PB Tories are loving Burnham and the embarrassment he has heaped on Starmer. A plague on both their houses, but an even bigger one on Reform and the Tories.
Its Labour on Labour. PB Tories are watching from the sides and enjoying the slow hari-kiri
Can you blame us?
Although, there is a risk that Labour gets somebody better than Starmer as PM. Not much of a risk mind, but a risk nontheless.
I’ve formed the impression that a lot of Pb-ers are getting wildly over-excited over goings-on around Gorton. I’m expecting a Labour hold, with Green second. I’m also expecting Reform’s support to tumble, due to association with Trump. We’ve not seen the end of insults to our Armed Forces yet.
Labour have lost one by-election defence already this Parliament. They lost four defences in the 2005-2010 Parliament, out of nine (if you count the Speaker) and they're a lot more unpopular now than then.
One would have thought Burnham would have had the phone numbers or access to phone numbers of the NEC and he would have done a little bit of research as to how the land lay. Instead both he and his party have been soiled.
Way out of his depth for PM.
Are you surprised?
No. He was a very ineffective Minister in the Brown Government.
PB Tories and far lefties (BJO) seem to like him, so what do I know?
He was not remembered with great fondness in Mid Staffordshire. Can't think why.
Fun fact:
Burnham has entered leadership contests twice. In both contests, he was the lowest ranked man.
That doesn't necessarily mean he isn't head & shoulders above current people.
PB Tories are loving Burnham and the embarrassment he has heaped on Starmer. A plague on both their houses, but an even bigger one on Reform and the Tories.
That complicates Green odds somewhat, but perhaps it is a tactical play to contrast strongly with Labour.
I presume that Polanski already has a seat in mind to stand for at the next election, and chooses to work that seat rather than to be seen flitting about to every promising by-election.
I think it's probably a mistake - he'd be more likely to win than any other candidate, and the benefit of winning a by-election in terms of publicity, etc, are worth the risk of losing. But I can see why he would have decided otherwise.
Roy Jenkins actually lost the Warrington by-election (to Lindsay Hoyle's dad) but it still gave the SDP a big boost, and underpinned his own profile - showed he was prepared to get his hands dirty. Polanski could do worse than contest.
That complicates Green odds somewhat, but perhaps it is a tactical play to contrast strongly with Labour.
I presume that Polanski already has a seat in mind to stand for at the next election, and chooses to work that seat rather than to be seen flitting about to every promising by-election.
I think it's probably a mistake - he'd be more likely to win than any other candidate, and the benefit of winning a by-election in terms of publicity, etc, are worth the risk of losing. But I can see why he would have decided otherwise.
Roy Jenkins actually lost the Warrington by-election (to Lindsay Hoyle's dad) but it still gave the SDP a big boost, and underpinned his own profile - showed he was prepared to get his hands dirty. Polanski could do worse than contest.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
I haven't been abroad since 2009. So this year I am going for an overseas summer holiday, while I am still fit enough. I have ruled out USA, Canada and Mexico.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Oh sure, I am confident that it is a real effect.
I went to Salt Lake City last year for a conference (booked before the POTUS election) but it was notable that there were fewer attenders than normal from overseas. In particular the Canadians and Latin Americans stayed away. There were a fair number of Europeans.
Interesting place but last time I will go for the forseeable.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Exactly 15 years ago, I was working in Colorado, albeit only for three months. Hardly saw any law enforcement types in Boulder, Denver and the nearby towns. I fancy it would be a tad different now!
If I was Starmer I would be looking very carefully at any wedding invitations I received over the summer, especially if the venue was north of Watford.
I agree with OldKingCole that everyone is getting over-excited about Burnham - except for this point. I can see sentiment starting to snowball if there is a geographic element to it. Every government decision so far to me indicates a pro-SE, London bias that embracing Burnham would help to mitigate.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Oh sure, I am confident that it is a real effect.
I went to Salt Lake City last year for a conference (booked before the POTUS election) but it was notable that there were fewer attenders than normal from overseas. In particular the Canadians and Latin Americans stayed away. There were a fair number of Europeans.
Interesting place but last time I will go for the forseeable.
Reuters reports an overall 6% drop in visitor numbers to the US, while tourism continues to grow globally.
So no surprise that the chart shared hasn't been updated - it would be much less dramatic if it had.
On topic the media will be narked off because they won't get to spend the next 3 months writing stories about Labour splits and Starmer weakness, and they'll express their annoyance by writing stories about Labour splits and Starmer weakness for the next 48 hours. This is a win for Labour because 48 hours is a shorter amount of time than 3 months.
Moving away from Labour to other post-apocalyptic subject matters, somewhat surprisingly 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is actually a pretty good movie. Ralph Fiennes is an incredible actor, I couldn't take my eyes off him.
Today is the day Labour lost the next General Election.
They can't all lose. Last week was the week Reform lost the next election as collateral damage with Trump sliding down the hill into fascist irrelevance. Everyone is sure the Tories lost the next election years ago. The LDs lost the next election a bit after WWI. The Greens are not in the contest but would like you to spend a million pounds on a perpetual motion heating machine.
Today is the day Labour lost the next General Election.
They can't all lose. Last week was the week Reform lost the next election as collateral damage with Trump sliding down the hill into fascist irrelevance. Everyone is sure the Tories lost the next election years ago. The LDs lost the next election a bit after WWI. The Greens are not in the contest but would like you to spend a million pounds on a perpetual motion heating machine.
They could. Think of the French experience. Perhaps we're ready for the British En Marche. Anyone got a good name for it? I suspect that's all you'd need right now.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Today is the day Labour lost the next General Election.
They can't all lose. Last week was the week Reform lost the next election as collateral damage with Trump sliding down the hill into fascist irrelevance. Everyone is sure the Tories lost the next election years ago. The LDs lost the next election a bit after WWI. The Greens are not in the contest but would like you to spend a million pounds on a perpetual motion heating machine.
They could. Think of the French experience. Perhaps we're ready for the British En Marche. Anyone got a good name for it? I suspect that's all you'd need right now.
"Going For A Ramble"? (Of course, that would mean that the Leadewr would have to be Rambling's Sid Rumpo.)
Fire closes Standedge Railway Tunnel. Fingers crossed minor, fingers crossed not the Russkies.
Really? The Russians - a fire in a tunnel and it's the Russians.
There are far more important tunnels (I suspect) they could have sabotaged.
Perhaps Russian weather modification systems caused the storm which hit south Cornwall and south Devon - perhaps the aim was to damage Torcross (partly successful) and cut the rail link to the south west by destroying the wall at Dawlish (unsuccessful).
Today is the day Labour lost the next General Election.
They can't all lose. Last week was the week Reform lost the next election as collateral damage with Trump sliding down the hill into fascist irrelevance. Everyone is sure the Tories lost the next election years ago. The LDs lost the next election a bit after WWI. The Greens are not in the contest but would like you to spend a million pounds on a perpetual motion heating machine.
They could. Think of the French experience. Perhaps we're ready for the British En Marche. Anyone got a good name for it? I suspect that's all you'd need right now.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Yeah, plenty have cancelled plans unless absolutely necessary for work. I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Came back through Singapore last year and if you have never been, its worth a day's stopover to see the Gardens by the Bay. They have a number of themed garden set up showing plants from different parts of the world.
So now Greater Manchester has a mayor who really is not that committed to the job.
The view among some in London is Sadiq Khan should be committed - some want him deported (apparently) because we just don't want to deport who are here illegally, apparently the new policy is to deport people we simply don't like.
I suppose the "we" depends on who you are talking to at any given point. It takes the whole notion of "out of sight, out of mind" to new levels.
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Came back through Singapore last year and if you have never been, its worth a day's stopover to see the Gardens by the Bay. They have a number of themed garden set up showing plants from different parts of the world.
We actually had five days in Singapore staying at the Pan Pacific - highly recommended. Gardens in the Bay is, as you rightly say, spectacular. Mrs Stodge is a fan of these things and especially the orchids but even I, as the classic non-gardener, was impressed.
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Our eldest flys quite often to NZ from Vancouver and it would be a good alternative to Singapore
I wouldn't go near the US though we have flown to NZ via the US
Thank you.
Never been to Vancouver but as Air Canada are in Star Alliance with Air NZ it could work quite well. Last time we were going in December and didn't want a stopover but it might be a March/April trip this time so we'll see.
I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Similarly, anyone in the UK with a mixed race family who doesn't have a backup plan for what happens if a) Reform win and b) start getting a bit too excitable is a fool.
Fire closes Standedge Railway Tunnel. Fingers crossed minor, fingers crossed not the Russkies.
Really? The Russians - a fire in a tunnel and it's the Russians.
There are far more important tunnels (I suspect) they could have sabotaged.
Perhaps Russian weather modification systems caused the storm which hit south Cornwall and south Devon - perhaps the aim was to damage Torcross (partly successful) and cut the rail link to the south west by destroying the wall at Dawlish (unsuccessful).
Perhaps the Russians own Chiltern Railways - the Bicester to Bletchley section still lacks a passenger service more than a year after "re-opening".
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Yes, that kind of reflects what I have been hearing. The striking feature is that the opinions have been unsolicited.
Feels like a mistake to me but the big majority on the NEC voting against him does suggest there were serious problems.
@algarkirk got it right on the previous thread; the NEC were in zugzwang. Whatever they did would be bad for them.
That the King of the North acted in a way that put them in that hole shows two things.
One, he's smart at politics. Two, he's more than a bit of a sh1t.
We've had someone else like that recently, and it didn't go well.
How does that work, really?
Burnham wants to have a go at being leader of the Labour Party. So he applied to stand for a seat. The adherents of the current leader blocked him standing.
In what part of that was Burnham acting as “more than a bit of sh1t”? Unless you believe that he should show loyalty to The Leader until the leader quits?
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Our eldest flys quite often to NZ from Vancouver and it would be a good alternative to Singapore
I wouldn't go near the US though we have flown to NZ via the US
Thank you.
Never been to Vancouver but as Air Canada are in Star Alliance with Air NZ it could work quite well. Last time we were going in December and didn't want a stopover but it might be a March/April trip this time so we'll see.
Lovely city and area to visit
Our son and daughter in law use Air Canada not least because our daughter in law is head of BC tourism and flies worldwide with them
You would not be disappointed to visit Vancouver for a few days
Fire closes Standedge Railway Tunnel. Fingers crossed minor, fingers crossed not the Russkies.
Really? The Russians - a fire in a tunnel and it's the Russians.
There are far more important tunnels (I suspect) they could have sabotaged.
Perhaps Russian weather modification systems caused the storm which hit south Cornwall and south Devon - perhaps the aim was to damage Torcross (partly successful) and cut the rail link to the south west by destroying the wall at Dawlish (unsuccessful).
Thus the way round I said it - the thought crosses your mind these days, even if many other causes are far more likely. Yeah, hitting multiple points on routes out of London would be more on point for them.
I genuinely thought Labour would have a chance at winning the next GE with Burnham. For the birds now - talk about personal ambition before party and country from Starmer and his allies lol
One would have thought Burnham would have had the phone numbers or access to phone numbers of the NEC and he would have done a little bit of research as to how the land lay. Instead both he and his party have been soiled.
Way out of his depth for PM.
No. The number of Starmerites on the NEC was well known.
What he does now is (probably) campaign for the chosen Labour candidate, full on. Either they win? In which case Burnham “carrried it across the line for the party” or “he gallantly did his best to support the party”.
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Go the Eastern Route; much less chance of being shot down.
Until the US goes for Iran...
The flight time to Singapore is already longer as planes avoid the Middle East and Ukraine - the route goes over eastern Europe and Russia, Kazakhstan and fringes the Himalayas (Northern India) before turning south east over Thailand.
One would have thought Burnham would have had the phone numbers or access to phone numbers of the NEC and he would have done a little bit of research as to how the land lay. Instead both he and his party have been soiled.
Way out of his depth for PM.
Are you surprised?
No. He was a very ineffective Minister in the Brown Government.
PB Tories and far lefties (BJO) seem to like him, so what do I know?
I think he would be worse than Starmer. He has no ability to make “the difficult decisions” - Starmer is little better.
But on a betting level - if there is a contest for Labour leader, at the moment, he would win.
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Our eldest flys quite often to NZ from Vancouver and it would be a good alternative to Singapore
I wouldn't go near the US though we have flown to NZ via the US
Thank you.
Never been to Vancouver but as Air Canada are in Star Alliance with Air NZ it could work quite well. Last time we were going in December and didn't want a stopover but it might be a March/April trip this time so we'll see.
Lovely city and area to visit
Our son and daughter in law use Air Canada not least because our daughter in law is head of BC tourism and flies worldwide with them
You would not be disappointed to visit Vancouver for a few days
One of my colleagues is planning a trip to NZ in December. Manchester - Dubai - Auckland is what they are favoring.
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Go the Eastern Route; much less chance of being shot down.
Until the US goes for Iran...
The flight time to Singapore is already longer as planes avoid the Middle East and Ukraine - the route goes over eastern Europe and Russia, Kazakhstan and fringes the Himalayas (Northern India) before turning south east over Thailand.
Aren’t many carriers also avoiding Russian airspace these days?
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Yes, that kind of reflects what I have been hearing. The striking feature is that the opinions have been unsolicited.
I'm not that concerned about going to the USA - Mrs Stodge wants to revisit Vegas - we've not been since 2015 and I believe it is not what I was in terms of cost. First time we went, we were getting $2.07 to the £ and lived very well. I'm less keen at $1.30 with the subsequent inflation.
The politics doesn't worry me over much - if I was concerned about political systems, I'd have to rule out Hong Kong and even Singapore for stops.
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Our eldest flys quite often to NZ from Vancouver and it would be a good alternative to Singapore
I wouldn't go near the US though we have flown to NZ via the US
Thank you.
Never been to Vancouver but as Air Canada are in Star Alliance with Air NZ it could work quite well. Last time we were going in December and didn't want a stopover but it might be a March/April trip this time so we'll see.
Lovely city and area to visit
Our son and daughter in law use Air Canada not least because our daughter in law is head of BC tourism and flies worldwide with them
You would not be disappointed to visit Vancouver for a few days
One of my colleagues is planning a trip to NZ in December. Manchester - Dubai - Auckland is what they are favoring.
Long trip
Our first was with Singapore airlines to Auckland [Man]
We also went with Qantas to Sydney to Christchurch [Heathrow]
Also BA to LA then ANZ to Christchurch [Heathrow]
Also returned via Toyko South Africa on other trips
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Our eldest flys quite often to NZ from Vancouver and it would be a good alternative to Singapore
I wouldn't go near the US though we have flown to NZ via the US
Thank you.
Never been to Vancouver but as Air Canada are in Star Alliance with Air NZ it could work quite well. Last time we were going in December and didn't want a stopover but it might be a March/April trip this time so we'll see.
Not seen what other people may have suggested, but I fly to NZ 1 or 2 x a year and I always go via SE Asia. So many reasons: - slightly lower total flying time outbound; - much nicer transit or immigration experience; - more interesting choice of stopover cities; - generally nicer airlines.
Singapore, Hong Kong are the obvious choices, agreed. Specific aircraft also makes a difference, 23 hours on A350s is less draining than on 777s. Cathay probably a good overall bet.
Is the ultimate destination Auckland or somewhere else in NZ ?
I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Similarly, anyone in the UK with a mixed race family who doesn't have a backup plan for what happens if a) Reform win and b) start getting a bit too excitable is a fool.
It's a great shame that Sir National Security risk has seen fit to legitimise these sorts of sentiments about Reform amongst his dwindling band of imbecile supporters. It will cause a great deal of distress to many people, and will delude many others that things like cancelled elections are an acceptable tactic in the face of this completely unevidenced 'racist threat'. It'll get very nasty before the Labour Party is finally flushed.
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Yes, that kind of reflects what I have been hearing. The striking feature is that the opinions have been unsolicited.
I'm not that concerned about going to the USA - Mrs Stodge wants to revisit Vegas - we've not been since 2015 and I believe it is not what I was in terms of cost. First time we went, we were getting $2.07 to the £ and lived very well. I'm less keen at $1.30 with the subsequent inflation.
The politics doesn't worry me over much - if I was concerned about political systems, I'd have to rule out Hong Kong and even Singapore for stops.
The good thing about going to NZ you can go via Canada and come back via Asia
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Yeah, plenty have cancelled plans unless absolutely necessary for work. I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Daughter and son-in-law both actively avoiding travel to USA now. Daughter's organisation is a climate change charity and they have moved all their operations out of the US into Europe, son-in-law's employer still has US offices but no-one wants to visit them...
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
At least now they have their designated scapegoat. When Labour are reduced to single figures nationally, it will all be Andy Burnham's fault.
I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Similarly, anyone in the UK with a mixed race family who doesn't have a backup plan for what happens if a) Reform win and b) start getting a bit too excitable is a fool.
It's a great shame that Sir National Security risk has seen fit to legitimise these sorts of sentiments about Reform amongst his dwindling band of imbecile supporters. It will cause a great deal of distress to many people, and will delude many others that things like cancelled elections are an acceptable tactic in the face of this completely unevidenced 'racist threat'. It'll get very nasty before the Labour Party is finally flushed.
Reform have talked about emulating ICE, who have been taking US citizens into detention. Reform politicians routinely question whether Black and Asian people are appropriately loyal to the UK. I have paid no attention to the PM's comments in this area but I can see where Reform is heading and as part of a mixed race family I am of course concerned and wondering about a plan B. I agree that anyone who isn't is complacent in the extreme.
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
At least now they have their designated scapegoat. When Labour are reduced to single figures nationally, it will all be Andy Burnham's fault.
Isn't Wes Streeting the big winner from all this? He can challenge after the May elections without having to worry about Burnham.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Yes, that kind of reflects what I have been hearing. The striking feature is that the opinions have been unsolicited.
I’m an anecdote myself, having cancelled my bookings on the QM2 for this autumn despite £700 down the drain. And I can see from their availability chart that, while the eastbound is always more popular than the westbound, for this year there’s a significant difference with almost no waitlist at all for some of the westbound crossings, and for 2027 bookings they actually have kennel spaces still available for the westbounds, which is almost unheard of (prices did go up by 50% just recently, which might be part of it). Whereas the eastbounds are still oversubscribed. Since many of the QM2 passengers are relocating (on my previous trips I’ve met people moving to Europe to escape Trump), that’s a clear sign.
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
At least now they have their designated scapegoat. When Labour are reduced to single figures nationally, it will all be Andy Burnham's fault.
Isn't Wes Streeting the big winner from all this? He can challenge after the May elections without having to worry about Burnham.
He isn't popular amongst the general population - that would be a completely self-indulgent selection.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Yes, that kind of reflects what I have been hearing. The striking feature is that the opinions have been unsolicited.
To be fair, I think I initiated the conversation when we were out on our walk, but the response was all theirs, and was surprisingly emphatic.
Meanwhile, another pair of friends wanted to go to Ohio for their son's Silver Wedding Anniversary. Their application for a visa was tuerned down because she was born in Iran about 70 years ago (she's Armenian, fwiw.) Another possible reason might be that he is a retired journalist, who used to cover politial and health issues.
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Came back through Singapore last year and if you have never been, its worth a day's stopover to see the Gardens by the Bay. They have a number of themed garden set up showing plants from different parts of the world.
Which part of the world does the horse plant come from? Troy?
I genuinely thought Labour would have a chance at winning the next GE with Burnham. For the birds now - talk about personal ambition before party and country from Starmer and his allies lol
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Yes, that kind of reflects what I have been hearing. The striking feature is that the opinions have been unsolicited.
To be fair, I think I initiated the conversation when we were out on our walk, but the response was all theirs, and was surprisingly emphatic.
Meanwhile, another pair of friends wanted to go to Ohio for their son's Silver Wedding Anniversary. Their application for a visa was tuerned down because she was born in Iran about 70 years ago (she's Armenian, fwiw.) Another possible reason might be that he is a retired journalist, who used to cover politial and health issues.
Times change. Twenty years ago one of my daughters spend a student year in Iran, mostly in Isfahan. Now I would not feel comfortable about a family member visiting the USA. Nor would I go myself.
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
At least now they have their designated scapegoat. When Labour are reduced to single figures nationally, it will all be Andy Burnham's fault.
Isn't Wes Streeting the big winner from all this? He can challenge after the May elections without having to worry about Burnham.
He's highly likely to lose his own constituency at the next election, mind you, aren't they all?
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Yes, that kind of reflects what I have been hearing. The striking feature is that the opinions have been unsolicited.
To be fair, I think I initiated the conversation when we were out on our walk, but the response was all theirs, and was surprisingly emphatic.
Meanwhile, another pair of friends wanted to go to Ohio for their son's Silver Wedding Anniversary. Their application for a visa was tuerned down because she was born in Iran about 70 years ago (she's Armenian, fwiw.) Another possible reason might be that he is a retired journalist, who used to cover politial and health issues.
Times change. Twenty years ago one of my daughters spend a student year in Iran, mostly in Isfahan. Now I would not feel comfortable about a family member visiting the USA. Nor would I go myself.
I think I am right in saying that if you’ve been to Iran, the ESTA process is barred to you, and you’d (or they’d) need to apply for a visa?
I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Similarly, anyone in the UK with a mixed race family who doesn't have a backup plan for what happens if a) Reform win and b) start getting a bit too excitable is a fool.
It's a great shame that Sir National Security risk has seen fit to legitimise these sorts of sentiments about Reform amongst his dwindling band of imbecile supporters. It will cause a great deal of distress to many people, and will delude many others that things like cancelled elections are an acceptable tactic in the face of this completely unevidenced 'racist threat'. It'll get very nasty before the Labour Party is finally flushed.
Sorry, we see his MAGA adjacency, we see where MAGA are. Many people in this country should at least give passing thought to this.If Farage doesn't want to scare off the electorate he should run a mile from Trumpism.
You're arguing that your guys should be able to say what they want, whilst arguing that we can't join some pretty credible dots together. Mind your own business.
And, yes, I'm following on from a slightly flippant bit of paranoia here - I regret the juxtaposition. But I am dead on serious here.
If Reform doesn't want to get associated with extrajudicial murder being committed by Trump, they need to clean their own associations.
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
At least now they have their designated scapegoat. When Labour are reduced to single figures nationally, it will all be Andy Burnham's fault.
Isn't Wes Streeting the big winner from all this? He can challenge after the May elections without having to worry about Burnham.
He isn't popular amongst the general population
Or Labour members, the unions, Labour MPs and the constituents of Ilford North. There's literally zero chance of him ever becoming Labour leader.
It was a dismal and clueless performance yesterday, with crowd morale poor all season and getting worse.
It was the first match that our owner has attended in a couple of months and as well as the piss-poor performance the crowd was largely silent apart from occasional chants of "sack the board", "You're getting sacked in the morning" and "You're not fit to wear the shirt".
I quite liked Marti and he was delivered a hospital pass with a late appointment so no pre-season, no budget for signings and a team with very low morale. He couldn't turn it around and I am not convinced the next guy can either.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Yeah, plenty have cancelled plans unless absolutely necessary for work. I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Daughter and son-in-law both actively avoiding travel to USA now. Daughter's organisation is a climate change charity and they have moved all their operations out of the US into Europe, son-in-law's employer still has US offices but no-one wants to visit them...
I'm not the only one in my team who has made it clear that we are not prepared to travel to the US.
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
At least now they have their designated scapegoat. When Labour are reduced to single figures nationally, it will all be Andy Burnham's fault.
Isn't Wes Streeting the big winner from all this? He can challenge after the May elections without having to worry about Burnham.
He isn't popular amongst the general population
Or Labour members, the unions, Labour MPs and the constituents of Ilford North. There's literally zero chance of him ever becoming Labour leader.
Not quite zero, but he is Billy Nomates with the leadership selectorate.
His only fans are outside the party, indeed usually in other parties.
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
At least now they have their designated scapegoat. When Labour are reduced to single figures nationally, it will all be Andy Burnham's fault.
Isn't Wes Streeting the big winner from all this? He can challenge after the May elections without having to worry about Burnham.
Streeting and Rayner.
Assuming that they are the two candidates from the two wings of the party.
Well done to BJO. He knows his (ex-) Party. I was certain the NEC wouldn't be foolish enough to block Burnham.
An insane decision and I'm no fan of Burnham. It makes no sense on any level. I imagine many Labour MP's even those who support Starmer and want him to stay PM must have their head in their hands wondering what this crazy Party of theirs are doing
Mrs Stodge is very concerned about flying through the US on our next visit to the mother-in-law in NZ.
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
Our eldest flys quite often to NZ from Vancouver and it would be a good alternative to Singapore
I wouldn't go near the US though we have flown to NZ via the US
Thank you.
Never been to Vancouver but as Air Canada are in Star Alliance with Air NZ it could work quite well. Last time we were going in December and didn't want a stopover but it might be a March/April trip this time so we'll see.
Lovely city and area to visit
Our son and daughter in law use Air Canada not least because our daughter in law is head of BC tourism and flies worldwide with them
You would not be disappointed to visit Vancouver for a few days
Quite agree. Mrs C has a cousin who lives just outside Vancouver and we've spent some time with them. Very good city to visit, and the immediate surroundings are good, too.
I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Similarly, anyone in the UK with a mixed race family who doesn't have a backup plan for what happens if a) Reform win and b) start getting a bit too excitable is a fool.
It's a great shame that Sir National Security risk has seen fit to legitimise these sorts of sentiments about Reform amongst his dwindling band of imbecile supporters. It will cause a great deal of distress to many people, and will delude many others that things like cancelled elections are an acceptable tactic in the face of this completely unevidenced 'racist threat'. It'll get very nasty before the Labour Party is finally flushed.
The risk is not what Reform are now, but what they may become.
The true imbecilic supporters are the libertarians and thatcherites that see in Reform a chance for a sensible small government and think they can ignore what a sizeable portion of the rabble that will vote for and the activists that will join them actually want. They're playing with fire.
Fire closes Standedge Railway Tunnel. Fingers crossed minor, fingers crossed not the Russkies.
Not good. The Woodhead tunnel never reopened after a fire, of course. Other than for electricity cables.
They have reverted to the Calder Valley line today and, if fire did take out the tunnel for some days, I'm guessing they'll put in an emergency timetable resembling that run in September when the lines through Huddersfield closed.
But a longer issue would complicate any TRU work east of Dewsbury, as you would have a double diversion.
They've just finished some work between Leeds and York, and I think we're back to standard timetable next week, but the engineering closures for TRU are pretty frequent.
I genuinely thought Labour would have a chance at winning the next GE with Burnham. For the birds now - talk about personal ambition before party and country from Starmer and his allies lol
This is plausible but I don't think it makes sense for one important reason. The next election will, as it seems now, be various rather incompatible contests. These are (IMO):
Reform v Not Reform Govt v Not Govt Right of Centre v Left of centre Establishment v Insurgent.
Which makes for an interesting contest.
But focus just for a moment on the Left v Right contest - currently about 50/50 in the polling. If you are sure Labour can't win, then it means you are sure Left of Centre can't win (unless you think one of Greens, LD, Jezza, can win. not plausible)
If left of centre can't win then either Reform or Tories have to win. Reform can't win because 60%+ of voters want to ensure they don't and because Trump. Tories can win, but they are not a certainty at all.
Sherlock Holmes's doctrine, as amended, applies: "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth". Labour (and the Tories) can win. One of them will. Bet accordingly. DYOR.
I also have anecdotal evidence of USians looking to move to more welcoming countries.
Similarly, anyone in the UK with a mixed race family who doesn't have a backup plan for what happens if a) Reform win and b) start getting a bit too excitable is a fool.
It's a great shame that Sir National Security risk has seen fit to legitimise these sorts of sentiments about Reform amongst his dwindling band of imbecile supporters. It will cause a great deal of distress to many people, and will delude many others that things like cancelled elections are an acceptable tactic in the face of this completely unevidenced 'racist threat'. It'll get very nasty before the Labour Party is finally flushed.
Reform have talked about emulating ICE, who have been taking US citizens into detention. Reform politicians routinely question whether Black and Asian people are appropriately loyal to the UK. I have paid no attention to the PM's comments in this area but I can see where Reform is heading and as part of a mixed race family I am of course concerned and wondering about a plan B. I agree that anyone who isn't is complacent in the extreme.
Both Reform and the Tories have spoken of there being a UK version of ICE - the need for such an organisation if 600,000 are to be deported is not an ideological position, it is a simple statement of fact.
Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry has questioned specific figures' loyalty to the UK - a review of his Twitter feed when this was last discussed shows he has said the same things about people of white British extraction in the same timeframe. On the slightly more significant opposite column in the ledger than one man's Tweets, Reform's 'second in command' is a Muslim of Asian heritage. Its London Mayoral candidate is a Muslim of Egyptian heritage.
Labour's current strategy is one of deligitimising Reform as an electoral option. It has already sanctioned the delaying of elections to counter this 'threat' and it can only get uglier as the gloves come off.
The Saudis just changed the law to allow foreigners to buy property.
It’s going to be as crazy as the original Dubai property boom from a couple of decades ago.
Buyer beware on the early projects though. There will be those that make millions, and those that either go bust or deliver well short of the sales pitch.
Remember that anyone ‘famous’ who appears in advertising is getting a free house out of it.
My friends and acquaintances provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of a reluctance to travel to the States. Anybody else come across similar?
Most Definitely! Spoke to a friend this morning who has deliberately avoided visiting New York on her way to her daughter's place in Canada. She and her husband quite fancied a short break in New York, and they still want to go, but say they won't do so for the forseeable future. On a walk with friends last Friday the discussion also turned to ways in which they could boycott US goods and services, as well as avoiding visiting there.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
Yes, that kind of reflects what I have been hearing. The striking feature is that the opinions have been unsolicited.
To be fair, I think I initiated the conversation when we were out on our walk, but the response was all theirs, and was surprisingly emphatic.
Meanwhile, another pair of friends wanted to go to Ohio for their son's Silver Wedding Anniversary. Their application for a visa was tuerned down because she was born in Iran about 70 years ago (she's Armenian, fwiw.) Another possible reason might be that he is a retired journalist, who used to cover politial and health issues.
Times change. Twenty years ago one of my daughters spend a student year in Iran, mostly in Isfahan. Now I would not feel comfortable about a family member visiting the USA. Nor would I go myself.
I think I am right in saying that if you’ve been to Iran, the ESTA process is barred to you, and you’d (or they’d) need to apply for a visa?
This may well be right. But I don't think my daughter has any plans to find out.
I genuinely thought Labour would have a chance at winning the next GE with Burnham. For the birds now - talk about personal ambition before party and country from Starmer and his allies lol
This is plausible but I don't think it makes sense for one important reason. The next election will, as it seems now, be various rather incompatible contests. These are (IMO):
Reform v Not Reform Govt v Not Govt Right of Centre v Left of centre Establishment v Insurgent.
Which makes for an interesting contest.
But focus just for a moment on the Left v Right contest - currently about 50/50 in the polling. If you are sure Labour can't win, then it means you are sure Left of Centre can't win (unless you think one of Greens, LD, Jezza, can win. not plausible)
If left of centre can't win then either Reform or Tories have to win. Reform can't win because 60%+ of voters want to ensure they don't and because Trump. Tories can win, but they are not a certainty at all.
Sherlock Holmes's doctrine, as amended, applies: "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth". Labour (and the Tories) can win. One of them will. Bet accordingly. DYOR.
I think that's broadly right, and it's why a simplistic reading of opinion polls isn't helpful. It's going to be much more 600+ individual contests, with different contests in each. And it'll be even more complicated in Scotland and Wales, especially if Plaid do well in May and consequently are seen by a previously sceptical English-speaking electorate as practical and sensible.
The Saudis just changed the law to allow foreigners to buy property.
It’s going to be as crazy as the original Dubai property boom from a couple of decades ago.
Buyer beware on the early projects though. There will be those that make millions, and those that either go bust or deliver well short of the sales pitch.
Remember that anyone ‘famous’ who appears in advertising is getting a free house out of it.
Special excusions to chop-chop square where beheadings can be watched after prayers every Friday. Only intending property buyers to apply. No time-wasters and dreamers
Labour will now proceed to get thrashed by RefUK in half the constituency, whilst getting thrashed by the Greens in the other half.
It shows their complacency that they don't realise that this pattern will be repeated everywhere else. There are no Labour safe seats now.
Its quite the kamikaze strategy - this seat has very little in the way of middle class voters, save for the students and starting out young professionals in Levenshulme, its mostly white working class Denton and an growing ethnic minority electorate across Gorton, Belle Vue and Abbey Hey. I can't see anyone getting up a 'Stop Reform' bandwagon.
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
At least now they have their designated scapegoat. When Labour are reduced to single figures nationally, it will all be Andy Burnham's fault.
Isn't Wes Streeting the big winner from all this? He can challenge after the May elections without having to worry about Burnham.
He isn't popular amongst the general population
Or Labour members, the unions, Labour MPs and the constituents of Ilford North. There's literally zero chance of him ever becoming Labour leader.
The Saudis just changed the law to allow foreigners to buy property.
It’s going to be as crazy as the original Dubai property boom from a couple of decades ago.
Buyer beware on the early projects though. There will be those that make millions, and those that either go bust or deliver well short of the sales pitch.
Remember that anyone ‘famous’ who appears in advertising is getting a free house out of it.
Comments
https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/411796/royal-rumble-2026-stadium-nears-completion
Although, there is a risk that Labour gets somebody better than Starmer as PM. Not much of a risk mind, but a risk nontheless.
Yet It’s suddenly an issue with this prima Donna 🤷♂️
You do know how politics works
'How long have you been here?'
'A lot longer than you,' came the reply.
I have ruled out USA, Canada and Mexico.
I went to Salt Lake City last year for a conference (booked before the POTUS election) but it was notable that there were fewer attenders than normal from overseas. In particular the Canadians and Latin Americans stayed away. There were a fair number of Europeans.
Interesting place but last time I will go for the forseeable.
So no surprise that the chart shared hasn't been updated - it would be much less dramatic if it had.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fewer-foreigners-visited-us-2025-global-tourism-spending-rose-2026-01-14/
I'm more concerned about three months with the mother-in-law.
I've suggested we go through Vancouver - adds a bit to the journey time - or we go the other way, via Singapore or Hong Kong.
I don't really understand what Burnham was expecting would happen here.
(FWIW these people are all retired professionals, well educated, with families and civic responsibilties. One family votes Labour, the other Green or Labour.)
I wouldn't go near the US though we have flown to NZ via the US
There are far more important tunnels (I suspect) they could have sabotaged.
Perhaps Russian weather modification systems caused the storm which hit south Cornwall and south Devon - perhaps the aim was to damage Torcross (partly successful) and cut the rail link to the south west by destroying the wall at Dawlish (unsuccessful).
I suppose the "we" depends on who you are talking to at any given point. It takes the whole notion of "out of sight, out of mind" to new levels.
For those on here who wouldn't have crossed the road to piss on Burnham if he was on fire in 2010 he seems very popular this weekend.
Never been to Vancouver but as Air Canada are in Star Alliance with Air NZ it could work quite well. Last time we were going in December and didn't want a stopover but it might be a March/April trip this time so we'll see.
Burnham wants to have a go at being leader of the Labour Party. So he applied to stand for a seat. The adherents of the current leader blocked him standing.
In what part of that was Burnham acting as “more than a bit of sh1t”? Unless you believe that he should show loyalty to The Leader until the leader quits?
Our son and daughter in law use Air Canada not least because our daughter in law is head of BC tourism and flies worldwide with them
You would not be disappointed to visit Vancouver for a few days
For the birds now - talk about personal ambition before party and country from Starmer and his allies lol
The she’s otoh..
What he does now is (probably) campaign for the chosen Labour candidate, full on. Either they win? In which case Burnham “carrried it across the line for the party” or “he gallantly did his best to support the party”.
But on a betting level - if there is a contest for Labour leader, at the moment, he would win.
The politics doesn't worry me over much - if I was concerned about political systems, I'd have to rule out Hong Kong and even Singapore for stops.
Our first was with Singapore airlines to Auckland [Man]
We also went with Qantas to Sydney to Christchurch [Heathrow]
Also BA to LA then ANZ to Christchurch [Heathrow]
Also returned via Toyko South Africa on other trips
- slightly lower total flying time outbound;
- much nicer transit or immigration experience;
- more interesting choice of stopover cities;
- generally nicer airlines.
Singapore, Hong Kong are the obvious choices, agreed. Specific aircraft also makes a difference, 23 hours on A350s is less draining than on 777s. Cathay probably a good overall bet.
Is the ultimate destination Auckland or somewhere else in NZ ?
If Labour put up some local nonentity like Bev Craig, they'll lose, if they put up some imposed candidate from elsewhere, they'll get absolutely drubbed.
On the upside, we might not have to suffer George fucking Galloway turning up like an unflushable turd.
Meanwhile, another pair of friends wanted to go to Ohio for their son's Silver Wedding Anniversary. Their application for a visa was tuerned down because she was born in Iran about 70 years ago (she's Armenian, fwiw.) Another possible reason might be that he is a retired journalist, who used to cover politial and health issues.
I think you're referring to the wrong chap.
You're arguing that your guys should be able to say what they want, whilst arguing that we can't join some pretty credible dots together. Mind your own business.
And, yes, I'm following on from a slightly flippant bit of paranoia here - I regret the juxtaposition. But I am dead on serious here.
If Reform doesn't want to get associated with extrajudicial murder being committed by Trump, they need to clean their own associations.
If they don't, tough.
Or Labour members, the unions, Labour MPs and the constituents of Ilford North. There's literally zero chance of him ever becoming Labour leader.
It was the first match that our owner has attended in a couple of months and as well as the piss-poor performance the crowd was largely silent apart from occasional chants of "sack the board", "You're getting sacked in the morning" and "You're not fit to wear the shirt".
I quite liked Marti and he was delivered a hospital pass with a late appointment so no pre-season, no budget for signings and a team with very low morale. He couldn't turn it around and I am not convinced the next guy can either.
His only fans are outside the party, indeed usually in other parties.
Assuming that they are the two candidates from the two wings of the party.
An insane decision and I'm no fan of Burnham. It makes no sense on any level. I imagine many Labour MP's even those who support Starmer and want him to stay PM must have their head in their hands wondering what this crazy Party of theirs are doing
The true imbecilic supporters are the libertarians and thatcherites that see in Reform a chance for a sensible small government and think they can ignore what a sizeable portion of the rabble that will vote for and the activists that will join them actually want. They're playing with fire.
But a longer issue would complicate any TRU work east of Dewsbury, as you would have a double diversion.
They've just finished some work between Leeds and York, and I think we're back to standard timetable next week, but the engineering closures for TRU are pretty frequent.
Reform v Not Reform
Govt v Not Govt
Right of Centre v Left of centre
Establishment v Insurgent.
Which makes for an interesting contest.
But focus just for a moment on the Left v Right contest - currently about 50/50 in the polling. If you are sure Labour can't win, then it means you are sure Left of Centre can't win (unless you think one of Greens, LD, Jezza, can win. not plausible)
If left of centre can't win then either Reform or Tories have to win. Reform can't win because 60%+ of voters want to ensure they don't and because Trump. Tories can win, but they are not a certainty at all.
Sherlock Holmes's doctrine, as amended, applies: "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth". Labour (and the Tories) can win. One of them will. Bet accordingly. DYOR.
Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry has questioned specific figures' loyalty to the UK - a review of his Twitter feed when this was last discussed shows he has said the same things about people of white British extraction in the same timeframe. On the slightly more significant opposite column in the ledger than one man's Tweets, Reform's 'second in command' is a Muslim of Asian heritage. Its London Mayoral candidate is a Muslim of Egyptian heritage.
Labour's current strategy is one of deligitimising Reform as an electoral option. It has already sanctioned the delaying of elections to counter this 'threat' and it can only get uglier as the gloves come off.
It’s going to be as crazy as the original Dubai property boom from a couple of decades ago.
Buyer beware on the early projects though. There will be those that make millions, and those that either go bust or deliver well short of the sales pitch.
Remember that anyone ‘famous’ who appears in advertising is getting a free house out of it.
And it'll be even more complicated in Scotland and Wales, especially if Plaid do well in May and consequently are seen by a previously sceptical English-speaking electorate as practical and sensible.