One day after launching strikes on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and embroiled the region in war, President Trump told me this morning that the country’s new leadership wants to talk with him and that he plans to do so.
“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long,” Trump told me in a phone call from his Mar-a-Lago club shortly before 9:30 a.m.
The Government is working on plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Brits from the Middle East More than 76,000 Brits have registered their location and contact details with the Foreign Office
The Government is working on plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Brits from the Middle East More than 76,000 Brits have registered their location and contact details with the Foreign Office
The airspace won't reopen until the bombing stops.
And once the bombing stops there'll be no need to evacuate.
If a definitely not a Trump associate has been shafted by the T&Cs, could be the end of these definitely not betting sites.
UK betting firms also do not pay out in the event of death, which is why they suspended the markets when Boris caught Covid. The origin goes back to the days when insurance separated from gambling and people were betting on the life of the King, so you needed to have insurable interest to insure a life. IIRC the old betting houses (Whites', etc) ignored this but the more tightly regulated public firms cannot.
If a definitely not a Trump associate has been shafted by the T&Cs, could be the end of these definitely not betting sites.
UK betting firms also do not pay out in the event of death, which is why they suspended the markets when Boris caught Covid. The origin goes back to the days when insurance separated from gambling and people were betting on the life of the King, so you needed to have insurable interest to insure a life. IIRC the old betting houses (Whites', etc) ignored this but the more tightly regulated public firms cannot.
The Government is working on plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Brits from the Middle East More than 76,000 Brits have registered their location and contact details with the Foreign Office
The airspace won't reopen until the bombing stops.
And once the bombing stops there'll be no need to evacuate.
You aren't suggesting the government might end up wasting millions?
If a definitely not a Trump associate has been shafted by the T&Cs, could be the end of these definitely not betting sites.
UK betting firms also do not pay out in the event of death, which is why they suspended the markets when Boris caught Covid. The origin goes back to the days when insurance separated from gambling and people were betting on the life of the King, so you needed to have insurable interest to insure a life. IIRC the old betting houses (Whites', etc) ignored this but the more tightly regulated public firms cannot.
Still no winner in the PB Covid death pool.
Every time I see Simon Calder on TV I scowl.
Given his track record I presume he is currently telling everybody March is the perfect time to visit the UAE. Lots of bargains to be had.
Phil Stewart @phildstewart · 27m IRAN'S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS IN A STATEMENT: WE HAVE HIT 3 U.S AND UK OIL TANKERS WITH MISSILE IN THE GULF AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ - STATE MEDIA
Phil Stewart @phildstewart · 27m IRAN'S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS IN A STATEMENT: WE HAVE HIT 3 U.S AND UK OIL TANKERS WITH MISSILE IN THE GULF AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ - STATE MEDIA
They also claimed to have hit the US aircraft carrier, which was total BS.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Phil Stewart @phildstewart · 27m IRAN'S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS IN A STATEMENT: WE HAVE HIT 3 U.S AND UK OIL TANKERS WITH MISSILE IN THE GULF AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ - STATE MEDIA
Easier targets, before the missiles reach air defence systems.
If a definitely not a Trump associate has been shafted by the T&Cs, could be the end of these definitely not betting sites.
UK betting firms also do not pay out in the event of death, which is why they suspended the markets when Boris caught Covid. The origin goes back to the days when insurance separated from gambling and people were betting on the life of the King, so you needed to have insurable interest to insure a life. IIRC the old betting houses (Whites', etc) ignored this but the more tightly regulated public firms cannot.
Still no winner in the PB Covid death pool.
Every time I see Simon Calder on TV I scowl.
Oh come on! Don't deny him ten more years pretending brexit makes it impossible to go on holiday.
Phil Stewart @phildstewart · 27m IRAN'S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS IN A STATEMENT: WE HAVE HIT 3 U.S AND UK OIL TANKERS WITH MISSILE IN THE GULF AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ - STATE MEDIA
They also claimed to have hit the US aircraft carrier, which was total BS.
During the 1967 war, Nasser claimed that Egypt had been attacked by US and U.K. forces, including 8 British aircraft carriers. I forget how many they claimed to have sunk.
Don't forget Trump is a great dealmaker - probably the greatest in history. I fully expect him and the new Ayatollah to come to a harmonious and mutually beneficial accord.
Like I said PT, for Donald Trump it was about the drama and power trip of the strike and that's it. Move on now. For all that the likes of (lol) Nial Ferguson and other sanewashers pontificate on the strategic 'thinking' behind what Trump does there isn't any. It's about short term personal gratification (attention, news, money, strongman projection) and nothing else.
Like I said PT, for Donald Trump it was about the drama and power trip of the strike and that's it. Move on now. For all that the likes of (lol) Nial Ferguson and other sanewashers pontificate on the strategic 'thinking' behind what Trump does there isn't any. It's about short term personal gratification (attention, news, strongman projection) and nothing else.
Which is why Trump should be replaced by someone more serious.
Israel at least, while led by a crook, is led by someone who understands the military situation and geopolitics.
Hopefully Bibi can prevent Trump from chickening out.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Our regime is a democracy. It survives the transient nature of our PMs.
Hypothetically had the IRA succeeded in murdering Thatcher at Brighton they would have got a change of government, but not regime change.
Like I said PT, for Donald Trump it was about the drama and power trip of the strike and that's it. Move on now. For all that the likes of (lol) Nial Ferguson and other sanewashers pontificate on the strategic 'thinking' behind what Trump does there isn't any. It's about short term personal gratification (attention, news, money, strongman projection) and nothing else.
The constant underestimation of Trump is frankly risible. He won TWO presidential elections. To the highest office in the world. Much as you may wish to believe otherwise, he’s not an idiot. Far from it
An oafish, vulgar, venal old narcissist? Yes. But an idiot? No
He’s cunning and clever and he’s deviously manipulative. One way to keep the Iranians bewildered and on the back foot is to send conflicting messages. Bomb them to hell at the same time as you offer peaceful words
That’s actually the best way to effect regime change in Tehran. It may entice moderates to think “if we kick out the mullahs and sue for peace, America will stop the bombing Trump is showing us a way out”
By all accounts Israel and the USA are going for total obliteration of Iran as a functioning military. They are bombing every asset right down to the tiniest warehouse in the smallest army base
Trump is simultaneously saying “if you surrender, this will stop”
I'm starting to think Trump has played a blinder here:
Zapped a few high-profile baddies. Kept MAGA happy by avoiding a Lefty invasion-of-Iraq situation. Tested some hardware. Reconstructed the news cycle on after several weeks of non-optimal headlines.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Surely just a matter of time with this psychopath.
Two people were killed and several injured in a shooting outside a bar in Austin, Texas, in an incident the FBI says may be related to terrorism. Police said they were called to the scene near Buford's bar in the capital of the southern US state around 2 am (0700GMT) on Sunday, following reports of a "male shooter".
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Like I said PT, for Donald Trump it was about the drama and power trip of the strike and that's it. Move on now. For all that the likes of (lol) Nial Ferguson and other sanewashers pontificate on the strategic 'thinking' behind what Trump does there isn't any. It's about short term personal gratification (attention, news, strongman projection) and nothing else.
Which is why Trump should be replaced by someone more serious.
Israel at least, while led by a crook, is led by someone who understands the military situation and geopolitics.
Hopefully Bibi can prevent Trump from chickening out.
If only he could be replaced. Roll on those midterms which might at least kneecap him.
Netanyahu is in a different league to Trump, yes. And maybe (although I don't myself wish to see it) he can use his manipulative skills to pull Trump into a prolonged campaign. Doubt it but we'll see.
But TACO isn't quite right here. Trump isn't really chickening out of anything. He's achieved his main objective.
Like I said PT, for Donald Trump it was about the drama and power trip of the strike and that's it. Move on now. For all that the likes of (lol) Nial Ferguson and other sanewashers pontificate on the strategic 'thinking' behind what Trump does there isn't any. It's about short term personal gratification (attention, news, strongman projection) and nothing else.
Which is why Trump should be replaced by someone more serious.
Israel at least, while led by a crook, is led by someone who understands the military situation and geopolitics.
Hopefully Bibi can prevent Trump from chickening out.
If only he could be replaced. Roll on those midterms which might at least kneecap him.
Netanyahu is in a different league to Trump, yes. And maybe (although I don't myself wish to see it) he can use his manipulative skills to pull Trump into a prolonged campaign. Doubt it but we'll see.
But TACO isn't quite right here. Trump isn't really chickening out of anything. He's achieved his main objective.
Trump is not going to want high gas prices by the mid terms. Irrespective of what Bibi wants.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Surely just a matter of time with this psychopath.
"The US is no longer willing to sit back and allow the spread of windmills across the green and once pleasant land of Britain, killing the birds and RUINING the view. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, but they must be totally OBLITERATED, and soon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Like I said PT, for Donald Trump it was about the drama and power trip of the strike and that's it. Move on now. For all that the likes of (lol) Nial Ferguson and other sanewashers pontificate on the strategic 'thinking' behind what Trump does there isn't any. It's about short term personal gratification (attention, news, money, strongman projection) and nothing else.
The constant underestimation of Trump is frankly risible. He won TWO presidential elections. To the highest office in the world. Much as you may wish to believe otherwise, he’s not an idiot. Far from it
An oafish, vulgar, venal old narcissist? Yes. But an idiot? No
He’s cunning and clever and he’s deviously manipulative. One way to keep the Iranians bewildered and on the back foot is to send conflicting messages. Bomb them to hell at the same time as you offer peaceful words
That’s actually the best way to effect regime change in Tehran. It may entice moderates to think “if we kick out the mullahs and sue for peace, America will stop the bombing Trump is showing us a way out”
By all accounts Israel and the USA are going for total obliteration of Iran as a functioning military. They are bombing every asset right down to the tiniest warehouse in the smallest army base
Trump is simultaneously saying “if you surrender, this will stop”
I think you're righr. Roy Cohn school of mafiosi shock and awe, followed by a bit of rough house negotiating.
I will speak with President Trump on the latest developments in the Middle East in Washington on Tuesday. I am in close contact with partners across Europe, Israel and the wider region. This is not the moment to lecture our allies, but to stand together in unity.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Surely just a matter of time with this psychopath.
"The US is no longer willing to sit back and allow the spread of windmills across the green and once pleasant land of Britain, killing the birds and RUINING the view. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, but they must be totally OBLITERATED, and soon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Well, if you want to raise electricity prices in the US, then getting rid of existing built power generation is a really efficient way of doing it.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Surely just a matter of time with this psychopath.
On the plus side getting rid of the HoL has proven beyond us. Maybe we need some external intervention.
The Government is working on plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Brits from the Middle East More than 76,000 Brits have registered their location and contact details with the Foreign Office
UAE British population is estimated at 250k.
If anyone does know people in the Gulf who are affected by the situation here, please make sure they register themselves with the British embassy. It might help with getting on flights when they do reopen.
Two people were killed and several injured in a shooting outside a bar in Austin, Texas, in an incident the FBI says may be related to terrorism. Police said they were called to the scene near Buford's bar in the capital of the southern US state around 2 am (0700GMT) on Sunday, following reports of a "male shooter".
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Our regime is a democracy. It survives the transient nature of our PMs.
Hypothetically had the IRA succeeded in murdering Thatcher at Brighton they would have got a change of government, but not regime change.
It would still have been a Conservative government. I wouldn’t call that a change in government.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Surely just a matter of time with this psychopath.
On the plus side getting rid of the HoL has proven beyond us. Maybe we need some external intervention.
Like I said PT, for Donald Trump it was about the drama and power trip of the strike and that's it. Move on now. For all that the likes of (lol) Nial Ferguson and other sanewashers pontificate on the strategic 'thinking' behind what Trump does there isn't any. It's about short term personal gratification (attention, news, money, strongman projection) and nothing else.
The constant underestimation of Trump is frankly risible. He won TWO presidential elections. To the highest office in the world. Much as you may wish to believe otherwise, he’s not an idiot. Far from it
An oafish, vulgar, venal old narcissist? Yes. But an idiot? No
He’s cunning and clever and he’s deviously manipulative. One way to keep the Iranians bewildered and on the back foot is to send conflicting messages. Bomb them to hell at the same time as you offer peaceful words
That’s actually the best way to effect regime change in Tehran. It may entice moderates to think “if we kick out the mullahs and sue for peace, America will stop the bombing Trump is showing us a way out”
By all accounts Israel and the USA are going for total obliteration of Iran as a functioning military. They are bombing every asset right down to the tiniest warehouse in the smallest army base
Trump is simultaneously saying “if you surrender, this will stop”
It's not about him being an idiot or a deep-thinking geopolitical genius (he's neither) it's about what drives him and that is the attention/power buzz and the $$$ and the ego gratification. The constant projection onto him of qualities and motives beyond that is what I find risible. And it's counterproductive since it leads to poor analysis and bad predictions.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Surely just a matter of time with this psychopath.
On the plus side getting rid of the HoL has proven beyond us. Maybe we need some external intervention.
That's the bit he would like. All the gold.
Yeah but once he replaces KCIII there will be all the gold he likes. No doubt he's been measuring it on these state visits we keep giving him. Plenty in WIndsor for a start.
I moved the server yesterday, taking full advantage of Cloudflare's caching infrastructure, that should mean that everything is a lot more reliable in the future. However, it's possible that there will be a few gremlins that got introduced. (I know, for example, that a whole bunch of photos from last year seem to have disappeared into the ether... Fortunately, I have backups, so will be restoring them later this evening.)
What would be super helpful would be if anyone could let me know of any issues you see, so I can sort them
I'm starting to think Trump has played a blinder here:
Zapped a few high-profile baddies. Kept MAGA happy by avoiding a Lefty invasion-of-Iraq situation. Tested some hardware. Reconstructed the news cycle on after several weeks of non-optimal headlines.
Job done. Time to move on.
Exactly. And had a 'strongman' blast while he's at it.
Why Leon thinks this (imo essentially correct) take is tantamount to calling Trump an idiot is most odd.
He should be in the HoC though and he would have been had he had the courage to stand in the bye election.
It was definitely a good strategic choice to get Hannah Spencer elected instead and he gets a media profile anyway by virtue of being the party leader.
Today, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar.
Today, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar.
Today, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar.
Well that's worth a national monument.
Is it wrong of me to imagine the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron to be 2 Typhoons?
He should be in the HoC though and he would have been had he had the courage to stand in the bye election.
It was definitely a good strategic choice to get Hannah Spencer elected instead and he gets a media profile anyway by virtue of being the party leader.
Thankfully the jizzathon over Hannah seemed to reach its climax yesterday.
Gentlemen of a certain age need a few days to recuperate.
Today, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar.
Well that's worth a national monument.
Is it wrong of me to imagine the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron to be 2 Typhoons?
Apparently the Qataris have purchased 24 Typhoons.
Today, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar.
Well that's worth a national monument.
Is it wrong of me to imagine the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron to be 2 Typhoons?
Apparently the Qataris have purchased 24 Typhoons.
The Government is working on plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Brits from the Middle East More than 76,000 Brits have registered their location and contact details with the Foreign Office
UAE British population is estimated at 250k.
If anyone does know people in the Gulf who are affected by the situation here, please make sure they register themselves with the British embassy. It might help with getting on flights when they do reopen.
What is the difference between regime change and a change of government?
One is a change of regime.
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
So hypothetically, if the US wanted to do regime change in Britain, it wouldn't be enough to change the Prime Minister. They'd also need to wipe out the monarchy, abolish the House of Lords and change the voting system?
Surely just a matter of time with this psychopath.
"The US is no longer willing to sit back and allow the spread of windmills across the green and once pleasant land of Britain, killing the birds and RUINING the view. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, but they must be totally OBLITERATED, and soon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Well, if you want to raise electricity prices in the US, then getting rid of existing built power generation is a really efficient way of doing it.
The US is desperate to build CCGTs to power all these data centres turning out AI shite.
The delivery times on gas turbines is getting stupid.
The Government is working on plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Brits from the Middle East More than 76,000 Brits have registered their location and contact details with the Foreign Office
UAE British population is estimated at 250k.
If anyone does know people in the Gulf who are affected by the situation here, please make sure they register themselves with the British embassy. It might help with getting on flights when they do reopen.
I moved the server yesterday, taking full advantage of Cloudflare's caching infrastructure, that should mean that everything is a lot more reliable in the future. However, it's possible that there will be a few gremlins that got introduced. (I know, for example, that a whole bunch of photos from last year seem to have disappeared into the ether... Fortunately, I have backups, so will be restoring them later this evening.)
What would be super helpful would be if anyone could let me know of any issues you see, so I can sort them
Thanks Robert
Thanks Robert - if this is a problem, then it's the most trivial one you will have to deal with. When I hover over the "Like" thumb, I cannot see who has liked the post - just the number of likes. I am sure that I used to be able to see the names.
I moved the server yesterday, taking full advantage of Cloudflare's caching infrastructure, that should mean that everything is a lot more reliable in the future. However, it's possible that there will be a few gremlins that got introduced. (I know, for example, that a whole bunch of photos from last year seem to have disappeared into the ether... Fortunately, I have backups, so will be restoring them later this evening.)
What would be super helpful would be if anyone could let me know of any issues you see, so I can sort them
Thanks Robert
Thanks Robert - if this is a problem, then it's the most trivial one you will have to deal with. When I hover over the "Like" thumb, I cannot see who has liked the post - just the number of likes. I am sure that I used to be able to see the names.
Is that on a phone or computer?
On a laptop, I can see the ID of likes. On my phone, I can't.
Today, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar.
Well that's worth a national monument.
Is it wrong of me to imagine the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron to be 2 Typhoons?
Apparently the Qataris have purchased 24 Typhoons.
No - 24 boxes of Typhoo. Beat off stiff competition from Twinings.
This kid does seem to get some exclusives, so maybe it’s going to happen
EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning to remove Wes Streeting as Health Secretary.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to remove Wes Streeting from his position as Health Secretary, viewing him privately as his most significant potential leadership challenger within the Labour Party.
Sources close to Downing Street indicate that the ongoing escalation in the Middle East conflict, including direct involvement in regional tensions with Iran, has dominated media coverage in recent days. This shift in attention is said to have created an opportune moment for the Prime Minister to address internal threats without facing intense public scrutiny.
Members of Starmer's inner circle have described the current international situation as a "blessing in disguise." It has diverted focus away from the recent disastrous by-election result in Gorton and Denton, where Labour was pushed into third place behind the Green Party and Reform UK-a humiliating defeat in a formerly safe seat. Insiders suggest that this distraction allows No. 10 to move against Streeting with minimal immediate damage to the Prime Minister's approval ratings.
The plans extend beyond Streeting. There are also discussions about removing other Cabinet ministers perceived as disloyal to Starmer. This broader reshuffle is framed by Downing Street as an effort to strengthen the government and prevent internal rebellion during a challenging period for the administration.
Sources familiar with the Prime Minister's team have expressed gratitude for the way the Middle East crisis has redirected media attention away from what they describe as difficulties in Starmer's premiership.
I moved the server yesterday, taking full advantage of Cloudflare's caching infrastructure, that should mean that everything is a lot more reliable in the future. However, it's possible that there will be a few gremlins that got introduced. (I know, for example, that a whole bunch of photos from last year seem to have disappeared into the ether... Fortunately, I have backups, so will be restoring them later this evening.)
What would be super helpful would be if anyone could let me know of any issues you see, so I can sort them
Thanks Robert
Thanks Robert - if this is a problem, then it's the most trivial one you will have to deal with. When I hover over the "Like" thumb, I cannot see who has liked the post - just the number of likes. I am sure that I used to be able to see the names.
Is that on a phone or computer?
On a laptop, I can see the ID of likes. On my phone, I can't.
This kid does seem to get some exclusives, so maybe it’s going to happen
EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning to remove Wes Streeting as Health Secretary.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to remove Wes Streeting from his position as Health Secretary, viewing him privately as his most significant potential leadership challenger within the Labour Party.
Sources close to Downing Street indicate that the ongoing escalation in the Middle East conflict, including direct involvement in regional tensions with Iran, has dominated media coverage in recent days. This shift in attention is said to have created an opportune moment for the Prime Minister to address internal threats without facing intense public scrutiny.
Members of Starmer's inner circle have described the current international situation as a "blessing in disguise." It has diverted focus away from the recent disastrous by-election result in Gorton and Denton, where Labour was pushed into third place behind the Green Party and Reform UK-a humiliating defeat in a formerly safe seat. Insiders suggest that this distraction allows No. 10 to move against Streeting with minimal immediate damage to the Prime Minister's approval ratings.
The plans extend beyond Streeting. There are also discussions about removing other Cabinet ministers perceived as disloyal to Starmer. This broader reshuffle is framed by Downing Street as an effort to strengthen the government and prevent internal rebellion during a challenging period for the administration.
Sources familiar with the Prime Minister's team have expressed gratitude for the way the Middle East crisis has redirected media attention away from what they describe as difficulties in Starmer's premiership.
I moved the server yesterday, taking full advantage of Cloudflare's caching infrastructure, that should mean that everything is a lot more reliable in the future. However, it's possible that there will be a few gremlins that got introduced. (I know, for example, that a whole bunch of photos from last year seem to have disappeared into the ether... Fortunately, I have backups, so will be restoring them later this evening.)
What would be super helpful would be if anyone could let me know of any issues you see, so I can sort them
Thanks Robert
Thanks Robert - if this is a problem, then it's the most trivial one you will have to deal with. When I hover over the "Like" thumb, I cannot see who has liked the post - just the number of likes. I am sure that I used to be able to see the names.
If it’s truly appalling shouldn’t he just be revealing it now?
Why do I get the feeling this is going to be like that Major Lib Dem Announcement from a few weeks back (what actually was that in the end?)
The Lib Dems proposed replacing the Treasury with the Department of Growth.
So, replacing the Department of Contraction with the Department of Growth. It will only work if they destroy the top several layers and replace them with people with a basic knowledge of the advantages of economic growth.
Comments
“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long,” Trump told me in a phone call from his Mar-a-Lago club shortly before 9:30 a.m.
https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/03/trump-iran-attack-negotiations/686201/
@samstein
looks like we're headed to a venezuela 2.0 situation here
https://x.com/samstein/status/2028146590519624136
And once the bombing stops there'll be no need to evacuate.
Regime change should be the outcome.
Every time I see Simon Calder on TV I scowl.
That's the regime change we're going to get.
@phildstewart
·
27m
IRAN'S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS IN A STATEMENT: WE HAVE HIT 3 U.S AND UK OIL TANKERS WITH MISSILE IN THE GULF AND STRAIT OF HORMUZ - STATE MEDIA
It is a system change, more than an individual change.
He should have backed it, like Carney, and he should be pushing Trump not to back out early with it half done.
Pulling out early does not work.
Gregg Carlstrom
@glcarlstrom
·
47m
~36 hours after Trump said he wants to overthrow the regime, Trump says he wants to talk to the regime
https://x.com/glcarlstrom/status/2028146865724694588
Panama? The Fed?
Two out of many.
Her parents are over there at the moment, so if this drags on it could be a while before they come home again.
Israel at least, while led by a crook, is led by someone who understands the military situation and geopolitics.
Hopefully Bibi can prevent Trump from chickening out.
100% sensible
Hypothetically had the IRA succeeded in murdering Thatcher at Brighton they would have got a change of government, but not regime change.
Trump is here for the ratings.
Being Jewish/Zionist is not a crime.
An oafish, vulgar, venal old narcissist? Yes. But an idiot? No
He’s cunning and clever and he’s deviously manipulative. One way to keep the Iranians bewildered and on the back foot is to send conflicting messages. Bomb them to hell at the same time as you offer peaceful words
That’s actually the best way to effect regime change in Tehran. It may entice moderates to think “if we kick out the mullahs and sue for peace, America will stop the bombing
Trump is showing us a way out”
By all accounts Israel and the USA are going for total obliteration of Iran as a functioning military. They are bombing every asset right down to the tiniest warehouse in the smallest army base
Trump is simultaneously saying “if you surrender, this will stop”
Most likely that everyone will take this as evidence that they were right all along, whatever that means.
Zapped a few high-profile baddies.
Kept MAGA happy by avoiding a Lefty invasion-of-Iraq situation.
Tested some hardware.
Reconstructed the news cycle on after several weeks of non-optimal headlines.
Job done. Time to move on.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjznzgly0po
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heQUwN3jvbA
Netanyahu is in a different league to Trump, yes. And maybe (although I don't myself wish to see it) he can use his manipulative skills to pull Trump into a prolonged campaign. Doubt it but we'll see.
But TACO isn't quite right here. Trump isn't really chickening out of anything. He's achieved his main objective.
Phillips OBrien
@phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Looking forward to JD Vance magically becoming an anti interventionist again.
https://bsky.app/profile/phillipspobrien.bsky.social/post/3mfz7uaiark2d
Not Queensberry rules, but maybe it works?
I will speak with President Trump on the latest developments in the Middle East in Washington on Tuesday. I am in close contact with partners across Europe, Israel and the wider region. This is not the moment to lecture our allies, but to stand together in unity.
If anyone does know people in the Gulf who are affected by the situation here, please make sure they register themselves with the British embassy. It might help with getting on flights when they do reopen.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-office-travel-advice-updates
https://x.com/joneforeman/status/2028167782010081432?s=61
He really is not very popular
https://x.com/johnhann04/status/2028044969915683327?s=46
I moved the server yesterday, taking full advantage of Cloudflare's caching infrastructure, that should mean that everything is a lot more reliable in the future. However, it's possible that there will be a few gremlins that got introduced. (I know, for example, that a whole bunch of photos from last year seem to have disappeared into the ether... Fortunately, I have backups, so will be restoring them later this evening.)
What would be super helpful would be if anyone could let me know of any issues you see, so I can sort them
Thanks
Robert
Why Leon thinks this (imo essentially correct) take is tantamount to calling Trump an idiot is most odd.
Today, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar.
He will be exposing it tomorrow at 8.30 no less !!
https://x.com/robertjenrick/status/2028160946472992985?s=61
Why do I get the feeling this is going to be like that Major Lib Dem Announcement from a few weeks back (what actually was that in the end?)
Gentlemen of a certain age need a few days to recuperate.
The delivery times on gas turbines is getting stupid.
On a laptop, I can see the ID of likes. On my phone, I can't.
EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning to remove Wes Streeting as Health Secretary.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to remove Wes Streeting from his position as Health Secretary, viewing him privately as his most significant potential leadership challenger within the Labour Party.
Sources close to Downing Street indicate that the ongoing escalation in the Middle East conflict, including direct involvement in regional tensions with Iran, has dominated media coverage in recent days. This shift in attention is said to have created an opportune moment for the Prime Minister to address internal threats without facing intense public scrutiny.
Members of Starmer's inner circle have described the current international situation as a "blessing in disguise." It has diverted focus away from the recent disastrous by-election result in Gorton and Denton, where Labour was pushed into third place behind the Green Party and Reform UK-a humiliating defeat in a formerly safe seat. Insiders suggest that this distraction allows No. 10 to move against Streeting with minimal immediate damage to the Prime Minister's approval ratings.
The plans extend beyond Streeting. There are also discussions about removing other Cabinet ministers perceived as disloyal to Starmer. This broader reshuffle is framed by Downing Street as an effort to strengthen the government and prevent internal rebellion during a challenging period for the administration.
Sources familiar with the Prime Minister's team have expressed gratitude for the way the Middle East crisis has redirected media attention away from what they describe as difficulties in Starmer's premiership.
https://x.com/charliesimpsona/status/2028168449470447950?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
I know - if we sack him, he'll be good as gold.
Fecking clueless.