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Will an Ayrshire hotelier win the 2026 Nobel peace prize? – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 12,733
edited 6:51AM in General
Will an Ayrshire hotelier win the 2026 Nobel peace prize? – politicalbetting.com

Will Donald Trump win the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize? Our odds give him a 33% chance of winning it next yearNo – 4/11 Yes – 2/1 https://t.co/DK44q0IqyU#NobelPeacePrize pic.twitter.com/QK8yqkrUWw

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  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,994
    Good morning, everyone.

    I'd not be inclined to tie my money up that long but if the peace holds he has a good chance.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 53,564
    While what we have seen in the last week has been hopeful, there have been several similar ceasefire before that ran out of steam.

    Hamas seems to be openly re-establishing itself as the rulers of the Gaza rubble, and that doesn't bode well for real peace.

    A two state solution looks as far away as ever.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 45,531
    Surely Trump & Milei will be a shoo-in as co winners of the Nobel Economics prize?
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 57,525
    Nearly on topic:

    So what’s this story of an anti-war demonstration in… St. Petersberg?

    https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1978171447290798513
  • RochdalePioneersRochdalePioneers Posts: 31,205
    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?
  • DopermeanDopermean Posts: 1,725
    Will Trump put US troops on the ground to ensure his legacy?
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 124,330

    Good morning, everyone.

    I'd not be inclined to tie my money up that long but if the peace holds he has a good chance.

    ICYMI

    I am about to cancel my membership of American Express, ban this sick filth.

    F1 introduces pre-race ‘half time’ show with ‘Grid Gigs’ concept

    At this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, the pre-race build-up will feature a “pre-race opening show” courtesy of American Express.

    Ahead of lights out at Circuit of The Americas this weekend, country music artist Drake Milligan will perform on the grid as cars begin to leave their garages for their sighting laps.


    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/f1-introduces-pre-race-half-time-show-with-grid-gigs-concept/ar-AA1Osd2E?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=68ee8d5ddecd4dd993ed69807ca0c9c2&ei=52
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 35,089
    Yesterday Hamas executed members of rival gangs and the IDF shot dead five Gazans, closed the Rafah Crossing and withheld aid convoys.

    Hand the man his bauble.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 67,918

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 45,531

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    I see one party that would not be crushed by Reform.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 124,330

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    I believe the poll was carried out by a non BPC member.
  • eekeek Posts: 31,503
    Sandpit said:

    Nearly on topic:

    So what’s this story of an anti-war demonstration in… St. Petersberg?

    https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1978171447290798513

    They've picked up the fact conscription is now taking place in both St Petersberg and Moscow where previously it was out of sight, out of mind.

    And it didn't matter when they could avoid it now the impact of war is too close for comfort...
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,994
    eek said:

    Sandpit said:

    Nearly on topic:

    So what’s this story of an anti-war demonstration in… St. Petersberg?

    https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1978171447290798513

    They've picked up the fact conscription is now taking place in both St Petersberg and Moscow where previously it was out of sight, out of mind.

    And it didn't matter when they could avoid it now the impact of war is too close for comfort...
    Conscription is like taxes.

    When other people are affected, it's a necessary and potentially even good thing for the state. When it affects oneself...
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 20,202

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    I believe the poll was carried out by a non BPC member.
    Though given all the other ways this projection is a mad thing to do, it hardly matters. If you are using a garbage generating machine, you might as well put garbage in.

    How much would a poll like this cost to produce? How does that compare with a page of proper news?
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 124,330
    edited 7:24AM

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    I believe the poll was carried out by a non BPC member.
    Though given all the other ways this projection is a mad thing to do, it hardly matters. If you are using a garbage generating machine, you might as well put garbage in.

    How much would a poll like this cost to produce? How does that compare with a page of proper news?
    A proper MRP costs somewhere north of £100,000.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 53,564

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    It doesn't seem plausible to me. No way would Your Party have 13 seats.

    Place it in the round filing cabinet.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,994

    Good morning, everyone.

    I'd not be inclined to tie my money up that long but if the peace holds he has a good chance.

    ICYMI

    I am about to cancel my membership of American Express, ban this sick filth.

    F1 introduces pre-race ‘half time’ show with ‘Grid Gigs’ concept

    At this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, the pre-race build-up will feature a “pre-race opening show” courtesy of American Express.

    Ahead of lights out at Circuit of The Americas this weekend, country music artist Drake Milligan will perform on the grid as cars begin to leave their garages for their sighting laps.


    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/f1-introduces-pre-race-half-time-show-with-grid-gigs-concept/ar-AA1Osd2E?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=68ee8d5ddecd4dd993ed69807ca0c9c2&ei=52
    Oh, joy.

    To be fair, I never watch any pre-race bullshit like that anyway, so it wouldn't affect my viewing experience. But coming after the race where Sainz overtaking a quarter of the field was ignored in favour of pretty women in garages it's not the best look.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 68,465
    On the topic:

    “Disarmament is going to be the big thing,” says the former official. “It’s easy to do a token disarmament but real disarmament is what would change the mood of Hamas from passive acceptance to active resistance.”


    If Hamas is dragged into a gang war, Gaza risks descending into anarchy
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/14/the-gangs-of-gaza-are-coming-for-hamas
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 124,330

    Good morning, everyone.

    I'd not be inclined to tie my money up that long but if the peace holds he has a good chance.

    ICYMI

    I am about to cancel my membership of American Express, ban this sick filth.

    F1 introduces pre-race ‘half time’ show with ‘Grid Gigs’ concept

    At this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, the pre-race build-up will feature a “pre-race opening show” courtesy of American Express.

    Ahead of lights out at Circuit of The Americas this weekend, country music artist Drake Milligan will perform on the grid as cars begin to leave their garages for their sighting laps.


    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/f1-introduces-pre-race-half-time-show-with-grid-gigs-concept/ar-AA1Osd2E?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=68ee8d5ddecd4dd993ed69807ca0c9c2&ei=52
    Oh, joy.

    To be fair, I never watch any pre-race bullshit like that anyway, so it wouldn't affect my viewing experience. But coming after the race where Sainz overtaking a quarter of the field was ignored in favour of pretty women in garages it's not the best look.
    I love Martin Brundle's pre race walk.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 20,202
    Foxy said:

    While what we have seen in the last week has been hopeful, there have been several similar ceasefire before that ran out of steam.

    Hamas seems to be openly re-establishing itself as the rulers of the Gaza rubble, and that doesn't bode well for real peace.

    A two state solution looks as far away as ever.

    Have we essentially wound back to October 6, 2023, just with more ruins and dead people?

    Better than not winding back, and to be taken as a good thing, but a long long way from a stable solution.
  • WhisperingOracleWhisperingOracle Posts: 10,861
    edited 7:26AM
    Morning, P.B.

    The Mail has become notably more pro-Reform of late, roughly in proportion to the number of anti-immigrant stories that it's running, so this is also part of a propaganda exercise. They're somewhat losing hope of a Tory revival, and the Rothermeres have form in thinking the far-right can be useful.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 68,465

    eek said:

    Sandpit said:

    Nearly on topic:

    So what’s this story of an anti-war demonstration in… St. Petersberg?

    https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1978171447290798513

    They've picked up the fact conscription is now taking place in both St Petersberg and Moscow where previously it was out of sight, out of mind.

    And it didn't matter when they could avoid it now the impact of war is too close for comfort...
    Conscription is like taxes.

    When other people are affected, it's a necessary and potentially even good thing for the state. When it affects oneself...
    One develops bone spurs.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 57,525
    eek said:

    Sandpit said:

    Nearly on topic:

    So what’s this story of an anti-war demonstration in… St. Petersberg?

    https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1978171447290798513

    They've picked up the fact conscription is now taking place in both St Petersberg and Moscow where previously it was out of sight, out of mind.

    And it didn't matter when they could avoid it now the impact of war is too close for comfort...
    Indeed, and the fuel shortages are starting to affect the major cities too.

    Oh well, never mind.
  • RattersRatters Posts: 1,518

    On the topic:

    “Disarmament is going to be the big thing,” says the former official. “It’s easy to do a token disarmament but real disarmament is what would change the mood of Hamas from passive acceptance to active resistance.”


    If Hamas is dragged into a gang war, Gaza risks descending into anarchy
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/14/the-gangs-of-gaza-are-coming-for-hamas

    20 years of occupation couldn't stop the Taliban being rulers-in-waiting in Afghanistan.

    I see no realistic prospect of Hamas giving up effective control of Gaza. Even if they feign disarmament and allow international peacekeepers to come in, they'll be intimidated and bought into tacitly facilitating Hamas.

    That's not to say they don't want an end to the fighting for the foreseeable future. But let's not pretend this will be the start of a peacefully led Gaza. It still makes it the least bad option on the table.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 68,465

    Foxy said:

    While what we have seen in the last week has been hopeful, there have been several similar ceasefire before that ran out of steam.

    Hamas seems to be openly re-establishing itself as the rulers of the Gaza rubble, and that doesn't bode well for real peace.

    A two state solution looks as far away as ever.

    Have we essentially wound back to October 6, 2023, just with more ruins and dead people?

    Better than not winding back, and to be taken as a good thing, but a long long way from a stable solution.
    The IDF shouldn't have left imho until the Turkish/Arab peace keeping force was at the docks ready to march in. But then that would mean war for another three months or more and no hostages released this week.

    And no announcement from Trump two days before the bloody nobel announcement.

  • isamisam Posts: 42,800
    What was this peace plan? From January 2020

    Trump’s so-called ‘peace plan’ is a farce. It is inconsistent with international law and human rights protections.

    Our Government should unequivocally condemn it because it will cause even more suffering for the Palestinian people who have already endured so much.


    https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1222441947861864449?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 68,465

    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 124,330
    isam said:

    What was this peace plan? From January 2020

    Trump’s so-called ‘peace plan’ is a farce. It is inconsistent with international law and human rights protections.

    Our Government should unequivocally condemn it because it will cause even more suffering for the Palestinian people who have already endured so much.


    https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1222441947861864449?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Trump_Israel–Palestine_plan
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 45,917

    If he loses he is an Ayrshire hotelier

    If he wins he is an Aberdeenshire hotelier

    I rather suspect, however, TSE needs to be warned of the unfortunately coincidental association of Ayrshire with bacon/gammon, certainly in a Scots context. When I think of AyrshireI salivate and remember my late Mum's Sunday breakfasts.
  • JohnLilburneJohnLilburne Posts: 7,362
    Foxy said:

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    It doesn't seem plausible to me. No way would Your Party have 13 seats.

    Place it in the round filing cabinet.
    It's now up on the Electoral Calculus website. For some reason it has been sat on for over a month (maybe waiting for someone to be stupid enough to pay for it) https://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/blogs/ec_vipoll_20251015.html
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 39,723
    Foxy said:

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    It doesn't seem plausible to me. No way would Your Party have 13 seats.

    Place it in the round filing cabinet.
    The implicit numbers are Reform 36%, Labour 19%, Con and Lib Dem 14% each.

    13 seems feasible for Your Party. 5 Gaza independents, Zarah Sultana, plus a couple of seats each in Tower Hamlets and Birmingham, Ilford North, Luton South, Bradford West.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 30,294
    edited 7:48AM
    Thanks for the header and good morning PB.

    On the header, my first thought is that is not really a deal; this remains something that was set up without one of the two parties being involved, and with none of the items needed for a long term settlement defined. So I don't see it lasting, especially as the genocide on Netanyahu's instructions on one side, and the original Hamas attack on the other, have wired in another 50+ years of struggle.

    The only secure peace will be when both sides have a secure home, and accept such a home existing for the other.

    If Trump maintains it and successfully builds a wider peace over the next 3 years, consider a NPP for Trump in 2028.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 6,850
    Carnyx said:

    If he loses he is an Ayrshire hotelier

    If he wins he is an Aberdeenshire hotelier

    I rather suspect, however, TSE needs to be warned of the unfortunately coincidental association of Ayrshire with bacon/gammon, certainly in a Scots context. When I think of AyrshireI salivate and remember my late Mum's Sunday breakfasts.
    Customer goes into a butcher’s shop on a cold morning. The butcher is standing with his back to the radiator. The customer asks “is that your Ayrshire Bacon?”
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747
    I doubt it, the fact the Nobel Committee nominated a Venezuelan pro democracy activist over Trump this year too makee that clear. Even if Trump brought peace between Ukraine and Russia next year and the Middle East peace held he likely would not be awarded the prize
  • AbandonedHopeAbandonedHope Posts: 168
    Morning all,
    I think it's safe to say that we can take this MRP with a pinch of salt. I distrust any agency with that has its fingers in that many pies across that many sectors of industry via that many companies. Dreams of being Saatchi but on a B&M budget.

    Daily Mail story as factual as ever. They think Angela Smith is one of those whose seat is safe from Reform. Who's going to tell them...?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    And the French centre right PM has effectively had to become a puppet of the Socialists and scrap any increase in the pension age to stay in power
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 14,722
    edited 7:51AM
    Sean_F said:

    Foxy said:

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    It doesn't seem plausible to me. No way would Your Party have 13 seats.

    Place it in the round filing cabinet.
    The implicit numbers are Reform 36%, Labour 19%, Con and Lib Dem 14% each.

    13 seems feasible for Your Party. 5 Gaza independents, Zarah Sultana, plus a couple of seats each in Tower Hamlets and Birmingham, Ilford North, Luton South, Bradford West.
    The numbers are given with and without tactical voting and are

    No TV
    Ref 33
    Lab 19
    Con 16
    LD 11
    Grn 9
    YP 5
    SNP 3

    With TV
    Ref 36
    Lab 21
    Con 15
    LD 10
    Grn 7
    YP 4
    SNP 3

    It was conducted by Find Out Now a month ago, EC running the with tactical voting seats as the headline

    https://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/blogs/ec_vipoll_20251015.html
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 57,525
    Feodosia oil terminal in Crimea apparently got the drone treatment again last night.

    https://x.com/jayinkyiv/status/1978360099878908363

    Looks like there’s now no storage left, at the largest export terminal under Russian control.

    Oh well, so sad, too bad, never mind…
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 14,722
    edited 8:02AM

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    I believe the poll was carried out by a non BPC member.
    EC/PMLR MRPs are done by Find Out Now

    Well, the data collection anyway
  • isamisam Posts: 42,800
    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 15,655
    edited 7:58AM

    On the topic:

    “Disarmament is going to be the big thing,” says the former official. “It’s easy to do a token disarmament but real disarmament is what would change the mood of Hamas from passive acceptance to active resistance.”


    If Hamas is dragged into a gang war, Gaza risks descending into anarchy
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/14/the-gangs-of-gaza-are-coming-for-hamas

    Unless stage 1 of the plan had a plan for guaranteeing the safety and security of Gazans - a police force - in action on the streets yesterday and today and tomorrow then there isn't a plan and the performance earlier this week was just another Alaska.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 82,117

    Good morning, everyone.

    I'd not be inclined to tie my money up that long but if the peace holds he has a good chance.

    ICYMI

    I am about to cancel my membership of American Express, ban this sick filth.

    F1 introduces pre-race ‘half time’ show with ‘Grid Gigs’ concept

    At this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, the pre-race build-up will feature a “pre-race opening show” courtesy of American Express.

    Ahead of lights out at Circuit of The Americas this weekend, country music artist Drake Milligan will perform on the grid as cars begin to leave their garages for their sighting laps.


    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/f1-introduces-pre-race-half-time-show-with-grid-gigs-concept/ar-AA1Osd2E?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=68ee8d5ddecd4dd993ed69807ca0c9c2&ei=52
    Oh, joy.

    To be fair, I never watch any pre-race bullshit like that anyway, so it wouldn't affect my viewing experience. But coming after the race where Sainz overtaking a quarter of the field was ignored in favour of pretty women in garages it's not the best look.
    I love Martin Brundle's pre race walk.
    From his no holds barred approach to celebs Robert told us about last night, I think they should get @rcs1000 to do it.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 67,918
    On the poll in the mail I have more to do with my time to even consider it as a serious or realistic proposition

  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 57,525


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
  • boulayboulay Posts: 7,606
    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    Is the Treasury a bigger enemy to the UK than China?
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 14,722
    edited 8:00AM
    More in Common this week

    Ref 30 (-3)
    Lab 22 (+2)
    Con 20 (+1)
    LD 15 (+1)
    Grn 9 (+1)
    SNP 3 (=)
    Oth 2 (-1)
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 45,917
    HYUFD said:

    I doubt it, the fact the Nobel Committee nominated a Venezuelan pro democracy activist over Trump this year too makee that clear. Even if Trump brought peace between Ukraine and Russia next year and the Middle East peace held he likely would not be awarded the prize

    TBF, even that doesn't need to be brought into consideration; the Nobel award committee met *before* the news from the ME (and pointed that out a little later).
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 57,525
    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    At some point, a Chancellor or a PM is going to have to fire everyone above a junior analyst in the Treasury.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 56,115
    eek said:

    Sandpit said:

    Nearly on topic:

    So what’s this story of an anti-war demonstration in… St. Petersberg?

    https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/1978171447290798513

    They've picked up the fact conscription is now taking place in both St Petersberg and Moscow where previously it was out of sight, out of mind.

    And it didn't matter when they could avoid it now the impact of war is too close for comfort...
    On the bright side, there'll be no fuel to drive their conscripted kids to the front...
  • TazTaz Posts: 21,475
    edited 8:01AM
    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 8,249
    Ratters said:

    On the topic:

    “Disarmament is going to be the big thing,” says the former official. “It’s easy to do a token disarmament but real disarmament is what would change the mood of Hamas from passive acceptance to active resistance.”


    If Hamas is dragged into a gang war, Gaza risks descending into anarchy
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/14/the-gangs-of-gaza-are-coming-for-hamas

    20 years of occupation couldn't stop the Taliban being rulers-in-waiting in Afghanistan.

    I see no realistic prospect of Hamas giving up effective control of Gaza. Even if they feign disarmament and allow international peacekeepers to come in, they'll be intimidated and bought into tacitly facilitating Hamas.

    That's not to say they don't want an end to the fighting for the foreseeable future. But let's not pretend this will be the start of a peacefully led Gaza. It still makes it the least bad option on the table.
    There is I think a difference now in that regional players are now all fully invested in backing the blueprint. I think if Hamas looks like resuming full control of Gaza there is now an international coalition who will try to stop that happening.

    Maybe I’m an optimist, who knows.
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 8,249

    More in Common this week

    Ref 30 (-3)
    Lab 22 (+2)
    Con 20 (+1)
    LD 15 (+1)
    Grn 9 (+1)
    SNP 3 (=)
    Oth 2 (-1)

    Broken sleazy Reform on the slide?
  • TazTaz Posts: 21,475
    Does anyone know what a Beta Cuck actually is. I googled it and the Urba Dictionary gave several different, oblique, meanings.

    I cannot say it is a term I have come across before.

    @Leon , anyone ?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747
    edited 8:06AM

    More in Common this week

    Ref 30 (-3)
    Lab 22 (+2)
    Con 20 (+1)
    LD 15 (+1)
    Grn 9 (+1)
    SNP 3 (=)
    Oth 2 (-1)

    In contrast to FON (taken pre conferences) that post conference MiC poll has it rather tighter, a Reform majority of only 42 and that is before any tactical voting.
    Reform 346, Labour 128, LDs 66. Cons 49 and SNP 28
    https://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/fcgi-bin/usercode.py?scotcontrol=N&CON=20&LAB=22&LIB=15&Reform=30&Green=9&UKIP=&TVCON=100&TVLAB=100&TVLIB=100&TVReform=100&TVGreen=100&TVUKIP=&SCOTCON=&SCOTLAB=&SCOTLIB=&SCOTReform=&SCOTGreen=&SCOTUKIP=&SCOTNAT=&display=AllChanged&regorseat=(none)&boundary=2024base
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 14,722

    More in Common this week

    Ref 30 (-3)
    Lab 22 (+2)
    Con 20 (+1)
    LD 15 (+1)
    Grn 9 (+1)
    SNP 3 (=)
    Oth 2 (-1)

    Broken sleazy Reform on the slide?
    Reversion to the mean im afraid. We must wait a little longer for the implosion
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 124,330

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    I believe the poll was carried out by a non BPC member.
    EC/PMLR MRPs are done by Find Out Now

    Well, the data collection anyway
    The Mail say this poll was carried out by communications firm PLMR.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 57,525
    edited 8:10AM
    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    Just about the only way I can see out of this, is the one I see around me in the sandpit.

    Build like crazy, encourage business through low taxes, and increase immigration.

    BUT, and this is the key point, the immigrants need to be on time-limited employment visas, not accruing state pensions, and not entitled to any public funds, otherwise you’re just adding to the Ponzi scheme.

    Oh, and the houses and infrastructure need to be built before the immigration, for blindingly obvious reasons.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 67,918
    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    4.8%
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 12,219
    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    Obviously. Every shop/pub/restaurant in Edinburgh was desperate for workers and the economic forecasts will have looked grim.

    I'm all for boosting wages at the bottom, particularly given our exceptionally high rates of in-work poverty. But that has to take place gradually and you have to give businesses time to plan around it.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 45,917
    Taz said:

    Does anyone know what a Beta Cuck actually is. I googled it and the Urba Dictionary gave several different, oblique, meanings.

    I cannot say it is a term I have come across before.

    @Leon , anyone ?

    AIUI

    Beta = lower status male, as opposed to alpha; wimpy, uses oat milk and eats vegan scones at NT cafes as opposed to raw steaks
    Cuck = cuckoo = allusion to the beta status male's wife being rogered by alpha males, I believe, with ensuing illegitimate offspring (yes, yes, I know, but those of a certain tendency probably don't spend their weekends birdwatching, or at least watching the feathered variety)

    It's a very nasty insult when used in person.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 82,117
    isam said:

    What was this peace plan? From January 2020

    Trump’s so-called ‘peace plan’ is a farce. It is inconsistent with international law and human rights protections.

    Our Government should unequivocally condemn it because it will cause even more suffering for the Palestinian people who have already endured so much.


    https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1222441947861864449?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    The current one is quite similar to Biden's proposed deal from last year.

    It's not a long term solution, any more than that was, though clearly there's a bit more chance of the ceasefire holding for a while.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    I see one party that would not be crushed by Reform.
    Given Farage has ruled out indyref2 like Starmer and SNP would not have the balance of power on that poll, matters little anyway
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 14,722

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    I believe the poll was carried out by a non BPC member.
    EC/PMLR MRPs are done by Find Out Now

    Well, the data collection anyway
    The Mail say this poll was carried out by communications firm PLMR.
    The Mail are incorrect, it was the same as the EC/PLMR June MRP.
    'Find out Now interviewed 7449 people' (from data tables on EC)
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747
    edited 8:14AM
    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    Not much different to inflation at 3.8% and below average earnings growth of 4.7%. The state pension is also below minimum wage now
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjek274q99xo
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 20,532
    Foxy said:

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    It doesn't seem plausible to me. No way would Your Party have 13 seats.

    Place it in the round filing cabinet.
    If the national vote shares in England are split six ways, then FPTP is capable of throwing up all sorts of winners on low vote shares.

    The support for Your Party, such that it is, will likely be concentrated in urban areas, and so might well win a bunch of seats on a low national vote share - particularly if Labour are below 20% nationally themselves.
  • FishingFishing Posts: 5,878
    edited 8:11AM
    isam said:

    What was this peace plan? From January 2020

    Trump’s so-called ‘peace plan’ is a farce. It is inconsistent with international law and human rights protections.

    Our Government should unequivocally condemn it because it will cause even more suffering for the Palestinian people who have already endured so much.


    https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1222441947861864449?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    Very unfair of you to bring that up now.

    That was when Starmer was still Corbyn's best friend who would never betray the far left Labour membership.

    You'll be saying that he's the most cynically dishonest politician in living memory with no courage, integrity or principles next.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 82,117
    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    4.8% - 1% above today's inflation.

    It's not so much what it will cost in a single year, so much as its unsustainability in future years.
    Until a government has the courage to scrap it, it makes future spending projections steadily worse.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 16,276

    Good morning, everyone.

    I'd not be inclined to tie my money up that long but if the peace holds he has a good chance.

    ICYMI

    I am about to cancel my membership of American Express, ban this sick filth.

    F1 introduces pre-race ‘half time’ show with ‘Grid Gigs’ concept

    At this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, the pre-race build-up will feature a “pre-race opening show” courtesy of American Express.

    Ahead of lights out at Circuit of The Americas this weekend, country music artist Drake Milligan will perform on the grid as cars begin to leave their garages for their sighting laps.


    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/f1-introduces-pre-race-half-time-show-with-grid-gigs-concept/ar-AA1Osd2E?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=68ee8d5ddecd4dd993ed69807ca0c9c2&ei=52
    Oh, joy.

    To be fair, I never watch any pre-race bullshit like that anyway, so it wouldn't affect my viewing experience. But coming after the race where Sainz overtaking a quarter of the field was ignored in favour of pretty women in garages it's not the best look.
    Formula 1 isn't really my thing.
    But I can't get behind the increasing tendency to add entertainment to something which is entertaining to start with. Usually a completely different sort of entertainment.
    At best, the additional entertainment is superfluous; at worst, its annoying. My bet is that even the blandest and most mainstream of music would alienate more Formula 1 fans than it would enthuse.
    I remember a decade or so back going to see Lancashire v Yorkshire in the T20. The 90s indie band Cast* were playing in the car park on the way out. I didn't know they'd be there. I actually quite like Cast*. But I was there for the cricket. Live 90s indie music wasn't on my agenda. I filed past them, along with everyone else. I felt quite sorry for them.

    *It may have been Dodgy, not Cast. Always get those two confused.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 53,564
    Taz said:

    Does anyone know what a Beta Cuck actually is. I googled it and the Urba Dictionary gave several different, oblique, meanings.

    I cannot say it is a term I have come across before.

    @Leon , anyone ?

    A "Beta male" who is being cuckolded, presumably by an "Alpha male".

    It's nonsense of course as we are not baboons, but an insult very often used by the hyper-online right as it fits their macho and misogynistic worldview. It's a bit ironic really that the Christian Evangelical right thinks we are monkeys.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747
    Carnyx said:

    HYUFD said:

    I doubt it, the fact the Nobel Committee nominated a Venezuelan pro democracy activist over Trump this year too makee that clear. Even if Trump brought peace between Ukraine and Russia next year and the Middle East peace held he likely would not be awarded the prize

    TBF, even that doesn't need to be brought into consideration; the Nobel award committee met *before* the news from the ME (and pointed that out a little later).
    “This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” he added.'
    https://leftfootforward.org/2025/10/nobel-committee-chair-roasts-trump-we-only-give-the-award-to-people-of-courage-and-integrity/#google_vignette
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 56,115

    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    4.8%
    Chances of a Reform government ending the triple lock?

    Depends on whether the IMF insists on it when they get called in. Quite a high chance then...
  • MattWMattW Posts: 30,294
    edited 8:16AM
    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    I don't see how that helps Boris, or hinders him.

    He was the PM, and he is trying to blame parts of his own Government that he failed to control? WTF? (Did I miss something.)

    It's more of a squirrel, which is Boris all over. Take responsibility for myself? Who? ME? Why?

    Every time he is exposed, or may be exposed, on something, he goes on a bear hunt for excuses, or runs away, or launches an attack on somebody else.

    We saw it when he ran away from Parliament, and attacked the investigators, the investigation, and left Parliament like a crooked policeman seeking refuge in retirement.

    And we saw it again in the last few days when he has been found out by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments for breaking the rules for former PMs:
    https://www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/article/boris-johnson-breaches-lobbying-rules-for-third-time

    Unfortunately, in true British Government style, there are no meaningful consequences.
  • DopermeanDopermean Posts: 1,725
    Nigelb said:

    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    4.8% - 1% above today's inflation.

    It's not so much what it will cost in a single year, so much as its unsustainability in future years.
    Until a government has the courage to scrap it, it makes future spending projections steadily worse.
    Maybe the penny will drop if the pension entitlement age is raised again to pay for it.
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 20,532

    Foxy said:

    While what we have seen in the last week has been hopeful, there have been several similar ceasefire before that ran out of steam.

    Hamas seems to be openly re-establishing itself as the rulers of the Gaza rubble, and that doesn't bode well for real peace.

    A two state solution looks as far away as ever.

    Have we essentially wound back to October 6, 2023, just with more ruins and dead people?

    Better than not winding back, and to be taken as a good thing, but a long long way from a stable solution.
    The closure of the Rafah crossing is a gift to Hamas from Netanyahu. It limits the aid coming in, while Hamas is still the strongest armed group in Gaza. That means Hamas is de facto in charge of the distribution of that aid at a time of massive shortages.

    That will make it much easier for them to recruit new fighters.

    You will not get rid of Hamas while Netanyahu leads Israel.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 82,117
    Taz said:

    Does anyone know what a Beta Cuck actually is. I googled it and the Urba Dictionary gave several different, oblique, meanings.

    I cannot say it is a term I have come across before.

    @Leon , anyone ?

    A term of abuse favoured by US right wing trolls, and Leon.
    Functionally, it doesn't really mean anything more than that.
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 4,929
    Nigelb said:

    Taz said:

    Does anyone know what a Beta Cuck actually is. I googled it and the Urba Dictionary gave several different, oblique, meanings.

    I cannot say it is a term I have come across before.

    @Leon , anyone ?

    A term of abuse favoured by US right wing trolls, and Leon.
    Functionally, it doesn't really mean anything more than that.
    Like "woke"?
  • MattWMattW Posts: 30,294
    HYUFD said:

    Carnyx said:

    HYUFD said:

    I doubt it, the fact the Nobel Committee nominated a Venezuelan pro democracy activist over Trump this year too makee that clear. Even if Trump brought peace between Ukraine and Russia next year and the Middle East peace held he likely would not be awarded the prize

    TBF, even that doesn't need to be brought into consideration; the Nobel award committee met *before* the news from the ME (and pointed that out a little later).
    “This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” he added.'
    https://leftfootforward.org/2025/10/nobel-committee-chair-roasts-trump-we-only-give-the-award-to-people-of-courage-and-integrity/#google_vignette
    There's a certain irony there :smiley: .

    There should be a Nobel Prize for an outstanding contribution to the ammunition industry by increasing wars and production volume; Trump would be a shoo-in for that one.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 82,117
    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    "Boris saying" is all you need to read.

    It's as though someone else was PM.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 6,850
    HYUFD said:

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    I see one party that would not be crushed by Reform.
    Given Farage has ruled out indyref2 like Starmer and SNP would not have the balance of power on that poll, matters little anyway
    When Britain becomes the 51st state under Farage, will you be supporting British independence or will you be arguing for the status quo?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 82,117
    Fishing said:

    isam said:

    What was this peace plan? From January 2020

    Trump’s so-called ‘peace plan’ is a farce. It is inconsistent with international law and human rights protections.

    Our Government should unequivocally condemn it because it will cause even more suffering for the Palestinian people who have already endured so much.


    https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1222441947861864449?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    Very unfair of you to bring that up now.

    That was when Starmer was still Corbyn's best friend who would never betray the far left Labour membership.

    You'll be saying that he's the most cynically dishonest politician in living memory with no courage, integrity or principles next.
    You might have added that it was the insane plan to depopulate Gaza entirely and treat it as a real estate project ?
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 45,917
    HYUFD said:

    Carnyx said:

    HYUFD said:

    I doubt it, the fact the Nobel Committee nominated a Venezuelan pro democracy activist over Trump this year too makee that clear. Even if Trump brought peace between Ukraine and Russia next year and the Middle East peace held he likely would not be awarded the prize

    TBF, even that doesn't need to be brought into consideration; the Nobel award committee met *before* the news from the ME (and pointed that out a little later).
    “This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” he added.'
    https://leftfootforward.org/2025/10/nobel-committee-chair-roasts-trump-we-only-give-the-award-to-people-of-courage-and-integrity/#google_vignette
    Sure, but the committee had already made the point about the timing of the decision being before the peace agreement. You can't win a prize for something that happens after the committee decides, still less long after nominations close.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/09/norway-braces-for-trumps-reaction-if-he-does-not-win-nobel-peace-prize
  • FishingFishing Posts: 5,878
    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    The whole idea of a state pension is ridiculous. It discourages private pension provision and distorts the labour market.

    Many over-68s are perfectly capable of working so why should they be paid £12k a year to sit around doing nothing? We have far too many entitled layabouts in this country as it is. A relative of mine just retired at 79 and one of his colleagues famously was still working at 105 (!).

    Pensions should be merged with incapacity benefit and the rules tightened up. People should only qualify once old age makes them genuinely incapable of working, not just too lazy to work, any more.
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 18,310
    There have been at least two Nobel prize winners from Ayrshire - Alexander Fleming and John Boyd Orr - but no hoteliers that I know of.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 80,251
    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    If only Boris was in charge.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747

    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    4.8%
    Chances of a Reform government ending the triple lock?

    Depends on whether the IMF insists on it when they get called in. Quite a high chance then...
    Tice said yesterday Reform would now be more fiscally conservative, with deep spending cuts to the civil service and scrapping net zero and only having a rise in the income tax and inheritance tax thresholds as aspirations once the spending cuts have been made.
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/oct/13/eform-uk-abandoning-manifesto-pledge-tax-cuts-deputy-leader-admits

    It should be pointed out though the state pension is now significantly below minimum wage, so if you don't means test it a lot of poor pensioners who have no significant private pension would be hit by scrapping the triple lock if they rely on the state pension
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 53,564
    MattW said:

    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    I don't see how that helps Boris, or hinders him.

    He was the PM, and he is trying to blame parts of his own Government that he failed to control? WTF? (Did I miss something.)

    It's more of a squirrel, which is Boris all over. Take responsibility for myself? Who? ME? Why?

    Every time he is exposed, or may be exposed, on something, he goes on a bear hunt for excuses, or runs away, or launches an attack on somebody else.

    We saw it when he ran away from Parliament, and attacked the investigators, the investigation, and left Parliament like a crooked policeman seeking refuge in retirement.

    And we saw it again in the last few days when he has been found out by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments for breaking the rules for former PMs:
    https://www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/article/boris-johnson-breaches-lobbying-rules-for-third-time

    Unfortunately, in true British Government style, there are no meaningful consequences.
    A large part of the Boris wave was post-covid catch-up, with a new wave of students enrolling, then of course the Ukranian refugees and Hong Kongers given full passports. There was a large number given HSC visas too (poorly policed as it seems now restriction to HSC occupations) to help with the covid aftermath.

    But it was for the PM and government to decide, the Treasury etc merely lay out the options and consequences for ministers to choose.

    Boris just demonstrates his cowardice with this as an excuse.
  • BattlebusBattlebus Posts: 1,748

    Foxy said:

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    It doesn't seem plausible to me. No way would Your Party have 13 seats.

    Place it in the round filing cabinet.
    It's now up on the Electoral Calculus website. For some reason it has been sat on for over a month (maybe waiting for someone to be stupid enough to pay for it) https://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/blogs/ec_vipoll_20251015.html
    The Election Calculus Map looks like some sort of infection breaking out but stopping / being stopped somewhere north of the M62.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747
    edited 8:26AM

    HYUFD said:

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    I see one party that would not be crushed by Reform.
    Given Farage has ruled out indyref2 like Starmer and SNP would not have the balance of power on that poll, matters little anyway
    When Britain becomes the 51st state under Farage, will you be supporting British independence or will you be arguing for the status quo?
    If Farage becomes PM in 2029, we might have a Democrat President by then, in which case he would pretty swiftly drop such talk not that he is arguing for it now even under Trump
  • isamisam Posts: 42,800
    Fishing said:

    isam said:

    What was this peace plan? From January 2020

    Trump’s so-called ‘peace plan’ is a farce. It is inconsistent with international law and human rights protections.

    Our Government should unequivocally condemn it because it will cause even more suffering for the Palestinian people who have already endured so much.


    https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1222441947861864449?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    Very unfair of you to bring that up now.

    That was when Starmer was still Corbyn's best friend who would never betray the far left Labour membership.

    You'll be saying that he's the most cynically dishonest politician in living memory with no courage, integrity or principles next.
    It is surprising how Starmer and Trump seemingly get on so well. In Trump’s first term, Sir Keir was pretty rude about the Donald personally rather than just critucal of his policies. I always wonder whether Trump is stringing him along so as to humiliate him later.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 45,531
    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    "Boris saying" is all you need to read.

    It's as though someone else was PM.
    Only a Beta Cuck would allow himself to be pushed around by the Treasury.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 82,117

    Nigelb said:

    Taz said:

    Does anyone know what a Beta Cuck actually is. I googled it and the Urba Dictionary gave several different, oblique, meanings.

    I cannot say it is a term I have come across before.

    @Leon , anyone ?

    A term of abuse favoured by US right wing trolls, and Leon.
    Functionally, it doesn't really mean anything more than that.
    Like "woke"?
    A little, except that's more often an adjective attached to their targets for disapprobation.

    But you're right that it's now a word largely divorced from any substantive meaning.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,747
    edited 8:30AM
    Battlebus said:

    Foxy said:

    Do we have any details of this Daily Heil exclusive MRP poll putting the Tories on 7 seats?

    As in % shares and data?

    Good morning

    This is the article but not sure if it is pay walled

    How Reform would crush all before them if election was now

    https://newspaper.mailplus.co.uk/data/6778/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/6778/pub/23069/page/2/content/1070139
    It doesn't seem plausible to me. No way would Your Party have 13 seats.

    Place it in the round filing cabinet.
    It's now up on the Electoral Calculus website. For some reason it has been sat on for over a month (maybe waiting for someone to be stupid enough to pay for it) https://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/blogs/ec_vipoll_20251015.html
    The Election Calculus Map looks like some sort of infection breaking out but stopping / being stopped somewhere north of the M62.
    Not even stopped there, EC projects Reform to near sweep the North East and most of Cumbria and even win 4 Reform MPs in Scotland. Only in inner London and other inner cities is the Reform march really stopped
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 20,532
    HYUFD said:

    I doubt it, the fact the Nobel Committee nominated a Venezuelan pro democracy activist over Trump this year too makee that clear. Even if Trump brought peace between Ukraine and Russia next year and the Middle East peace held he likely would not be awarded the prize

    The nomination deadline for the Nobel Peace Prize is January 31st of each year. The committee then gives itself eight months to decide between the nominees.

    It should have been obvious that Trump wouldn't win it this year, and it's in no way a judgement on what he did or did not achieve, or any supposed bias on the part of the committee.

    Do we even know if he was nominated before the deadline?
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 25,340
    Surely there is a remarkable and important opportunity here for the Nobel committee?

    Announce now that if the peace in Gaza holds until next October then Trump will be the winner of the prize in 2026.

    And then take it a step further and announce that if the peace results in a two state solution and that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has finished by October 2027, then Trump will become the first person to win the Nobel Peace Prize twice.

    Trump is a transactional President and they have the thing in the world he covets most at the moment. Charge him!
  • BattlebusBattlebus Posts: 1,748
    boulay said:

    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    Is the Treasury a bigger enemy to the UK than China?
    Who was in charge of the Treasury (First Lord) at that time? They changed so often I couldn't keep up.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 45,917
    FF43 said:

    There have been at least two Nobel prize winners from Ayrshire - Alexander Fleming and John Boyd Orr - but no hoteliers that I know of.

    Both state educated, at Kilmarnock Academy.

    And of course Ardeer in Ayrshire was where Nobel set up a major explosives and propellant works. Closed now, but it was enormous.

  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 14,722
    Fishing said:

    Taz said:

    Sandpit said:


    François Valentin
    @Valen10Francois

    Reminder that a majority of French people want a retirement age at... 60.

    The French electorate and its delusion are crucial players in the current mess


    https://x.com/Valen10Francois/status/1978112457588519023

    Western electorates are getting increasingly delusional with regard to public finances.

    Debt/GDP is around 100% in most developed countries, and with interest rates around 5% that’s 5% of GDP just on the debt interest.

    Add to the demographic time bomb and increasing life expectancy, and it’s unrealistic to be retiring at 65, let alone 60.
    In the U.K. state pensions are going up by around 4.5% (can’t remember exact number) due to the triple lock.

    Crazy
    The whole idea of a state pension is ridiculous. It discourages private pension provision and distorts the labour market.

    Many over-68s are perfectly capable of working so why should they be paid £12k a year to sit around doing nothing? We have far too many entitled layabouts in this country as it is. A relative of mine just retired at 79 and one of his colleagues famously was still working at 105 (!).

    Pensions should be merged with incapacity benefit and the rules tightened up. People should only qualify once old age makes them genuinely incapable of working, not just too lazy to work, any more.
    Who doesnt love unemployment rates well into double figures?
  • geoffwgeoffw Posts: 9,294
    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    Compare that little clip of Boris with what we see daily of Doofus Keir
    Oy Vey..

  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 25,340
    Foxy said:

    MattW said:

    isam said:

    This is really something.

    Boris basically saying the treasury pushed for what has become known as the ‘Boriswave’ because of inflationary wage pressures.

    In other words, net migration of 900k in one year to stop wage growth.


    https://x.com/aaronbastani/status/1978082407094894917?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q

    I don't see how that helps Boris, or hinders him.

    He was the PM, and he is trying to blame parts of his own Government that he failed to control? WTF? (Did I miss something.)

    It's more of a squirrel, which is Boris all over. Take responsibility for myself? Who? ME? Why?

    Every time he is exposed, or may be exposed, on something, he goes on a bear hunt for excuses, or runs away, or launches an attack on somebody else.

    We saw it when he ran away from Parliament, and attacked the investigators, the investigation, and left Parliament like a crooked policeman seeking refuge in retirement.

    And we saw it again in the last few days when he has been found out by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments for breaking the rules for former PMs:
    https://www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/article/boris-johnson-breaches-lobbying-rules-for-third-time

    Unfortunately, in true British Government style, there are no meaningful consequences.
    A large part of the Boris wave was post-covid catch-up, with a new wave of students enrolling, then of course the Ukranian refugees and Hong Kongers given full passports. There was a large number given HSC visas too (poorly policed as it seems now restriction to HSC occupations) to help with the covid aftermath.

    But it was for the PM and government to decide, the Treasury etc merely lay out the options and consequences for ministers to choose.

    Boris just demonstrates his cowardice with this as an excuse.
    If you took out everyone who came on work related visas then students, Ukraine, HK and other non workers would still have been the largest immigration wave the country has seen.

    Why people listen to these politicians on the right who simply cannot be honest about immigration I don't know.
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