this a weekend or in the week ?
We used to go to hotel/dinner stays at weekends a few years back. Now we go in the week as it’s cheaper and I no longer work. I’m 59 wife 57
This was weekend. But it always was! The clue is that I'm still working....
Counterpoint: looking to book a couple of nights in Central London with better half. Decent but not exotic hotels (e.g. Radissons / Park Plazas) £400 a night during the week, £200 a night at weekend.
(No I'm not a particular fan of Radisson but got top status with them via a loyalty hack, so they work out good vfm)
Try the Caesar in Paddington. Both the wife and I use it when in London. Often c.£150 if prebooked. Upgrade for about £20 - the newly done rooms are a delight, the breakfasts are superb, the staff very professional. Very quiet, rarely hear sirens going past. About a 7 minute walk from Paddington, about the same to Lancaster Gate to get on the Central Line.
Thanks, had a look, still £370 a night for 2nd most basic room, with breakfast.
(Most basic room was 14m2 😲)
My sympathies. Hotel rooms in all great western cities are now insanely expensive. Paris is possibly worse than London
No one in the industry - that I’ve met - has a simple explanation for why
Quite regular rooms in good london hotels are now costing four figures
Immediately post-COVID I would understand it, everybody locked up, didn't spend much money etc. But now, I can't work out how people are affording it. Same with things like concert and sports tickets (although we are seeing cricket struggling to shift tickets these days for internationals). Are they sticking it all on their flexible friend and paying via Klarna, with a massive crash to hit in a couple of years?
Yes it was assumed it was a post pando phenomenon. But it’s just continued
Almost like a cartelisation of the market….
Holidays nowadays are prohibitively expensive. My assumption is that hoidays are, at a high level, fungible - and worldwide, the number of people in the market for a nice holiday has increased. So my week in Cornwall is more expensive because there are more rich Asians going to Italy (though rumour has it that there are far fewer Chinese than was previously thought...)
That’s actually one of the better theories I’ve heard. Surely something in that
You can still find amazing places that are cheap. You just gotta be imaginative, daring and flexible
This is not easy for families with young kids, unfortunately
I've just booked a train jaunt along the french and italian rivieras and up into the swiss alps in August. Nine days, average £48pppn for the hotels (two sharing).
The key, as you suggest, is not to pick where to go first.
That’s fantastic. Enjoy
And yes being flexible is essential
You can find places in nice sunny parts of France that are good value in summer. Just think outside the box. See that Aveyron piece in the Mail I linked earlier
Trouble is young families with kids are the opposite of flexible
Rentoul is very anti any sort of low blow, he hates anyone using 'liar' I have to say, Oi Fatty is a bit pathetic even by Khan's standard
Speaking to Times Radio on Monday, the London mayor said: “What I find ironic, and it’s an example of the chutzpah of Mr Ozempic, is that he was in government when the government cut more than a billion pounds from their police budget.
“He was in government when the government removed Transport for London’s [TfL] operating grant, and now he’s criticising the consequences of the cuts in policing and TfL made by his government.
“What was he in 2010, 2024 when those cuts were being made in our policing? Where was he in 2015 when the government cut their operating grant to TfL?”
Jenrick has been in parliament since 2014, when he was first elected to be the MP for Newark.
He was a minister under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
Happened to me at scout camp seventy years ago. The wasp was as keen on the Tizer (anyone?) as I was ...
Are we past the lagershed?
I have a story. A few years ago when I was on assignment in kefalonia with my then wife (the 22 year old beautiful corbynite) the local tourist authority gave us a magnificent villa all to ourselves with stupendous views
This made me all excited (anything free makes me excited) also my wife was really hot and liked to sunbathe naked
Nature took its course so I grabbed her by the pool and threw her on the outdoor table on the terrace and ravished her there and then
She seemed to be in ecstasy - moaning wordlessly - so when I was done I slumped onto a chair feeling masculine and virile and highly skilled in the arts of outdoor love
A few glasses of assyrtiko later she revealed that no, she wasn’t in ecstasy, she was in deep pain because she was being stung by so many wasps
Shocked, I asked her why the f she didn’t tell me to stop. She said “well you seemed to be enjoying yourself so much” (she was quite sub)
Even now she refers to it as the Wasp Rape Incident
Just sayin’, could imply that you’re hung like a wasp.
C4 news just had a report from the Hamilton by election and found a voter who had voted Reform on the basis that Sarwar represented 'the Pakistani community not Scots.' Somewhat concerning about the message that could come from a strong Reform result on Thursday if they do indeed beat Labour or even take the seat from the SNP, Swinney was warning about Farage and Reform 'racism' when interviewed
I'm sure Swinney is delighted to have Reform as an us-vs-them Piñata. Splits the Labour and Tory vote.
I do wish Reform would just go after Sarwar on the clear grounds that he's posh and rubbish though. It'd be a lot less polarising.
Simple pleasures of life. I love this time of year. Sitting outside, in the evening light at 9.00 pm. NINE PM! A cool glass of something in hand and taking in the roses first flush. Life is not all about thrill seeking.
I agree with that. I love picnics - possibly my favourite thing about summer. Is that sad?
No it’s simple. Fresh air, countryside, beautiful views, good friends and good chat, a nice glass of cold Mullerthal Pinot Blanc with dreamy creamy grassy Brie de meaux on fresh Borough sourdough
That's just in your imagination. Picnics are never like that in reality. You haven't been on one for years, if at all.
Where picnics do work, however, is at (sporting, social) events where the picnicking is curated (eg Glyndebourne, No.1 Car Park at the Royal Meeting, or a point to point).
Then they are just marvellous. And some of the best such picnics I have had have been in the driving sleet and freezing cold with everyone clutching their glasses of whisky and the rosé still in the car untouched.
They still get plagued by wasps.
Or worse, some idiot who goes insane in the company of a wasp - and insists on swatting it into my face.
The wasp averse (that don't have medical issues with them) are a comical lot - hysterical overreacters
Could be childhood trauma. I'm swan adverse after being attacked by one whilst strapped in my pushchair. My completely loving parents had a terrible record of being somewhere else when bad things happened. They once lost me during an earthquake in Crete as they were sampling the delights of the hotel buffet when it hit.
Being attacked by a Swan is a bit more serious than a wasp sting though. But trauma would, I guess, constitute a medical issue rather than just being a massive wasp cry baby
A wasp sting on your tongue is quite a big deal.
Don't eat them? Or at very least don't shriek and flap and give them access to your tongue
When I was about eleven or twelve, I was cutting grass with a finger mower (*) on an old Fergie (**) tractor when a wasp got tangled in my long hair. I could feel it moving and buzzing around in my hair, and tried to sweep it out with my hand whilst maintaining an even mow. A big mistake; it ended up stinging me on the scalp, and we ended up with an area of grass that was somewhat unevenly shorn. You could almost trace my fight with the beast in the grass's cut.
I've always wondered if that's why I've always preferred shorter haircuts. Either that, or my brother threatening to cut my hair with a finger mower...
(*) A blooming deadly-looking thing, which I've always thought would create a good scene from a horror movie. Perhaps on a vehicle somewhat faster than a Fergie though. (**) That tractor's still in the family, and has recently been restored. I want to drive it again. Hopefully without a wasp this time.
Never heard of a finger mower so I looked it up. It appears to be a hedge trimmer for cutting grass. Weird. What’s wrong with normal mowers?
I must say, whilst good on strategy it's very light on detail and anything that might smack of a real spending commitment. What little there is are mainly rehashes or the odd billion here or billion there, which are nothing in the context of a 50-60bn annual budget over 10 years.
It seems the Government might have taken quite a bit out to avoid being boxed in from a budgetary perspective.
I must say, whilst good on strategy it's very light on detail and anything that might smack of a real spending commitment. What little there is are mainly rehashes or the odd billion here or billion there, which are nothing in the context of a 50-60bn annual budget over 10 years.
It seems the Government might have taken quite a bit out to avoid being boxed in from a budgetary perspective.
C4 news just had a report from the Hamilton by election and found a voter who had voted Reform on the basis that Sarwar represented 'the Pakistani community not Scots.' Somewhat concerning about the message that could come from a strong Reform result on Thursday if they do indeed beat Labour or even take the seat from the SNP, Swinney was warning about Farage and Reform 'racism' when interviewed
I'm sure Swinney is delighted to have Reform as an us-vs-them Piñata. Splits the Labour and Tory vote.
I do wish Reform would just go after Sarwar on the clear grounds that he's posh and rubbish though. It'd be a lot less polarising.
It's a very fine piece of storytelling indeed. As well as the detective work to track down the bombers, it hits a very fine line of being touching without ever being cloying.
Rentoul is very anti any sort of low blow, he hates anyone using 'liar' I have to say, Oi Fatty is a bit pathetic even by Khan's standard
Speaking to Times Radio on Monday, the London mayor said: “What I find ironic, and it’s an example of the chutzpah of Mr Ozempic, is that he was in government when the government cut more than a billion pounds from their police budget.
“He was in government when the government removed Transport for London’s [TfL] operating grant, and now he’s criticising the consequences of the cuts in policing and TfL made by his government.
“What was he in 2010, 2024 when those cuts were being made in our policing? Where was he in 2015 when the government cut their operating grant to TfL?”
Jenrick has been in parliament since 2014, when he was first elected to be the MP for Newark.
He was a minister under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
Valid points but I don't think Khan should be using the term "Mr Ozempic".
If Jenrick has taken weight-loss medication I assume it's for health reasons. Would Khan brand someone Mr Nicorette Patch? Or Mr Anti-statin?
It's not as if there's a shortage of genuine issues with Jenrick to go after.
It may not be health reasons other than to lose weight, but so what if he has? Weight seems one of the last remaining things that can be used as insults. Overweight people are lazy, greedy, etc. If they just ate less and moved more all would be well. Except of course it’s not quite that simple. So for some using ozempic to lose weight is cheating.
Comments
Responding to legitimate & indirect criticism with personal insult is low
https://x.com/johnrentoul/status/1929554758815175001?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
I'm quite a solitary guy, is it obvious??
A new Pseuds Corner is born!
Also, Holland. And eastern France. It’s shit
On that, Belgium (pop 12m)...
According to De Morgen Belgium is planning several large defence investments. Here are the highlights.
- 21 additional F-35As for a total fleet size of 55 (to be assembled in Italy)
- 2 additional MQ-9B SkyGuardian for a total fleet of 6 (Will be armed)
- 1 additional ASW frigate for a total of 3
- 10 NASAMS Batteries with 4 launchers each
I have to say, Oi Fatty is a bit pathetic even by Khan's standard
Staff are good, lounge / bar perfectly fine and the beer is £5 a pint so I’m not complaining
Casino's post is about as far from meaningless and waffle as you can get. If you didn't understand it, well, that's a different issue...
Countries to make best offer by Wednesday to avoid reinstatement of tariffs.
Deals in place by July 8th.
https://x.com/kobeissiletter/status/1929603564730564838?s=61
She has a book coming out - I'm sure you'll be purchasing...
Deals by Wednesday, followed by Taco Thursday or preceded by Taco Tuesday? 🌮
Although there is not a politician in the UK who garners such personally unpleasant slurs as Khan. But that should be no excuse.
It is far better to call Jenrick out for his previous unacceptable behaviour. The Desmond outrage would be a far more effective criticism of Jenrick. Shout that out from the rooftops.
This was just a consequence.
I suspect that if age corrected too there would be no real differences. Pretty much everyone enjoys most of the activities fairly equally. Obviously not vegans at BBQs or Muslims down the pub, but not much in it otherwise.
I have a story. A few years ago when I was on assignment in kefalonia with my then wife (the 22 year old beautiful corbynite) the local tourist authority gave us a magnificent villa all to ourselves with stupendous views
This made me all excited (anything free makes me excited) also my wife was really hot and liked to sunbathe naked
Nature took its course so I grabbed her by the pool and threw her on the outdoor table on the terrace and ravished her there and then
She seemed to be in ecstasy - moaning wordlessly - so when I was done I slumped onto a chair feeling masculine and virile and highly skilled in the arts of outdoor love
A few glasses of assyrtiko later she revealed that no, she wasn’t in ecstasy, she was in deep pain because she was being stung by so many wasps
Shocked, I asked her why the f she didn’t tell me to stop. She said “well you seemed to be enjoying yourself so much” (she was quite sub)
Even now she refers to it as the Wasp Rape Incident
“He was in government when the government removed Transport for London’s [TfL] operating grant, and now he’s criticising the consequences of the cuts in policing and TfL made by his government.
“What was he in 2010, 2024 when those cuts were being made in our policing? Where was he in 2015 when the government cut their operating grant to TfL?”
Jenrick has been in parliament since 2014, when he was first elected to be the MP for Newark.
He was a minister under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
Khan said that while “fare evasion is an issue” – and has been for some time – he has overseen investment in enforcement officers, body-worn videos, CCTV and in the police.
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/khan-dubs-jenrick-mr-ozempic-in-spat-over-tube-fare-dodgers_uk_683d9707e4b095a13840fbd4
Meanwhile tariffs have shrunk the trade deficit.
https://x.com/kobeissiletter/status/1929604678838591838?s=61
That was forty years ago, so no idea if that's still the case.
Time to tune out of PB for a bit and enjoy some long summer evenings in the garden.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxWyZcT5_lg
Not only did we have full access to European cooperation organisations but we had a veto on the whole shebang.
Big Yellow Taxi comes to mind...
However we know what they say of assume.
A lot of British people are overweight and would like to lose it. Criticising someone for doing something about that - however they do it - is basically criticising someone for making themselves healthier
Would khan call someone with well managed diabetes “Mr Insulin”? Or some guy getting over cancer “corporal chemotherapy”?
It was all fine before.
The data shows the deficit so far in 2025 is much more than in 2024, because orders spiked in March to beat the tariffs, its not much less than it. It fell in April 2025 versus March 2025 but that's because March 2025 was a record high deficit caused by the tariffs.
It will take time to see exactly what the overall impact is, but a fall from a high caused by getting orders in before the tariffs is not a fall due to tariffs, its simply a reversion to mean.
Vote Labour and the SNP for more of the same.
https://x.com/reformparty_uk/status/1929595803779096879?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
The traditional response of British mediocrity to an argument they barely understand, can’t refute and come to a conclusion they don’t like.
“Boring”
Leon voted for him; I didn't.
"It was all fine before". Sure.
You Brexiteers...
Try Eastern Europe
Edit: this sounds harsh so I want to say - Germans are kind and lovely people. But the country is oddly dull and the food is genuinely bad
Fantastic for high culture tho, especially music
Traditionally both were very agrarian states and lacked much mining or industry actually. It's only recently China has industrialised.
The failure of the Kaiserschlacht in the spring of 1918 was directly attributable to German troops capturing French villages and gorging themselves on the food and wine they found which caused such inebriation and inertia as to pause their momenturm towards Paris and allow the British, French and Americans to regroup.
If the emergence of Sauerkrautsuppe can be traced to' Stuttgart in 1905, then, only a decade later, the average German soldier, when confronted by proper food, was helpless. Obviously, Alsace and Lorraine, which were both German at the time, saw their food deteriorate before 1914 but the deterioration of the rest of French cuisine was probably a post-WW1 event (a consequence of Versailles I'd imagine).
The key, as you suggest, is not to pick where to go first.
There are many millions of people who have done very well in recent years.
I've always wondered if that's why I've always preferred shorter haircuts. Either that, or my brother threatening to cut my hair with a finger mower...
(*) A blooming deadly-looking thing, which I've always thought would create a good scene from a horror movie. Perhaps on a vehicle somewhat faster than a Fergie though.
(**) That tractor's still in the family, and has recently been restored. I want to drive it again. Hopefully without a wasp this time.
Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has 85.2% approval rating after 6 years in office. By slamming all the bad people in jail for a long long time, and ignoring the bleating of the liberals and the Economist
https://x.com/cguanacas/status/1929548983422071202?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw
https://x.com/prensagrafica/status/1929538497913725359?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw
I predict that the first major western leader to do a Bukele will be similarly popular
And yes being flexible is essential
You can find places in nice sunny parts of France that are good value in summer. Just think outside the
box. See that Aveyron piece in the Mail I linked earlier
Trouble is young families with kids are the opposite of flexible
"Secret Syrian intelligence files show missing US journalist was imprisoned by Assad regime"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn84z5e8jjzo
As predicted the UK totally shat it's own bed with Brexit, also as predicted those responsible for the shat had no cogent plan for post-Brexit and it's the people who wanted to stay in who are having to make the best of it.
A senior policeman investigating the disappearance of Ben Needham on a Greek island has been summoned back to the UK amid reports members of his team went on an eight-hour drinking session.
Police are investigating a report in The Sun , external that officers spent an evening drinking wine and beer after launching a new appeal for information.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-36273608
Just how much faster than them would we have grown had we not "shat the bed" or Brexited in your eyes?
Its a load of crap. There's been no meaningful economic change, just whining of some vested interests and some people who can't get over losing.
If Jenrick has taken weight-loss medication I assume it's for health reasons. Would Khan brand someone Mr Nicorette Patch? Or Mr Anti-statin?
It's not as if there's a shortage of genuine issues with Jenrick to go after.
Starmer may have achieved the square root of SFA but in terms of trade and defence arrangements with Europe, they may be disappointing, but they are still head and shoulders better than Johnson's dog's breakfast.
Authoritarian leaders are good at suppressing dissent, in any form: What else is new?
Everything Vote Leave promised.
If it pissed off a few people in Northern Ireland, then so frigging what? They're never happy with anything anyway.
I do wish Reform would just go after Sarwar on the clear grounds that he's posh and rubbish though. It'd be a lot less polarising.
I must say, whilst good on strategy it's very light on detail and anything that might smack of a real spending commitment. What little there is are mainly rehashes or the odd billion here or billion there, which are nothing in the context of a 50-60bn annual budget over 10 years.
It seems the Government might have taken quite a bit out to avoid being boxed in from a budgetary perspective.
I must say, whilst good on strategy it's very light on detail and anything that might smack of a real spending commitment. What little there is are mainly rehashes or the odd billion here or billion there, which are nothing in the context of a 50-60bn annual budget over 10 years.
It seems the Government might have taken quite a bit out to avoid being boxed in from a budgetary perspective.
Copyright infringement?
It's a very fine piece of storytelling indeed. As well as the detective work to track down the bombers, it hits a very fine line of being touching without ever being cloying.
Highly recommended.