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  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    DavidL said:

    Brook hits the ball like a bullet. No chance for the fielder only 5 yards away. India's bowlers looking very tired. Really surprised they have not bowled Jejeda yet. He always brings something different.

    Seeing Johnny Bairstow live for the first time, that is what struck me about his batting. It just sounded different.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 56,144
    boulay said:

    “Wait a minute, you vote Reform, and you read the Guardian?” It turned out his fiancee is a teacher and she encouraged him to do it.

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/03/dining-across-the-divide-michael-bernard

    What vote Reform or buy the Guardian?

    Both individuals in that piece seem to have done some thinking about why they support various policies.

    My father, when I was young, got the Times, Telegraph, Independent, Guardian, Economist and the Spectator. And got me to read them.

    He believed that everyone is biased so that the only way to see the world is to read a range of opinions on the same thing.
    Absolutely, at school every morning the Housemaster would drop in the newspapers. Times, Telegraph, FT, Guardian, indie, Mail, Sun and Mirror. Funnily enough the Sun was first to go, teenage boys and Page 3, then the mirror, then times, telegraph, mail, FT, guardian, Indie.

    After breakfast they were dropped in the house library where everyone would generally hang around where there would be all the periodicals such as Economist, Spectator, New Statesman, Time and National Geographic.

    Even to this day I read all the papers online regardless of political slant and obviously now it’s easier to also read the foreign press and other news sources. Never read the BBC news website for some reason, no active reason I can think of just never interested and I don’t watch any news on tv.
    I forgot - we also took the Scientific American. Back when it was about actual science. Rather than dumbed down to uselessness.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 56,144

    scampi25 said:

    Maybe calling for others to be banned should automatically be a bannable offence. The site is becoming increasingly tedious.

    You can collect your refund on the way out
    We should ban those who call for people to banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned….

    {snoring}
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 33,427
    ,..

    scampi25 said:

    Maybe calling for others to be banned should automatically be a bannable offence. The site is becoming increasingly tedious.

    I tend to agree that it should be against the forum rules.

    Banning itself would ideally be for a specific breach of the rules rather than the accusation of 'skating close to' something or 'chanelling' someone. Williamglenn's spiky contributions were often stimulating and it's a bit less good without him.
    No one has asked for Leon to be banned. What's the point, he'll only return as some ancient Mercian warrior figure. My point was, it's a shame when racism seems to be central to his posts and invective follows when anyone disagrees with him. Tell me where I asked for a ban.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,047

    DavidL said:

    Brook hits the ball like a bullet. No chance for the fielder only 5 yards away. India's bowlers looking very tired. Really surprised they have not bowled Jejeda yet. He always brings something different.

    Seeing Johnny Bairstow live for the first time, that is what struck me about his batting. It just sounded different.
    And KP. Some people just seem to time so many more of their balls right off the middle.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680

    Teenage waitress convicted in fast-track courts over mix-up with surprise 18th birthday gift
    The teenager was convicted in a fast-track Single Justice Procedure hearing conducted in private

    https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/teenager-convicted-car-insurance-birthday-surprise-single-justice-procedure-b1241182.html

    Family bought car as surprise birthday present but did not insure it. Waitress could not insure car because she did not know it existed (and could not drive anyway).

    Convicted under the Single Justice Procedure. Expect more on this because it also is used for TV licence cases, so allows rival media empires to take a pop at the BBC. Nonetheless, reform would seem popular and cheap so it is no surprise that governments show no interest.

    Does seems a case of being harshly treated however it appears she didn't respond to the letter saying they had a fine to pay which would have resolved the issue before going anywhere near a court and she plead guilty.

    You never ever ignore communications like this. You respond straight away even if to query it / ask for more information, then there is a paper trail of you trying to resolve the matter.
    According to the article both she and her father are quite severely dyslexic, which is also why they didn't realise they could have paid a FPN.

    As for why the Standard is going hard on this, it's because the primary beneficiaries of this system are the BBC, over licence fee payments.
  • Leon said:

    Oh god the crikkit

    I liked the comment a couple of overs ago by the commentator "there's 30 overs to go until the new ball, so the 145 (required) runs could be gone by then".

    You wouldn't have said that in a Test match in the past.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 25,438
    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 11,394
    eek said:

    Eabhal said:

    Taz said:

    Eabhal said:

    Taz said:

    eek said:

    Taz said:

    Another small boats crackdown.

    It will be as effective as all the others.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm2y24xjgko

    I'm looking at https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/25359000.four-illegal-workers-found-oak-tree-near-darlington/ and I'm starting to think that @Malmesbury approach needs to be announced - give illegal workers a massive incentive to report themselves for illegal working as that is going to be the only way to remove the incentive for employers.

    Also from the article above - the employer really isn't that bright given the statement "She claimed that two workers have since started the process with the Home Office and are not illegally working, although this has not been confirmed."
    A local Indian Restaurant to me was done twice within 12 months and lost its license.

    Malmesburys suggestion has a lot of merit. It should be consider. Obviously it won’t be.
    Strict liability (£1000 fine) for customers too.
    It’s hardly the customers fault but if your aim is to destroy hospitality then crack on, that’s an insane suggestion.

    You could go out for a couple of drinks in a couple of bars, have a meal, and end up 3 grand in debt through no fault of your own 😱
    I made an edit above to reflect that point.

    But ultimately, strict liability is the kind of thing that kills demand for illegal practices. It takes the enforcement burden away from the police, and means you don't have to have exceptionally complicated investigations.
    Strict liability for the employer would be fine.

    But how is the customer supposed to know?
    At the shout Achtung! Achtung! all the employees run out to form a parade line, holding up their papers for inspection. The customer takes a photo of each with their papers on their mobile.

    Meanwhile the employees sing a rousing company song

    https://youtu.be/8JDkdc246QQ?si=F-0AWQJYQMFDmNX5
    As you demonstrate making the customer liable is impossible - but I would be looking at allowing the fine to become a strict liability that can be transferred to the franchiser / lease owner / app provider in circumstances where it's clear (as with Deliveroo and co) that their labour usage is designed to facilitate looking the other way.
    Note that there are already a few strict liability laws that work in this way, like underage alcohol, some sexual and driving offences and so on.

    The original motivation for suggesting it is would be a pretty dramatic way for Labour to look like they were doing something, however unfair or ineffective. Then you could have Peter Kyle respond to the protestations with something mad like "well that's what a procurer of illegal immigrant services would say, isn't it!"
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,047
    DavidL said:

    Brook hits the ball like a bullet. No chance for the fielder only 5 yards away. India's bowlers looking very tired. Really surprised they have not bowled Jejeda yet. He always brings something different.

    Poor spelling by me, should be Jedeja, but he's on now.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680

    Leon said:

    Oh god the crikkit

    I liked the comment a couple of overs ago by the commentator "there's 30 overs to go until the new ball, so the 145 (required) runs could be gone by then".

    You wouldn't have said that in a Test match in the past.
    Wally Hammond - 336 in 318 minutes.

    Gordon Greenidge - 214 off 242 balls.

    Gilbert Jessop - 104 off 77 balls.
  • StillWatersStillWaters Posts: 10,503

    scampi25 said:

    Maybe calling for others to be banned should automatically be a bannable offence. The site is becoming increasingly tedious.

    You can collect your refund on the way out
    We should ban those who call for people to banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned….

    {snoring}
    I’m not a fan of banning people

    But I do get annoyed by people who repetitively complain the site is boring
  • LeonLeon Posts: 63,786

    ,..

    scampi25 said:

    Maybe calling for others to be banned should automatically be a bannable offence. The site is becoming increasingly tedious.

    I tend to agree that it should be against the forum rules.

    Banning itself would ideally be for a specific breach of the rules rather than the accusation of 'skating close to' something or 'chanelling' someone. Williamglenn's spiky contributions were often stimulating and it's a bit less good without him.
    No one has asked for Leon to be banned. What's the point, he'll only return as some ancient Mercian warrior figure. My point was, it's a shame when racism seems to be central to his posts and invective follows when anyone disagrees with him. Tell me where I asked for a ban.
    You hint at bans; @IanB2 has outright asked for a ban three or four times on this thread alone

    Whatever, as others point out, it is very dull. Unlike the cricket

    England now 1/3 for the win

    This feels absurd
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,047
    Leon said:

    ,..

    scampi25 said:

    Maybe calling for others to be banned should automatically be a bannable offence. The site is becoming increasingly tedious.

    I tend to agree that it should be against the forum rules.

    Banning itself would ideally be for a specific breach of the rules rather than the accusation of 'skating close to' something or 'chanelling' someone. Williamglenn's spiky contributions were often stimulating and it's a bit less good without him.
    No one has asked for Leon to be banned. What's the point, he'll only return as some ancient Mercian warrior figure. My point was, it's a shame when racism seems to be central to his posts and invective follows when anyone disagrees with him. Tell me where I asked for a ban.
    You hint at bans; @IanB2 has outright asked for a ban three or four times on this thread alone

    Whatever, as others point out, it is very dull. Unlike the cricket

    England now 1/3 for the win

    This feels absurd
    Chasing 370 odd in the 4th innings is simply not supposed to be anything like as easy as this look right now. For good reasons. A wicket down, a new batter and the game could very rapidly look very different.
  • ydoethur said:

    Leon said:

    Oh god the crikkit

    I liked the comment a couple of overs ago by the commentator "there's 30 overs to go until the new ball, so the 145 (required) runs could be gone by then".

    You wouldn't have said that in a Test match in the past.
    Wally Hammond - 336 in 318 minutes.

    Gordon Greenidge - 214 off 242 balls.

    Gilbert Jessop - 104 off 77 balls.
    Those are records, not typical batting styles.

    5 an over, over a sustained period, would not have been the expectation when I was younger at least.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 63,786
    I refuse to get excited until we are just 100 runs away. IF we get that far
  • LeonLeon Posts: 63,786
    DavidL said:

    Leon said:

    ,..

    scampi25 said:

    Maybe calling for others to be banned should automatically be a bannable offence. The site is becoming increasingly tedious.

    I tend to agree that it should be against the forum rules.

    Banning itself would ideally be for a specific breach of the rules rather than the accusation of 'skating close to' something or 'chanelling' someone. Williamglenn's spiky contributions were often stimulating and it's a bit less good without him.
    No one has asked for Leon to be banned. What's the point, he'll only return as some ancient Mercian warrior figure. My point was, it's a shame when racism seems to be central to his posts and invective follows when anyone disagrees with him. Tell me where I asked for a ban.
    You hint at bans; @IanB2 has outright asked for a ban three or four times on this thread alone

    Whatever, as others point out, it is very dull. Unlike the cricket

    England now 1/3 for the win

    This feels absurd
    Chasing 370 odd in the 4th innings is simply not supposed to be anything like as easy as this look right now. For good reasons. A wicket down, a new batter and the game could very rapidly look very different.
    Yes, just a couple of quick wickets and then India are big favourites again. Plus Woakes can barely stand
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 56,144
    Eabhal said:

    eek said:

    Eabhal said:

    Taz said:

    Eabhal said:

    Taz said:

    eek said:

    Taz said:

    Another small boats crackdown.

    It will be as effective as all the others.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm2y24xjgko

    I'm looking at https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/25359000.four-illegal-workers-found-oak-tree-near-darlington/ and I'm starting to think that @Malmesbury approach needs to be announced - give illegal workers a massive incentive to report themselves for illegal working as that is going to be the only way to remove the incentive for employers.

    Also from the article above - the employer really isn't that bright given the statement "She claimed that two workers have since started the process with the Home Office and are not illegally working, although this has not been confirmed."
    A local Indian Restaurant to me was done twice within 12 months and lost its license.

    Malmesburys suggestion has a lot of merit. It should be consider. Obviously it won’t be.
    Strict liability (£1000 fine) for customers too.
    It’s hardly the customers fault but if your aim is to destroy hospitality then crack on, that’s an insane suggestion.

    You could go out for a couple of drinks in a couple of bars, have a meal, and end up 3 grand in debt through no fault of your own 😱
    I made an edit above to reflect that point.

    But ultimately, strict liability is the kind of thing that kills demand for illegal practices. It takes the enforcement burden away from the police, and means you don't have to have exceptionally complicated investigations.
    Strict liability for the employer would be fine.

    But how is the customer supposed to know?
    At the shout Achtung! Achtung! all the employees run out to form a parade line, holding up their papers for inspection. The customer takes a photo of each with their papers on their mobile.

    Meanwhile the employees sing a rousing company song

    https://youtu.be/8JDkdc246QQ?si=F-0AWQJYQMFDmNX5
    As you demonstrate making the customer liable is impossible - but I would be looking at allowing the fine to become a strict liability that can be transferred to the franchiser / lease owner / app provider in circumstances where it's clear (as with Deliveroo and co) that their labour usage is designed to facilitate looking the other way.
    Note that there are already a few strict liability laws that work in this way, like underage alcohol, some sexual and driving offences and so on.

    The original motivation for suggesting it is would be a pretty dramatic way for Labour to look like they were doing something, however unfair or ineffective. Then you could have Peter Kyle respond to the protestations with something mad like "well that's what a procurer of illegal immigrant services would say, isn't it!"
    Do it for the employers.

    “So you support and want to protect enforced labour in dangerous conditions and sub-minimum wage pay. Which often comes, for the female employees, with added sexual assaults? So you support rich, raping slavers?”
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680
    edited August 3

    ydoethur said:

    Leon said:

    Oh god the crikkit

    I liked the comment a couple of overs ago by the commentator "there's 30 overs to go until the new ball, so the 145 (required) runs could be gone by then".

    You wouldn't have said that in a Test match in the past.
    Wally Hammond - 336 in 318 minutes.

    Gordon Greenidge - 214 off 242 balls.

    Gilbert Jessop - 104 off 77 balls.
    Those are records, not typical batting styles.

    5 an over, over a sustained period, would not have been the expectation when I was younger at least.
    That was definitely Gilbert Jessop's typical batting style. And Greenidge's, for that matter. Hammond slightly less so.

    The thing is, fashions change and mutate over time. In the late 1980s and 1990s there was a lot of turgid play in matches not involving the West Indies. In the 1960s, everyone batted slowly. In the 1900s and 1930s, much less so.

    Edit - don't get me wrong, it's good to see thrilling, attacking cricket (although it would also be nice to see it moderated with a dose of common sense) it just isn't new.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 56,144
    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    Big & Expensive tried bidding a “Navalised” Typhoon. When it was pointed out that it couldn’t land on the carrier with one engine, had zero bring back load etc….

    A truly Navalised Typhoon would be a new aircraft. The airframe, engines and electronics aren’t up to the shocks of launch and landing.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 20,811
    edited August 3
    The brexiteers already look foolish but imagine if those 28 countries incorporated Canada. Free movement to 29 countries and membership to the largest trading block in the World.....

    ......and no more kissing Trump's backside.

  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 55,403
    Leon said:

    ,..

    scampi25 said:

    Maybe calling for others to be banned should automatically be a bannable offence. The site is becoming increasingly tedious.

    I tend to agree that it should be against the forum rules.

    Banning itself would ideally be for a specific breach of the rules rather than the accusation of 'skating close to' something or 'chanelling' someone. Williamglenn's spiky contributions were often stimulating and it's a bit less good without him.
    No one has asked for Leon to be banned. What's the point, he'll only return as some ancient Mercian warrior figure. My point was, it's a shame when racism seems to be central to his posts and invective follows when anyone disagrees with him. Tell me where I asked for a ban.
    You hint at bans; @IanB2 has outright asked for a ban three or four times on this thread alone

    Whatever, as others point out, it is very dull. Unlike the cricket

    England now 1/3 for the win

    This feels absurd
    Cricket is dull...
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 63,963
    I hope @williamglenn comes back

    He made great insights and arguments, and always politely
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 32,097

    In other "shocking" news...

    BBC investigates ‘cocaine use’ by Strictly stars
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/03/bbc-launches-probe-into-cocaine-use-strictly-stars/

    For efficiency, shouldn’t they investigate evidence of non-cocaine use by the Talent?
    20-second clip of Joanna Lumley joking about icing sugar:-
    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/puPwm2SCNQA
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 79,859

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    I don't actually mind that interpretation because I don't really think we should buy F-35s.
    I agree that we shouldn't have committed to it, but there's no quick way out of that.

    But we should certainly be going for a British/European/Japanese (whichever are willing to collaborate) next generation.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 79,859
    DavidL said:

    Nigelb said:

    Donor List Suggests Scale of Trump’s Pay-for-Access Operation
    A new disclosure shows how corporations and individuals, including many in the crypto business, wrote big checks while seeking favor from the president.
    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/02/us/politics/donor-list-suggests-scale-of-trumps-pay-for-access-operation.html

    Most corrupt US president ever.

    Its not even close. We have never seen anything like this in a modern democracy. It's extraordinary.
    And that article is merely one set of details.
    The overall story is far worse.
  • eekeek Posts: 30,856

    I hope @williamglenn comes back

    He made great insights and arguments, and always politely

    The problem is he went full-on National Front on the evening that he was banned and given the new online laws that's very problematic for a UK based forum where liability is now with the editors and not the posters.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680

    In other "shocking" news...

    BBC investigates ‘cocaine use’ by Strictly stars
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/03/bbc-launches-probe-into-cocaine-use-strictly-stars/

    For efficiency, shouldn’t they investigate evidence of non-cocaine use by the Talent?
    20-second clip of Joanna Lumley joking about icing sugar:-
    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/puPwm2SCNQA
    Who snorted?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 79,859
    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680
    Ferrari do what Ferrari do best and screw everything up.

    I wonder if Leclerc will be leaving at the end of the season?
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Nigelb said:

    DavidL said:

    Nigelb said:

    Donor List Suggests Scale of Trump’s Pay-for-Access Operation
    A new disclosure shows how corporations and individuals, including many in the crypto business, wrote big checks while seeking favor from the president.
    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/02/us/politics/donor-list-suggests-scale-of-trumps-pay-for-access-operation.html

    Most corrupt US president ever.

    Its not even close. We have never seen anything like this in a modern democracy. It's extraordinary.
    And that article is merely one set of details.
    The overall story is far worse.
    The way the US establishment particularly the GOP have folded and handed over democracy to a corrupt tyrant is mind boggling.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 56,144
    Nigelb said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
    Why? As they are, each one carries enough modern aircraft to outfight most airforces.

    There’s a reason the Russians desperately hang on to their wreck of a carrier.

    And why the French have theirs. And India…
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 27,042
    This is curious:

    https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1952003365300277256

    The Athletic | Football
    @TheAthleticFC
    Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal.

    Partey, 32, has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club through to 2027.

    Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges.

    He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for the Premier League club prior to the expiration of his contract.

    He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Leon said:

    I refuse to get excited until we are just 100 runs away. IF we get that far

    Nearly time to get excited.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    100 to win
  • LeonLeon Posts: 63,786

    Leon said:

    I refuse to get excited until we are just 100 runs away. IF we get that far

    Nearly time to get excited.
    Odds checker has England at 1/14 for the win. That’s not a typo

    Is it me or is that preposterous?
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 11,394
    tlg86 said:

    This is curious:

    https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1952003365300277256

    The Athletic | Football
    @TheAthleticFC
    Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal.

    Partey, 32, has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club through to 2027.

    Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges.

    He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for the Premier League club prior to the expiration of his contract.

    He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.

    FYI there is a PB ban on this particular case.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    edited August 3
    tlg86 said:

    This is curious:

    https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1952003365300277256

    The Athletic | Football
    @TheAthleticFC
    Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal.

    Partey, 32, has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club through to 2027.

    Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges.

    He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for the Premier League club prior to the expiration of his contract.

    He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.

    I am surprised Arsenal haven't come in for a lot of grief retrospectively. In similar cases there have been calls to immediately stop picking the player while under investigation. Also him being under investigation was leaked ages ago.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Distract, distract, distract...


    Aaron Rupar‬
    @atrupar.com‬
    · 8m
    Stephen Miller: "The Russia collusion hoax against President Trump remains the single greatest hoax and assault on our democracy in history. There is no comparison to anything else. It was a coup, and I'm using that term literally... it meets all the criminal elements of a seditious conspiracy"

    https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lviuhazwbl2x
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 18,247

    Nigelb said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
    Why? As they are, each one carries enough modern aircraft to outfight most airforces.

    There’s a reason the Russians desperately hang on to their wreck of a carrier.

    And why the French have theirs. And India…
    Bang for buck I think. If a carrier fleet is one of the most expensive military capabilities a medium sized country can operate, while being somewhat useful, does it justify itself when other cheaper and more important capabilities aren't afforded?
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    edited August 3
    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    I refuse to get excited until we are just 100 runs away. IF we get that far

    Nearly time to get excited.
    Odds checker has England at 1/14 for the win. That’s not a typo

    Is it me or is that preposterous?
    Bit tight maybe. Only needs one of these wickets to fall and that will change a bit me thinks.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    "looking beaten" says TMS commentator
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Now 1/20
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 27,042

    tlg86 said:

    This is curious:

    https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1952003365300277256

    The Athletic | Football
    @TheAthleticFC
    Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal.

    Partey, 32, has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club through to 2027.

    Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges.

    He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for the Premier League club prior to the expiration of his contract.

    He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.

    I am surprised Arsenal haven't come in for a lot of grief retrospectively. In similar cases there have been calls to immediately stop picking the player while under investigation. Also him being under investigation was leaked ages ago.
    Arsenal did the same as Man City did with Mendy. But I am a bit surprised to see someone sign him up given he has now been charged.
  • CiceroCicero Posts: 3,665

    Distract, distract, distract...


    Aaron Rupar‬
    @atrupar.com‬
    · 8m
    Stephen Miller: "The Russia collusion hoax against President Trump remains the single greatest hoax and assault on our democracy in history. There is no comparison to anything else. It was a coup, and I'm using that term literally... it meets all the criminal elements of a seditious conspiracy"

    https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lviuhazwbl2x

    The evidence is there. Trump will be found out eventually and all his useful idiots will be revealed as fools.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 63,786
    Come on Harry. Stay calm
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 44,563
    edited August 3

    Nigelb said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
    Why? As they are, each one carries enough modern aircraft to outfight most airforces.

    There’s a reason the Russians desperately hang on to their wreck of a carrier.

    And why the French have theirs. And India…
    Isn’t Kuznetsov likely to be scrapped or sold?

    Edit: though who’d buy it?

    https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russias-lone-aircraft-carrier-likely-be-scrapped-or-sold-says-shipbuilding-chief-2025-07-25/
  • LeonLeon Posts: 63,786
    You can now get 14/1 against India winning. That feels like VALUE

    They just need a couple of wickets and that will come way down
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    edited August 3
    tlg86 said:

    tlg86 said:

    This is curious:

    https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1952003365300277256

    The Athletic | Football
    @TheAthleticFC
    Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal.

    Partey, 32, has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club through to 2027.

    Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges.

    He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for the Premier League club prior to the expiration of his contract.

    He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.

    I am surprised Arsenal haven't come in for a lot of grief retrospectively. In similar cases there have been calls to immediately stop picking the player while under investigation. Also him being under investigation was leaked ages ago.
    Arsenal did the same as Man City did with Mendy. But I am a bit surprised to see someone sign him up given he has now been charged.
    Mendy was immediately dropped from selection. He never played for Man City again.

    I am not saying it is right or wrong, just interesting, that other cases momentum built of what HAD to happen to certain players despite not being having got to trial or found guilty.

    There is another case which I have no idea if we can mention with a long running investigation. In that case as well, the club dropped the player and they never played for the club again while under contract (despite eventually never been charged with anything).
  • CiceroCicero Posts: 3,665

    Nigelb said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
    Why? As they are, each one carries enough modern aircraft to outfight most airforces.

    There’s a reason the Russians desperately hang on to their wreck of a carrier.

    And why the French have theirs. And India…
    The Kuznetsov is now to be scrapped. It cannot be replaced- it was built in the Nikolaev yard in... Ukraine.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 27,042

    tlg86 said:

    tlg86 said:

    This is curious:

    https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1952003365300277256

    The Athletic | Football
    @TheAthleticFC
    Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal.

    Partey, 32, has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club through to 2027.

    Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges.

    He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for the Premier League club prior to the expiration of his contract.

    He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.

    I am surprised Arsenal haven't come in for a lot of grief retrospectively. In similar cases there have been calls to immediately stop picking the player while under investigation. Also him being under investigation was leaked ages ago.
    Arsenal did the same as Man City did with Mendy. But I am a bit surprised to see someone sign him up given he has now been charged.
    Mendy was immediately dropped from selection. He never played for Man City again.

    I am not saying it is right or wrong, just interesting, that other cases momentum built of what HAD to happen to certain players despite not being having got to trial or found guilty.
    Mendy continued to play whilst under investigation. He wasn't dropped until he was charged.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Leon said:

    You can now get 14/1 against India winning. That feels like VALUE

    They just need a couple of wickets and that will come way down

    Now 26/1
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Just got on India at 33/1

    Only for the bants really.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    tlg86 said:

    tlg86 said:

    tlg86 said:

    This is curious:

    https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1952003365300277256

    The Athletic | Football
    @TheAthleticFC
    Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal.

    Partey, 32, has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club through to 2027.

    Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges.

    He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for the Premier League club prior to the expiration of his contract.

    He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.

    I am surprised Arsenal haven't come in for a lot of grief retrospectively. In similar cases there have been calls to immediately stop picking the player while under investigation. Also him being under investigation was leaked ages ago.
    Arsenal did the same as Man City did with Mendy. But I am a bit surprised to see someone sign him up given he has now been charged.
    Mendy was immediately dropped from selection. He never played for Man City again.

    I am not saying it is right or wrong, just interesting, that other cases momentum built of what HAD to happen to certain players despite not being having got to trial or found guilty.
    Mendy continued to play whilst under investigation. He wasn't dropped until he was charged.
    My memory is failing me. You are correct.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680

    Leon said:

    You can now get 14/1 against India winning. That feels like VALUE

    They just need a couple of wickets and that will come way down

    Now 26/1
    Root is the key. If they get him out, there isn't much to come. Smith is a flashy rather than reassuring presence, Bethell is so raw he's steak tartare and Woakes is injured.
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 63,963

    Nigelb said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
    Why? As they are, each one carries enough modern aircraft to outfight most airforces.

    There’s a reason the Russians desperately hang on to their wreck of a carrier.

    And why the French have theirs. And India…
    Looks like Russia is scrapping theirs - if it does then the Royal Navy will have inadvertently restored the "two power" standard in Europe, since we'll have more aircraft carriers than all our potential aircraft carriers in Europe put together*:

    https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/russia-set-to-scrap-its-last-remaining-aircraft-carrier-vf0q67c3h

    [*I think it's just France left with one proper one, and a couple of joker quasi-heli carriers for Italy, and one for Spain]
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    I don't want to here any talk about the thing that is going on at the Oval...
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Just wild now
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 36,725
    The Indian coach wondering how long he's going to be in the job.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680
    edited August 3
    That will feel sweet for Norris, outdriving Piastri for a well-earned win.

    But I would hate to be Leclerc's mechanics and strategists...
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 56,144
    FF43 said:

    Nigelb said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
    Why? As they are, each one carries enough modern aircraft to outfight most airforces.

    There’s a reason the Russians desperately hang on to their wreck of a carrier.

    And why the French have theirs. And India…
    Bang for buck I think. If a carrier fleet is one of the most expensive military capabilities a medium sized country can operate, while being somewhat useful, does it justify itself when other cheaper and more important capabilities aren't afforded?
    The history of such things is that when capability goes away, the money doesn’t get given to “cheaper capabilities”

    The last time the RN relinquished carriers, this was used to justify further cuts to surface warships!
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    odds tumbling
  • LeonLeon Posts: 63,786
    Nooooooo
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 63,963
    In fact, properly funded, I'd be happy if the ambitions of the 2025 Defence Review were fulfilled, for the Royal Navy - let's not get on to the Army, which is a joke, or the confused thinking on the RAF and ballistic missile defence.

    2 blue-water aircraft carriers (essentially the only serious ones in Europe, except the French one that keeps breaking down) each with a full rake of F35s, plus 25-26 major surface escorts, and 12 x AUKUS submarines gives us a major fleet of c.40+ capital ships and subs. And that's before you get to the 4 x strategic Dreadnought subs on top, minesweepers/littoral craft, and the RFA.

    Provided they were funded, fuelled, staffed and maintained properly, I'd be pretty happy that would keep us safe and moderately rule some of the waves for the next 30-40 years.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    edited August 3
    Game over....its the hope that kills you.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680
    Andy_JS said:

    The Indian coach wondering how long he's going to be in the job.

    Slightly longer than you thought?
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,150

    Just got on India at 33/1

    Only for the bants really.

    33/1 on an England collapse is never a bad bet.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680

    FF43 said:

    Nigelb said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
    Why? As they are, each one carries enough modern aircraft to outfight most airforces.

    There’s a reason the Russians desperately hang on to their wreck of a carrier.

    And why the French have theirs. And India…
    Bang for buck I think. If a carrier fleet is one of the most expensive military capabilities a medium sized country can operate, while being somewhat useful, does it justify itself when other cheaper and more important capabilities aren't afforded?
    The history of such things is that when capability goes away, the money doesn’t get given to “cheaper capabilities”

    The last time the RN relinquished carriers, this was used to justify further cuts to surface warships!
    Hacker, quoting a maths question: 'It costs £5 billion a year to maintain Britain's nuclear deterrent. It costs £75 a year to feed a starving child in Africa. If Britain abandoned its nuclear deterrent, how many starving African children could be fed?'

    Sir Humphrey: 'The answer is none. They'd spend that £5 billion on conventional weapons.'
  • No_Offence_AlanNo_Offence_Alan Posts: 5,148

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Something more cheerful


    “Sunday reading: Starmer now polls worse in Wales than in England

    britainelects.substack.com/p/death-spiral…

    https://x.com/britainelects/status/1951926516801011990?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw

    I am still genuinely surprised just how unpopular Starmer is so quickly. I don't know if it is the voice or what that rubs people up the wrong way. If you are in a union or work for the public sector, he isn't been bad for you. Those on low pay, at least for now the slow motion car crash hasn't occurred yet, you done ok.
    His X account is now totally bonkers: resembles a malfunctioning chatbot from about 2017. Tinged with fascinating & increasing craziness

    “For too long clouds have filled our skies with gloom. By using tractors and trained seagulls, I will bring back sunshine.

    That’s my promise to angry picnickers”

    How is that any different from:

    “For too long, criminal people-smuggling gangs have got away with using social media to sell the false promise of safe passage to the UK.

    I’m putting an end to it.”

    https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1951945684250169497?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw

    Starmer has multiple issues. He is genuinely dislikeable - stiff, unfunny, censorious, prissy, not as smart as he thinks he is. Also hypocritical, venal and greedy

    Add to that a total lack of political skill or charm, and personal political instincts (cf Chagos) entirely at odds with most British voters and you get the most unpopular prime minister in British history. He’s a disaster
    Before the election we had a lot of people on here justifying voting Labour on the basis of how can they possibly be worse than Sunak/Hunt. I pointed out that things can always be worse - much worse.

    So here we are.
    I think it’s better
    Starmer and Labour have been a dreadful disappointment, and they have made some horrendous political errors such as Gaza, WFA and the benefits fiasco, however for those of us not wearing their blue scarves too tightly around our necks, they are no worse and probably somewhat less negative than Sunak and considerably less chaotic than Truss and Johnson. Foreign policy on the whole has been viewed seriously and a marked improvement in a dangerous world.

    Some policies have been very poorly thought through and the communications even more inept, but worse than what went before? Not yet anyway.
    Gaza is one where Starmer has managed to offend everyone. To the point that if he recognises Palestine, the Jezzbolah won’t even give him credit. They will simply move to the next demand. The recognition of Hamas as the government of Gaza.
    His U turn on Palestine has been welcomed by me, but I would agree with Jeremy Bowen, the U turn is just too late to receive any political benefit either here or in Palestine.

    I don't believe there is any recognition of Hamas's role in the future of Palestine implicit in anything said by Starmer, Macron or Carney.
    No, there is nothing about recognising Hamas in what the sane politicians are speaking of.

    The angry Corbynistas, locally, are already saying it’s an outrage that the PLA will be given authority, by this, over Gaza. That Hamas is The Voice Of The People.

    It is virtually certain that this will be a demand. Probably a faction of the Fruit & Nuts will demand that it appears in the platform.
    There should not be a Palestinian state unless:
    The Palestinian people approve its creation in a democratic referendum;
    They explain what their currency will be;
    They explain how they will fund their trade deficit; and
    They explain how they will fund their budget deficit.
    Or is Palestine held to a lower standard than Scotland?
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 36,725
    ydoethur said:

    Andy_JS said:

    The Indian coach wondering how long he's going to be in the job.

    Slightly longer than you thought?
    Jinxed it again.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 20,811
    edited August 3

    Malcolm Shaw KC, a leading lawyer, said that the recognition plan “would create a troublesome precedent and could well challenge and ultimately destabilise an international system founded upon a common understanding of what it is to be a state”.

    The fresh legal opinion, seen by The Telegraph, was circulated to the Prime Minister, Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, and dozens of influential Labour MPs.

    It was commissioned by Lord Mendelsohn, the Labour peer, in response to Sir Keir’s decision to recognise a State of Palestine in September unless Israel meets certain conditions.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/08/03/recognising-palestinian-state-international-law/

    We know how keen Lord Hermer is all government policies being in accordance with international law....

    As Lord Hermer has 75% of the UN on his side and an increasing number of members of our own HoL including today Lord SumptionI I think there's less chance of Lord Hermer being wrong than the evermore isolated Daily Telegraph
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 36,725
    Soon it'll be a case of Chris Woakes getting someone else to put on his pads.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680
    Wasn't there meant to be rain in London today?
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680
    That's what I meant about Bethel's rawness...he was very lucky to get away with that.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 56,144
    ydoethur said:

    FF43 said:

    Nigelb said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    I think we should sell the carriers.
    Why? As they are, each one carries enough modern aircraft to outfight most airforces.

    There’s a reason the Russians desperately hang on to their wreck of a carrier.

    And why the French have theirs. And India…
    Bang for buck I think. If a carrier fleet is one of the most expensive military capabilities a medium sized country can operate, while being somewhat useful, does it justify itself when other cheaper and more important capabilities aren't afforded?
    The history of such things is that when capability goes away, the money doesn’t get given to “cheaper capabilities”

    The last time the RN relinquished carriers, this was used to justify further cuts to surface warships!
    Hacker, quoting a maths question: 'It costs £5 billion a year to maintain Britain's nuclear deterrent. It costs £75 a year to feed a starving child in Africa. If Britain abandoned its nuclear deterrent, how many starving African children could be fed?'

    Sir Humphrey: 'The answer is none. They'd spend that £5 billion on conventional weapons.'
    A bizarre lie

    They would spend most of it on Presidential palaces, cars, watches. A certain percentage would be spent on arms. Mostly to bribe the givers of aid -

    1) the government gives “aid”.
    2) the recipient spends a percentage on arms from the donor county…
    3) … from companies located in the right place, politically…
    4) … for the politicians giving the aid.
    5) as the cherry on top, the companies donate to the politicians and parties in question.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,047
    Joe is going to have to manage the tail fairly carefully here.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    Root getting his surfboard just outside the stumps.....
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Yikes
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,175
    Annoyingly, I have to make a phone call now.

  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 74,680
    That could have been the last over today. Good news for our ticket holder.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    We are still batting for the draw right?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,047
    I said yesterday that if England were going to win this it was going to take a century from one of Pope, Brook or Root. We have already had a 100 from one and we are on the edge of a second. That slip onto the boundary rope by Siraj is looking the turning point of a really brilliant Test match and indeed series.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    edited August 3
    DavidL said:

    I said yesterday that if England were going to win this it was going to take a century from one of Pope, Brook or Root. We have already had a 100 from one and we are on the edge of a second. That slip onto the boundary rope by Siraj is looking the turning point of a really brilliant Test match and indeed series.

    Jaiswal was dropped on 20, 40 and a third time, I think 79.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 28,855
    Leon said:

    Oh god the crikkit

    "It's got to go."
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    Imagine if England could find to alternatives to the duffers Crawley and Pope.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 28,855
    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    .

    Nigelb said:

    India informed the US it will not purchase F-35 stealth fighters, despite Trump’s offer during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Washington visit, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. India plans no further US arms purchases but is discussing steps like increasing imports of US liquefied gas, telecom equipment, and gold to ease trade tensions. The decision follows Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling India’s economy “dead” and criticizing its trade barriers. India is disappointed but hopes to continue trade talks.
    https://x.com/polidemitolog/status/1951659256039743773

    Good.

    We should do the same.
    I don't think buying the Rafale would be very popular, but yes, pushback usually works better with Trump than the EU style semi-capitulation.
    Problem is:
    • The Queen-Elizabeth carriers only work with the F35B
    • The Rafael manufacturers have a full order book and won't be able to start building new orders until around 2029.
    Personally I think they should install cats and traps and fly navalized Typhoons: equally lengthy but at least we won't be beholden to the Americans or French
    We could perhaps get close to building 2 new carriers for the price of solution 2.

    I'm with go for more Eurofighters for the RAF instead of F35A, and treat those are the Trump-fluff they perhaps are.

    F35Bs for the RN, perhaps investigating conformal fuel tanks.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 35,429
    Could have some rain. Met Office site show a raincloud over the area. Might yet go on until tomorrow
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522
    edited August 3
    A compensation scheme for drivers over the mis-selling of car loans could cost as much as £18bn, the financial regulator has said.

    The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that hidden commissions from lenders to dealers on car loans were not unlawful, meaning millions of motorists will not be able to claim.

    However, the judgement left open the possibility of compensation claims for particularly large commissions which the Supreme Court said were unfair.

    Following the ruling, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has said it will consult on running a payout scheme - estimated to cost between £9bn and £18bn.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjy29zql25o
  • MattWMattW Posts: 28,855

    “Wait a minute, you vote Reform, and you read the Guardian?” It turned out his fiancee is a teacher and she encouraged him to do it.

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/03/dining-across-the-divide-michael-bernard

    What vote Reform or buy the Guardian?

    Both individuals in that piece seem to have done some thinking about why they support various policies.

    My father, when I was young, got the Times, Telegraph, Independent, Guardian, Economist and the Spectator. And got me to read them.

    He believed that everyone is biased so that the only way to see the world is to read a range of opinions on the same thing.
    Indeedty-doody. I sometimes read Leon's comments.

    The determination is:

    1 Is this comment sensible.
    2 If not, is he playing Drunk Leon or Sober Leon today.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 46,481

    scampi25 said:

    Maybe calling for others to be banned should automatically be a bannable offence. The site is becoming increasingly tedious.

    You can collect your refund on the way out
    We should ban those who call for people to banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned for calling for people to be banned….

    {snoring}
    I’m not a fan of banning people

    But I do get annoyed by people who repetitively complain the site is boring
    Saying the site is boring is usually code for "I am in my opinion a person of great humour, intellect and originality".
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 36,725

    Could have some rain. Met Office site show a raincloud over the area. Might yet go on until tomorrow

    I've got a ticket for tomorrow but not sure it would be worth going now even if there is rain.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 35,429
    Andy_JS said:

    Could have some rain. Met Office site show a raincloud over the area. Might yet go on until tomorrow

    I've got a ticket for tomorrow but not sure it would be worth going now even if there is rain.
    If the Indians pick up a couple of wickets now it could be 'interesting' tomorrow. Even if brief!
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 86,522

    Andy_JS said:

    Could have some rain. Met Office site show a raincloud over the area. Might yet go on until tomorrow

    I've got a ticket for tomorrow but not sure it would be worth going now even if there is rain.
    If the Indians pick up a couple of wickets now it could be 'interesting' tomorrow. Even if brief!
    There is loads of extra time can be played today due to previous slow over rate, rain and if there is a possibility of a result. I think they can go until 7.30pm.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 46,481
    Andy_JS said:

    Could have some rain. Met Office site show a raincloud over the area. Might yet go on until tomorrow

    I've got a ticket for tomorrow but not sure it would be worth going now even if there is rain.
    That's a shame. Best outcome - over today and money back.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 63,786
    Bethel gives me heebie jeebies
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 36,725
    "AI companions are not a descent into a dystopian future
    By Katherine Dee" (£)

    https://unherd.com/newsroom/ai-companions-are-not-a-descent-into-a-dystopian-future
  • sarissasarissa Posts: 2,215
    IanB2 said:

    Foxy said:

    I don't think Canada can or would join the full EU, but some sort of associate status might work, as indeed it might for us, Norway, Ukraine, Turkey etc.

    Good morning

    Our son and Canadian daughter in law live in Vancouver and I doubt they have any interest in being part of the EU

    Trump is a time limited problem and the US will come to it's senses in due course

    The EU seems a very long way away from British Columbia which of course it is
    But you will know the quiz question, with which country does France have the longest border? To which the answer is Brazil, also a long way away
    Countries can be members of more than one association, with links to distant nations, e.g. Mozambique:
    African Union
    Southern African Development Community
    Organisation of the Islamic Conference
    Commonwealth of Nations (our Commonwealth)
    Community of Portuguese Language Countries
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 79,859

    Distract, distract, distract...


    Aaron Rupar‬
    @atrupar.com‬
    · 8m
    Stephen Miller: "The Russia collusion hoax against President Trump remains the single greatest hoax and assault on our democracy in history. There is no comparison to anything else. It was a coup, and I'm using that term literally... it meets all the criminal elements of a seditious conspiracy"

    https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lviuhazwbl2x

    Goebbels does his thing.
    Which is to lie.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 36,725

    Imagine if England could find to alternatives to the duffers Crawley and Pope.

    Dom Sibley?
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