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Bad expectations – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 13,010
edited March 18 in General
Bad expectations – politicalbetting.com

What impact do Britons think the US-Iran conflict will have in the longer term? (+ net positive impact / – net negative impact) (1/2)UK economy: -74Global economy: -74US reputation: -61Middle East stability: -59UK-US relations: -64Own household finances: -62yougov.com/en-gb/articl…

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Comments

  • Sweeney74Sweeney74 Posts: 298
    it's all a bit gloomy, isn't it?
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,764
    Thanks Donald. Thanks a bunch...
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,764
    Sweeney74 said:

    it's all a bit gloomy, isn't it?

    On the plus side, a gorgeous spring day here in south Devon.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,764
    US reputation falling with 61%.

    Presumbly it can't go any lower with 39%...
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 49,512
    Hmm, yes. Is it all a plot to help right wing populists oust mainstream governments across Europe?
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 38,168
    I am surprised you didn't stick with Nick Timothy and his vile wibblings for your thread header. At least it would have kept Leon on topic until tomorrow.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,715
    This is a good summary and especially about the South Pars strikes by Israel

    https://news.sky.com/liveblog-webview/iran-war-latest-trump-tehran-israel-strikes-us-drone-live-sky-news-13509565
  • BattlebusBattlebus Posts: 2,722
    It started in America - again.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,764
    FPT - Leon: "Here's another cheering thought. Pretty soon litter will be a thing of the past, because councils will sack all the street cleaners and get small humanoid robots to pick up all the rubbish. They will be vastly cheaper than human labour, and they will work 24/7, tirelessly, in all weathers, for no money. Only going home to be recharged. So all the litter will disappear (which will be nice, in London)"

    Nah. They will be priced at being JUST marginally cheaper than a human. So we will still be inundated with shite.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 67,187

    Sweeney74 said:

    it's all a bit gloomy, isn't it?

    On the plus side, a gorgeous spring day here in south Devon.
    Ditto here in London, it's like late May

    I've got all the windows wide open, my new Japanese coffee pot is looking adorable on my writing table. It's hard to be THAT depressed

  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 38,168

    Brixian59 said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Starmer struggled much more again when its Mandelson week. You can draw your own conclusions about why and what that means may be coming out, but it seems to be THE achilles heel

    No body is interested in Mandelson

    He answered
    He apologised

    A shame Badenoch thinks that is the only issue people are interested in

    No one is.
    Panic response
    Kemi asked 3 times “did you speak to Mandy before appointing him” and each time Starmer did not answer the question.
    Then Kemi said “the evasion all points to the fact YOU DIDN’T speak to him yourself, before appointing him”

    Wait! Does it? Does evasion point to the fact he didn’t?

    I thought the evasion was all pointing to the fact he had spoken to him before appointment, to be honest. That - speaking to Mandy himself and getting answer he had met with Epstein after the conviction - surely is where the damage and danger is to Starmer.

    I think Kemi dropped the ball.
    Stsrmer has put on record in the house that Mandelson lied to him personally.
    If she gets him to admit he did not speak to him its misleading the house time.

    Thats the point of it i think
    It’s an odd way for her to do it, answering the question herself, with her belief it was the opposite of what the truth is, opposite to where the danger to Starmer is.

    Nah. She dropped the ball.
    His obvious answered should be, which one of the hundreds of conversations I've had with Peter on hundreds of issues over 20 years does she specifically want me to comments on.

    You want to tie Starmer that close to Mandelson and somehow that helps him
    No Tory has never had an acquaintance with a paedo?

    Mandelson has been a major Labour political figure for 30 years

    Your point is?
    If you can't see the connection to your suggestion then you are oblivious to what you are writing

    The expression you protest too much

    Starmer had a nightmare today
    Questions smoking out how rubbish Labour are on cost of living would have been a more triumphant PMQs for Kemi IMHO.

    I still think, learning from history, 6 questions on Mandelson was wasted approach.
    in the history books on Mandelson leaving government for mortgage fraud, all the pressure put on Tony Blair for whopping error of judgement, all the fun Lord Richmond and the media had ripping Blair’s credibility to shreds… but then look at the final result in 2001 GE. 🤷‍♀️

    Kemi’s Tory’s need to put on votes at PMQs, and the way to do that is how Labour do nothing or next to nothing on the cost of living. Look at the Daily Express today, look what they gave Kemi to attack with
    Labour policies taking 40K from households during cost of living crisis is awful.


    Is the fear here, Kemi goes on Mandelson again and again because she can’t mention Cost of Living ever again because the error she has made backing Trump’s war? ☹️
    Why are you liking this post Brixian?

    Labour been in two years, and have appalling record on cost of living, is why it’s losing one and a half thousand councillors in a few weeks time in an extra special stuffing.

    Do you think UK tax rates are too low, and there’s plenty of leeway for more tax and spend?
    Im agreeing with you two fold

    LOTO was a disaster today

    Labour first budget was a disaster. It was a disaster mainly because of McSweeney and his ming case.

    Until 4 weeks ago it looked like good progress could have been made in September to start to correct it.

    Unless there is a huge and quick c change on ME that is not now possible

    Thats why Starmer will continue to pin Act of War Act of Aggression on Badenoch and Farage

    Had they have PM we'd have been in middle of a far greater disaster now.

    I am no where near as tribal as some right wing posters on here. I admit mistakes if I believe they are unforgivable

    Starmer is actively allowing the US to bomb Iran from Fairford, unlike Meloni [Italy] and Sanchez [Spain ] who have distanced themselves from the conflict and refused their air bases to be used or any military involvement

    It is not just semantics but plain dishonesty to paint Starmer as standing up to the US

    And as far as being tribal, we can all be partisan but your language and weird obsession is just that, weird

    https://ukaviation.aero/raf-fairford-at-the-centre-of-operation-epic-fury-britains-strategic-bomber-hub/
    Good work. Treat yourself to a beer and a curry.
  • BurgessianBurgessian Posts: 3,624
    Rand Paul vs Markwayne Mullin is quite a thing.

    Both GOP senators with the latter being Trump's pick for Homeland Security Sec, to replace the defenestrated Kirsti Noem. Don't think Senator Paul is likely to be voting to confirm Senator Mullin judging by this.

    https://x.com/BulwarkOnline/status/2034272524494610521

    “You decided to transfer the blame. You told the media that I was a ‘freaking snake’ and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted,” Paul said, referring to when he was attacked by a neighbor in Kentucky in 2017, which resulted in Paul breaking several ribs and developing pneumonia.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,715

    Brixian59 said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Starmer struggled much more again when its Mandelson week. You can draw your own conclusions about why and what that means may be coming out, but it seems to be THE achilles heel

    No body is interested in Mandelson

    He answered
    He apologised

    A shame Badenoch thinks that is the only issue people are interested in

    No one is.
    Panic response
    Kemi asked 3 times “did you speak to Mandy before appointing him” and each time Starmer did not answer the question.
    Then Kemi said “the evasion all points to the fact YOU DIDN’T speak to him yourself, before appointing him”

    Wait! Does it? Does evasion point to the fact he didn’t?

    I thought the evasion was all pointing to the fact he had spoken to him before appointment, to be honest. That - speaking to Mandy himself and getting answer he had met with Epstein after the conviction - surely is where the damage and danger is to Starmer.

    I think Kemi dropped the ball.
    Stsrmer has put on record in the house that Mandelson lied to him personally.
    If she gets him to admit he did not speak to him its misleading the house time.

    Thats the point of it i think
    It’s an odd way for her to do it, answering the question herself, with her belief it was the opposite of what the truth is, opposite to where the danger to Starmer is.

    Nah. She dropped the ball.
    His obvious answered should be, which one of the hundreds of conversations I've had with Peter on hundreds of issues over 20 years does she specifically want me to comments on.

    You want to tie Starmer that close to Mandelson and somehow that helps him
    No Tory has never had an acquaintance with a paedo?

    Mandelson has been a major Labour political figure for 30 years

    Your point is?
    If you can't see the connection to your suggestion then you are oblivious to what you are writing

    The expression you protest too much

    Starmer had a nightmare today
    Questions smoking out how rubbish Labour are on cost of living would have been a more triumphant PMQs for Kemi IMHO.

    I still think, learning from history, 6 questions on Mandelson was wasted approach.
    in the history books on Mandelson leaving government for mortgage fraud, all the pressure put on Tony Blair for whopping error of judgement, all the fun Lord Richmond and the media had ripping Blair’s credibility to shreds… but then look at the final result in 2001 GE. 🤷‍♀️

    Kemi’s Tory’s need to put on votes at PMQs, and the way to do that is how Labour do nothing or next to nothing on the cost of living. Look at the Daily Express today, look what they gave Kemi to attack with
    Labour policies taking 40K from households during cost of living crisis is awful.


    Is the fear here, Kemi goes on Mandelson again and again because she can’t mention Cost of Living ever again because the error she has made backing Trump’s war? ☹️
    Why are you liking this post Brixian?

    Labour been in two years, and have appalling record on cost of living, is why it’s losing one and a half thousand councillors in a few weeks time in an extra special stuffing.

    Do you think UK tax rates are too low, and there’s plenty of leeway for more tax and spend?
    Im agreeing with you two fold

    LOTO was a disaster today

    Labour first budget was a disaster. It was a disaster mainly because of McSweeney and his ming case.

    Until 4 weeks ago it looked like good progress could have been made in September to start to correct it.

    Unless there is a huge and quick c change on ME that is not now possible

    Thats why Starmer will continue to pin Act of War Act of Aggression on Badenoch and Farage

    Had they have PM we'd have been in middle of a far greater disaster now.

    I am no where near as tribal as some right wing posters on here. I admit mistakes if I believe they are unforgivable

    Starmer is actively allowing the US to bomb Iran from Fairford, unlike Meloni [Italy] and Sanchez [Spain ] who have distanced themselves from the conflict and refused their air bases to be used or any military involvement

    It is not just semantics but plain dishonesty to paint Starmer as standing up to the US

    And as far as being tribal, we can all be partisan but your language and weird obsession is just that, weird

    https://ukaviation.aero/raf-fairford-at-the-centre-of-operation-epic-fury-britains-strategic-bomber-hub/
    Good work. Treat yourself to a beer and a curry.
    Actuall Welsh cider with my own curry or sweet and sour
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 87,269
    The new guy Trump wants running ICE.

    Mullin: “What I was simply pointing out is some of the rules that still apply to this body, for instance, dueling with two consenting adults, is still there.”

    Paul: “It’s been illegal for 170 years.”

    https://x.com/BulwarkOnline/status/2034278756022415506
  • Sweeney74 said:

    it's all a bit gloomy, isn't it?

    On the plus side, a gorgeous spring day here in south Devon.
    Just finished walking Torcross to Salcombe. Magic.
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 4,971

    FPT - Leon: "Here's another cheering thought. Pretty soon litter will be a thing of the past, because councils will sack all the street cleaners and get small humanoid robots to pick up all the rubbish. They will be vastly cheaper than human labour, and they will work 24/7, tirelessly, in all weathers, for no money. Only going home to be recharged. So all the litter will disappear (which will be nice, in London)"

    Nah. They will be priced at being JUST marginally cheaper than a human. So we will still be inundated with shite.

    Once all these robots and AIs have been charged, will there be any electricity left for humans?
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 4,971
    I scrolled past a YouTube video offering to explain how all the trouble in Iran had proved the UK to have become the most unreliable ally in the history of forever.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 87,269
    Public confidence is clearly boosted by the consistency of the administration's messaging.

    Karoline Leavitt March 12: "TO BE CLEAR: No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did."

    Karoline Leavitt March 17: 'The claim that Iran poses no threat to the US is false.....Democrats and some in the liberal media have been repeating over and over."

    https://x.com/covie_93/status/2034067405987582176
  • LeonLeon Posts: 67,187

    Sweeney74 said:

    it's all a bit gloomy, isn't it?

    On the plus side, a gorgeous spring day here in south Devon.
    Just finished walking Torcross to Salcombe. Magic.
    Ah, I'm jealous

    That is one of the loveliest corners of the UK. Some good pubs and restaurants, too
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 57,930
    AnneJGP said:

    FPT - Leon: "Here's another cheering thought. Pretty soon litter will be a thing of the past, because councils will sack all the street cleaners and get small humanoid robots to pick up all the rubbish. They will be vastly cheaper than human labour, and they will work 24/7, tirelessly, in all weathers, for no money. Only going home to be recharged. So all the litter will disappear (which will be nice, in London)"

    Nah. They will be priced at being JUST marginally cheaper than a human. So we will still be inundated with shite.

    Once all these robots and AIs have been charged, will there be any electricity left for humans?
    Err, do the humans not get turned into batteries?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 67,187

    FPT - Leon: "Here's another cheering thought. Pretty soon litter will be a thing of the past, because councils will sack all the street cleaners and get small humanoid robots to pick up all the rubbish. They will be vastly cheaper than human labour, and they will work 24/7, tirelessly, in all weathers, for no money. Only going home to be recharged. So all the litter will disappear (which will be nice, in London)"

    Nah. They will be priced at being JUST marginally cheaper than a human. So we will still be inundated with shite.

    How is your wife's shoot going? My Hollywood friends are all quite depressed about the state of the industry in LA
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 80,677
    We're fucked aren't we ?
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 126,911
    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 4,971
    DavidL said:

    AnneJGP said:

    FPT - Leon: "Here's another cheering thought. Pretty soon litter will be a thing of the past, because councils will sack all the street cleaners and get small humanoid robots to pick up all the rubbish. They will be vastly cheaper than human labour, and they will work 24/7, tirelessly, in all weathers, for no money. Only going home to be recharged. So all the litter will disappear (which will be nice, in London)"

    Nah. They will be priced at being JUST marginally cheaper than a human. So we will still be inundated with shite.

    Once all these robots and AIs have been charged, will there be any electricity left for humans?
    Err, do the humans not get turned into batteries?
    Ah, indeed - we can all be employed pedalling on those cycles that drive dynamos.
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 15,474
    edited March 18
    Nigelb said:

    Public confidence is clearly boosted by the consistency of the administration's messaging.

    Karoline Leavitt March 12: "TO BE CLEAR: No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did."

    Karoline Leavitt March 17: 'The claim that Iran poses no threat to the US is false.....Democrats and some in the liberal media have been repeating over and over."

    https://x.com/covie_93/status/2034067405987582176

    To add to that. It looks like Trumps War could result in an uprising that topples the leadership after all, or gets brutally cut down

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15657319/JD-Vance-center-stunning-Iran-war-rupture-secret-meeting-spy-boss.html?ito=email_share_article-top

    “ Before Donald Trump's top spy chief submitted his stunning resignation over the Iran war, he had privately confided his plans to his closest political ally, JD Vance.

    Joe Kent quit as Trump's director of the National Counterterrorism Center on Tuesday, accusing Israel of pressuring the US into a conflict he says was built on lies.

    Kent, a close ally of Vance and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, presented his resignation letter to the Vice President 24 hours before dramatically quitting. Gabbard was also present at the meeting, according to the Washington Post.”

  • isamisam Posts: 43,862

    I am surprised you didn't stick with Nick Timothy and his vile wibblings for your thread header. At least it would have kept Leon on topic until tomorrow.

    How are the fem bots treating you Pete?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 67,187

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 57,930
    edited March 18
    A lot of wibbling about PMQs on the last thread. I didn't see any of it because I was in court but headlines like this on the BBC are not likely to improve things for Starmer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo

    PM swerves questions as to whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship.

    Its not great, is it? Having committed himself so vigorously to the proposition that Mandelson lied to him, its a bit curious he cannot confirm they even spoke about it.
  • isamisam Posts: 43,862
    DavidL said:

    A lot of wibbling about PMQs on the last thread. I didn't see any of it because I was in court but headlines like this on the BBC are not likely to improve things for Starmer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo

    PM swerves questions as to whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship.

    Its not great, is it?

    Gosh David, get with it. it was Kemi's fault for asking questions Sir Keir didn't want to answer
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 16,708
    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    I'm anticpating company in the poor house
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 42,894
    @JenniferJJacobs

    NEW: Trump hasn't made up his mind yet on whether he wants to send American forces into Iran and seize the country's nuclear material, which would be a very dangerous operation. In private conversations, he has said: "I have a lot of decisions to make."
    Pentagon has prepared multiple options for the president as potential next steps in the Iran war.
    IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Wednesday he doubts the nuclear program can be destroyed militarily – because it's a vast program built over the decades and scattered across a number of facilities.

    https://x.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/2034306749209981427?s=20
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 57,930
    isam said:

    DavidL said:

    A lot of wibbling about PMQs on the last thread. I didn't see any of it because I was in court but headlines like this on the BBC are not likely to improve things for Starmer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo

    PM swerves questions as to whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship.

    Its not great, is it?

    Gosh David, get with it. it was Kemi's fault for asking questions Sir Keir didn't want to answer
    Sorry, I failed to read all of @Brixian59's explanations.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,720
    “Starmer dodges the question” is now a news item

    It’s obviously not new news, but it’s the Beebs headline for PMQs

    Anyone sensible will wonder: why won’t the wanker tell us?

    Kemi’s line about Ange was pretty good (we both want a strong woman to replace him)
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,556
    isam said:

    DavidL said:

    A lot of wibbling about PMQs on the last thread. I didn't see any of it because I was in court but headlines like this on the BBC are not likely to improve things for Starmer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo

    PM swerves questions as to whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship.

    Its not great, is it?

    Gosh David, get with it. it was Kemi's fault for asking questions Sir Keir didn't want to answer
    Nick Timothy has been the only News since
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,556
    Leon said:

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
    One reason

    Netanyahu

    He has to have war.
    He'll invade Jordan and Egypt next
  • glwglw Posts: 10,831
    I'm surprised that people are relatively positive about Iran not getting the bomb. I feel the opposite is more likely. Iran can surely see how MAD has deterred the US from inflicting real pain on Russia, and kept North Korea ticking over. I would be amazed if Iran does not get the bomb in the long-term as a consequence of the current conflict. I also expect many other countries to do likewise.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,556

    “Starmer dodges the question” is now a news item

    It’s obviously not new news, but it’s the Beebs headline for PMQs

    Anyone sensible will wonder: why won’t the wanker tell us?

    Kemi’s line about Ange was pretty good (we both want a strong woman to replace him)

    Mason and Zefferman as instructed by Robbie Gibb

    Obsession with Mandelson

    Meanwhile in the real world 99.99 % of the public switch off
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,720
    Brixian59 said:

    “Starmer dodges the question” is now a news item

    It’s obviously not new news, but it’s the Beebs headline for PMQs

    Anyone sensible will wonder: why won’t the wanker tell us?

    Kemi’s line about Ange was pretty good (we both want a strong woman to replace him)

    Mason and Zefferman as instructed by Robbie Gibb

    Obsession with Mandelson

    Meanwhile in the real world 99.99 % of the public switch off
    99.99 % of the people in your head
  • TazTaz Posts: 26,068
    Brixian59 said:

    Leon said:

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
    One reason

    Netanyahu

    He has to have war.
    He'll invade Jordan and Egypt next
    Or Turkey.
  • AugustusCarp2AugustusCarp2 Posts: 630
    Leon said:

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
    I quite like it, but keep the camera rolling for a few more weeks......

    The Israelis know that they can con the White House into doing stupid things, so they think of a few more ... greater security in Lebanon, lebensraum into Egypt or whatever. So they start firing missiles again, and the US is tricked into joining in again.
    Trump gains kudos for "doing a Vietnam (i.e. declaring a victory, and going home.) Unfortunately, he then recognises himself as a Triumphant War Leader, a veritable Wellington de nos jours, so feels compelled to invade Mexico, or Canada, or Greenland or similar, in order to Build a Wall or liberate some polar bears or whatever.
    Even if Iran is a "success" for Trump, it will only encourage him to go on to make things worse. Maybe it's for the best if it drags on for a few more months in order to 1) keep him busy, and 2) re-educate the American voters.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,556
    Leon said:

    Sweeney74 said:

    it's all a bit gloomy, isn't it?

    On the plus side, a gorgeous spring day here in south Devon.
    Just finished walking Torcross to Salcombe. Magic.
    Ah, I'm jealous

    That is one of the loveliest corners of the UK. Some good pubs and restaurants, too
    You may well bump in to the latest resident.

    Mr Barry more has moved to Kingsbridge, adjacent to Salcombe
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,229
    Leon said:

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
    It could be simpler than that.

    Israel is decimating the senior ranks of the IRGC. Eventually there will be no one senior to run it. At that point it becomes a bunch of armed fiefdoms some of which wont see eye to eye with each other. The IRGC will have no coordination,, cohesion or control. The Ultras will of course try to treble down and in doing so will provoke a backlash. This could be from the population in general, the minorities making a grasp for freedom or the army trying to keep the country they love together.

    One of the reporters last week - Sky I think - described the evoluation of the IRGC. In the 1980s it was 80% true believers and 20% hangers on. In the 2020s it is 20% true believers and 80% hangers on. If it is thus the chancers will start to peel away and the whole edifice cracks. A new and hopefully better Iran will emerge.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,509
    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,764

    Leon said:

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
    I quite like it, but keep the camera rolling for a few more weeks......

    The Israelis know that they can con the White House into doing stupid things, so they think of a few more ... greater security in Lebanon, lebensraum into Egypt or whatever. So they start firing missiles again, and the US is tricked into joining in again.
    Trump gains kudos for "doing a Vietnam (i.e. declaring a victory, and going home.) Unfortunately, he then recognises himself as a Triumphant War Leader, a veritable Wellington de nos jours, so feels compelled to invade Mexico, or Canada, or Greenland or similar, in order to Build a Wall or liberate some polar bears or whatever.
    Even if Iran is a "success" for Trump, it will only encourage him to go on to make things worse. Maybe it's for the best if it drags on for a few more months in order to 1) keep him busy, and 2) re-educate the American voters.
    Trump (and the people around him) will go for Cuba.

    Cuba eluded JFK. Being remembered for getting it under Uncle Sam's thumb will be just too tempting for Trump's ego.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 32,666
    edited March 18
    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 126,911
    DavidL said:

    A lot of wibbling about PMQs on the last thread. I didn't see any of it because I was in court but headlines like this on the BBC are not likely to improve things for Starmer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo

    PM swerves questions as to whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship.

    Its not great, is it? Having committed himself so vigorously to the proposition that Mandelson lied to him, its a bit curious he cannot confirm they even spoke about it.

    Professionally I am currently engaged in a dispute replete with SAR on whether contact via email/online chat/WhatsApp constitutes speaking to someone.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 61,684
    DavidL said:

    isam said:

    DavidL said:

    A lot of wibbling about PMQs on the last thread. I didn't see any of it because I was in court but headlines like this on the BBC are not likely to improve things for Starmer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo

    PM swerves questions as to whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship.

    Its not great, is it?

    Gosh David, get with it. it was Kemi's fault for asking questions Sir Keir didn't want to answer
    Sorry, I failed to read all of @Brixian59's explanations.
    You need to catch up - any day now the opposition in court will respond to one of your questions by throwing down a “I don’t want to answer that, so it’s your fault” card.

    Top Trump(s), that.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 58,764
    Brixian59 said:

    “Starmer dodges the question” is now a news item

    It’s obviously not new news, but it’s the Beebs headline for PMQs

    Anyone sensible will wonder: why won’t the wanker tell us?

    Kemi’s line about Ange was pretty good (we both want a strong woman to replace him)

    Mason and Zefferman as instructed by Robbie Gibb

    Obsession with Mandelson

    Meanwhile in the real world 99.99 % of the public switch off
    You've had a bad day, log off early and go for a pint in the sunshine while you still can...
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,509
    isam said:

    I am surprised you didn't stick with Nick Timothy and his vile wibblings for your thread header. At least it would have kept Leon on topic until tomorrow.

    How are the fem bots treating you Pete?
    Fembots: "You can't resist us, Mr. Powers!"

    Austin: "Au contraire, baby. I think that you can't resist me!"
  • AugustusCarp2AugustusCarp2 Posts: 630

    Leon said:

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
    I quite like it, but keep the camera rolling for a few more weeks......

    The Israelis know that they can con the White House into doing stupid things, so they think of a few more ... greater security in Lebanon, lebensraum into Egypt or whatever. So they start firing missiles again, and the US is tricked into joining in again.
    Trump gains kudos for "doing a Vietnam (i.e. declaring a victory, and going home.) Unfortunately, he then recognises himself as a Triumphant War Leader, a veritable Wellington de nos jours, so feels compelled to invade Mexico, or Canada, or Greenland or similar, in order to Build a Wall or liberate some polar bears or whatever.
    Even if Iran is a "success" for Trump, it will only encourage him to go on to make things worse. Maybe it's for the best if it drags on for a few more months in order to 1) keep him busy, and 2) re-educate the American voters.
    Trump (and the people around him) will go for Cuba.

    Cuba eluded JFK. Being remembered for getting it under Uncle Sam's thumb will be just too tempting for Trump's ego.
    Yes, you're probably right - especially as 1) Cuba is now an economic basket case without Nicaraguan support, and 2) there's a lot of Cuban exiles in Florida.
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,229

    Leon said:

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
    I quite like it, but keep the camera rolling for a few more weeks......

    The Israelis know that they can con the White House into doing stupid things, so they think of a few more ... greater security in Lebanon, lebensraum into Egypt or whatever. So they start firing missiles again, and the US is tricked into joining in again.
    Trump gains kudos for "doing a Vietnam (i.e. declaring a victory, and going home.) Unfortunately, he then recognises himself as a Triumphant War Leader, a veritable Wellington de nos jours, so feels compelled to invade Mexico, or Canada, or Greenland or similar, in order to Build a Wall or liberate some polar bears or whatever.
    Even if Iran is a "success" for Trump, it will only encourage him to go on to make things worse. Maybe it's for the best if it drags on for a few more months in order to 1) keep him busy, and 2) re-educate the American voters.
    Trump (and the people around him) will go for Cuba.

    Cuba eluded JFK. Being remembered for getting it under Uncle Sam's thumb will be just too tempting for Trump's ego.
    They already have Cuba. The economy is on its knees with no chance of recovery, the regime wants to negotiate a way out. The props of Venezuela and Russia have gone and nobody else wants to support them.

    If Trumps manages regime change in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran it will be a major foreign policy success.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 32,666
    MattW said:

    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:

    Typo from/form. Sorry.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,720
    MattW said:

    MattW said:

    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:

    Typo from/form. Sorry.
    You meant "form Derby"?!?
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 18,023
    MattW said:

    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:

    The fact there is no tube in Peckham should have been the giveaway here.
  • isamisam Posts: 43,862
    Brixian59 said:

    isam said:

    DavidL said:

    A lot of wibbling about PMQs on the last thread. I didn't see any of it because I was in court but headlines like this on the BBC are not likely to improve things for Starmer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo

    PM swerves questions as to whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship.

    Its not great, is it?

    Gosh David, get with it. it was Kemi's fault for asking questions Sir Keir didn't want to answer
    Nick Timothy has been the only News since
    He was bang on the money, well played to him,
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 70,741
    glw said:

    I'm surprised that people are relatively positive about Iran not getting the bomb. I feel the opposite is more likely. Iran can surely see how MAD has deterred the US from inflicting real pain on Russia, and kept North Korea ticking over. I would be amazed if Iran does not get the bomb in the long-term as a consequence of the current conflict. I also expect many other countries to do likewise.

    Experts on Iran seem to think as you do as far as I can see.

    Their need to get the bomb just got a whole lot bigger.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 35,415

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    I'd be wary of posting things like this in case it is picked up by various spooks monitoring social media.
  • StarryStarry Posts: 145

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    Yeah, bloody Koni Huq.
  • StarryStarry Posts: 145

    "The correct process was followed" will be Starmer's political epitaph

    And if he had the UK join the war? You think that would have been a better outcome for him?

    One of the few things he's got right.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,720
    Starry said:

    "The correct process was followed" will be Starmer's political epitaph

    And if he had the UK join the war? You think that would have been a better outcome for him?

    One of the few things he's got right.
    I don’t think that I’ve expressed an opinion on Iran on here.. I’m talking about Mandy and PMQs
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 87,269

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    The fundamentalists are indeed scary beings.
    Also true of some of the nuttier fundamentalists in the US (Hegseth's pastor, for example).
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,509

    MattW said:

    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:

    The fact there is no tube in Peckham should have been the giveaway here.
    Only the Windrush Line on London Overground.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,720

    MattW said:

    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:

    The fact there is no tube in Peckham should have been the giveaway here.
    Only the Windrush Line on London Overground.
    He was Wombling free
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,925
    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    The fundamentalists are indeed scary beings.
    Also true of some of the nuttier fundamentalists in the US (Hegseth's pastor, for example).
    You've never met a bigoted Presbytarian Unionist is Northern Ireland then?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 87,269
    isam said:

    Brixian59 said:

    isam said:

    DavidL said:

    A lot of wibbling about PMQs on the last thread. I didn't see any of it because I was in court but headlines like this on the BBC are not likely to improve things for Starmer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vjv17q0rmo

    PM swerves questions as to whether he spoke to Mandelson over Epstein friendship.

    Its not great, is it?

    Gosh David, get with it. it was Kemi's fault for asking questions Sir Keir didn't want to answer
    Nick Timothy has been the only News since
    He was bang on the money, well played to him,
    Along with Lee Anderson, more 'el Sid than el Cid.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 22,584
    The tedious clip from the racist Nick Timothy is really dull but the other six connected clips are an absolute must watch...... From Harvey Weinstein being accused of a 1996 rape at the Cannes Film Festival to 'Is Netanyahu dead?' Some think so most hope so but I'd say probably not.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TU_6INmxfsU
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 90,502
    edited March 18

    "The correct process was followed, but it never crosssd my desk and thus wasn't involved" will be Starmer's political epitaph

    Fixed for you...
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 58,311
    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 87,269

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    The fundamentalists are indeed scary beings.
    Also true of some of the nuttier fundamentalists in the US (Hegseth's pastor, for example).
    You've never met a bigoted Presbytarian Unionist is Northern Ireland then?
    The only couple of times I've visited, everyone I encountered was charming.
    (Though the first time was at the start of the troubles in Belfast, and there were distant explosions all night.)
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 87,269

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    Where's the NOTA option ?
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 90,502
    edited March 18

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    I just really struggling to understand Lowe / Advance (is that his party, i forget?) polling numbers. I really dont believe most people have any idea who he is and he has a political party.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 70,715
    edited March 18
    Starry said:

    "The correct process was followed" will be Starmer's political epitaph

    And if he had the UK join the war? You think that would have been a better outcome for him?

    One of the few things he's got right.
    Meloni [Italy] Sanchez [Spain] didnt join the war

    Starmer did

    https://ukaviation.aero/raf-fairford-at-the-centre-of-operation-epic-fury-britains-strategic-bomber-hub/
  • TazTaz Posts: 26,068
    Two hits on Riyadh from Iran with ballistic missiles

    The USA is a great friend, of course, of the Saudis. With friends like these.



    https://x.com/firasmodad/status/2034322332978700744?s=61
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,509

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    The fundamentalists are indeed scary beings.
    Also true of some of the nuttier fundamentalists in the US (Hegseth's pastor, for example).
    You've never met a bigoted Presbytarian Unionist is Northern Ireland then?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxpYW_w5pgo
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,925
    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    The fundamentalists are indeed scary beings.
    Also true of some of the nuttier fundamentalists in the US (Hegseth's pastor, for example).
    You've never met a bigoted Presbytarian Unionist is Northern Ireland then?
    The only couple of times I've visited, everyone I encountered was charming.
    (Though the first time was at the start of the troubles in Belfast, and there were distant explosions all night.)
    I've been a couple of times. As you say, normally everyone's very pleasant indeed. However, just now and again......

    Actually my worst experience was on the mainland, with a visitor from Ulster, At a social event I was asked what I thought of the situation in Ulster. I was a guest so said, I thought diplomatically, that it was difficult for someone in Essex to tell.
    Got a mouthful about how it was all the Catholics, should all be shot.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 32,666

    MattW said:

    MattW said:

    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:

    Typo from/form. Sorry.
    You meant "form Derby"?!?
    I'm having a Hebrew moment; read from Right to Left !
  • TazTaz Posts: 26,068

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    That’s crazy. The top two are totally unfit to be PM

    Although LOL at Davey being below Rupert Lowe.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 126,911
    edited March 18

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    I just really struggling to understand Lowe / Advance (is that his party, i forget?) polling numbers. I really dont believe most people have any idea who he is and he has a political party.
    Every other pollster finds around 8 to 12% can currently identify Rupert Lowe.

    More reasons why I consider Find Out Now the lead standard, their sample is fatally flawed.
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 22,809
    Taz said:

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    That’s crazy. The top two are totally unfit to be PM

    Although LOL at Davey being below Rupert Lowe.
    I find it hard to believe that 13% of the population even know who Rupert Lowe is. I'm a politics obsessive and I don't think I'd recognise his face.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,556
    Taz said:

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    That’s crazy. The top two are totally unfit to be PM

    Although LOL at Davey being below Rupert Lowe.
    FON for GB News

    Nigel should be very worried.

    I'd expect at least 80%

  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,509
    Taz said:

    Two hits on Riyadh from Iran with ballistic missiles

    The USA is a great friend, of course, of the Saudis. With friends like these...



    https://x.com/firasmodad/status/2034322332978700744?s=61

    "...who needs Yemenis?" - Boris.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 16,830
    edited March 18

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    I do find this odd. I have only heard of Lowe because I am an anorak, but have no idea what he looks like, and I can never remember the name of his party, and as preferred PM would come slightly below Sultana and Jezza and level with Nick Griffin (whatever happened to him?). Can it really be true that about seven million Brits prefer him as PM to all others?

    If you add his figure to Farage, getting 39%, you get to a disconcerting number of volk wanting Durchsetzungsstarke Führung. About 20,000,000.

  • MattWMattW Posts: 32,666

    MattW said:

    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:

    The fact there is no tube in Peckham should have been the giveaway here.
    Only the Windrush Line on London Overground.
    He was Wombling free
    He noted it. Also (being a nerd) that Red Poles = Central Line.

    But that particular tweeter has 50k followers and is putting out dozens of tweets a day; it's extreme politics for money-making. That is an indicator of the scale of this stuff.
    https://x.com/KieraDiss
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,509
    "How India Is Quietly Winning a War It Never Joined"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWHxFEn7ICw
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 22,809
    DavidL said:

    According to the Ukrainians the Russians suffered over 1700 casualties yesterday for zero territorial gains. The vast bulk of these were killed by drones who massacred the advancing forces trying to take advantage of fog but were all too visible to the drones.

    Over the last month or so there have been increasing signs that the war in Ukraine is turning Ukraine's way. They have actually gained a fair bit of territory. The persistent drone attacks on Moscow are utterly humiliating for Putin showing the inadequacy of the air defence systems. The lethality of drones seems to be increasing to the point that the numerical advantage in soldiers that the Russians have means less and less.

    My bit of anti-pessimism for the day is that the war in Ukraine might be over sooner than we think and with a clear Ukrainian victory. The consequences of a defeated Russia are not straightforward and there are clear risks of chaos there but such a success will mean that the conventional risk to Western Europe will largely have disappeared allowing us much more time to separate ourselves from the US.

    I hope this is right, though I fear that the combination of a boost to Russian oil income and a halt to US ammunition deliveries might swing things back in Russia's favour.

    The Russian government was getting close to running out of money before the US attacked Iran. It's been such a monumental blunder.
  • CatManCatMan Posts: 3,706
    https://bylinetimes.com/2026/03/18/kemi-badenoch-defends-shadow-minister-who-called-london-muslim-celebrations-an-act-of-domination/

    "When a Jewish News journalist pointed out that similarly large single sex prayer events are also held by Orthodox Jews in London, Badenoch’s representative replied that the Iftar event was “different”, without explaining how."

    Well that's ok then!
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,556

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    The fundamentalists are indeed scary beings.
    Also true of some of the nuttier fundamentalists in the US (Hegseth's pastor, for example).
    You've never met a bigoted Presbytarian Unionist is Northern Ireland then?
    The only couple of times I've visited, everyone I encountered was charming.
    (Though the first time was at the start of the troubles in Belfast, and there were distant explosions all night.)
    I've been a couple of times. As you say, normally everyone's very pleasant indeed. However, just now and again......

    Actually my worst experience was on the mainland, with a visitor from Ulster, At a social event I was asked what I thought of the situation in Ulster. I was a guest so said, I thought diplomatically, that it was difficult for someone in Essex to tell.
    Got a mouthful about how it was all the Catholics, should all be shot.
    I'd go regularly to meet teams for seminars.

    We would do protestants one day, catholics the next, not always in that order, but almost totally segregated.

    It was interesting that a few with no religious or political side would all be with the Catholics. A few on private said they felt more welcomed.

    We always had a great time with both, work and socially.

    Charming friendly company.

  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 22,809
    algarkirk said:

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    I do find this odd. I have only heard of Lowe because I am an anorak, but have no idea what he looks like, and I can never remember the name of his party, and as preferred PM would come slightly below Sultana and Jezza and level with Nick Griffin (whatever happened to him?). Can it really be true that about seven million Brits prefer him as PM to all others?

    If you add his figure to Farage, getting 39%, you get to a disconcerting number of volk wanting Durchsetzungsstarke Führung. About 20,000,000.

    Well. The percentages above are with don't know/none of the above excluded, so we don't know what proportion of the sample have those answers.

    The numbers would look very different if DK/NOTA are ~40%.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 1,556
    CatMan said:

    https://bylinetimes.com/2026/03/18/kemi-badenoch-defends-shadow-minister-who-called-london-muslim-celebrations-an-act-of-domination/

    "When a Jewish News journalist pointed out that similarly large single sex prayer events are also held by Orthodox Jews in London, Badenoch’s representative replied that the Iftar event was “different”, without explaining how."

    Well that's ok then!

    Timothy must go?

    If she fails to answer the question fully if put to her, she should consider her position too?
  • stodgestodge Posts: 16,298
    Late afternoon all :)

    I can't compete with South Devon but even East Ham and Barking aren't without their attractions on such a fine afternoon.

    Coffee overlooking the Barking Creek - it's not quite Venice, well, it's not Venice at all, apart from the water...

    The end of Ramadan approaches and I see one or two are getting a bit over-excited. I don't know if anyone has open Suhoor prayers but on Friday (not sure if it will be tomorrow given the good weather), areas of each park in Newham will be closed off for Eid-al-Fitr prayers and obviously it's an observed religious event here just as Christian, Sikh, Muslim and Orthodox holidays and festivals are.

    Should we be using religion and faith to define ourselves as a nation and a people? I'm not convinced being British is defined by the God to whom you pray (that seems to be the Restore line). Yes, we have a Christian history and tradition (though that's not been without its issues) but I'd like to think many of the values we have (or claim to have) are represented and present in faiths other than Christianity.

    Yet I'm not blind to the fact there are aspects to some faiths (primarily but not exclusively relating to the lifestyle) which don't sit well with me or many others. I've no objection to individuals wishing to strictly adhere to the tenets of a faith but I object to those tenets being imposed on individuals without their approval or choice.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 16,830
    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    The fundamentalists are indeed scary beings.
    Also true of some of the nuttier fundamentalists in the US (Hegseth's pastor, for example).
    You've never met a bigoted Presbytarian Unionist is Northern Ireland then?
    The only couple of times I've visited, everyone I encountered was charming.
    (Though the first time was at the start of the troubles in Belfast, and there were distant explosions all night.)
    Part of the human condition is that you can believe the earth is flat and made in six days, that god is a god of wrath and hates almost everybody except your friends, that Adam had a pet dinosaur and that Jesus died for about half the population of NI and very few others, and at the same time bake three sorts of cake for Sunday afternoon tea and insist you eat it all with the smiliest of welcomes. NI respectability, it leaves the lowland Scots looking like amateurs.

  • TazTaz Posts: 26,068

    Taz said:

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    That’s crazy. The top two are totally unfit to be PM

    Although LOL at Davey being below Rupert Lowe.
    I find it hard to believe that 13% of the population even know who Rupert Lowe is. I'm a politics obsessive and I don't think I'd recognise his face.
    Yeah, this clearly doesn’t include don’t knows or NOTA.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,925
    Brixian59 said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    isam said:

    Leon said:

    Brixian59 said:

    I thought it was a weak PMQs all round.

    52 to 48. I am not sure who was the 52 mind.
    Agree it was poor

    1 0 Starmer though as Nick Timothy is fatally wounded.
    She’s not going to sack Nick Timothy for expressing an obvious truth
    Let the lefties stand by while we allow ourselves to become an Islamic nation. Well said Nick Timothy and well done Kemi for backing him up
    What utter nonsense.
    We are not becoming "an Islamic nation".

    Timothy is just indulging in shit stirring bordering on Islamophobia.
    I've been weakly Islamophobic ever since the Salman Rushdie thing kicked off in '89.
    The fundamentalists are indeed scary beings.
    Also true of some of the nuttier fundamentalists in the US (Hegseth's pastor, for example).
    You've never met a bigoted Presbytarian Unionist is Northern Ireland then?
    The only couple of times I've visited, everyone I encountered was charming.
    (Though the first time was at the start of the troubles in Belfast, and there were distant explosions all night.)
    I've been a couple of times. As you say, normally everyone's very pleasant indeed. However, just now and again......

    Actually my worst experience was on the mainland, with a visitor from Ulster, At a social event I was asked what I thought of the situation in Ulster. I was a guest so said, I thought diplomatically, that it was difficult for someone in Essex to tell.
    Got a mouthful about how it was all the Catholics, should all be shot.
    I'd go regularly to meet teams for seminars.

    We would do protestants one day, catholics the next, not always in that order, but almost totally segregated.

    It was interesting that a few with no religious or political side would all be with the Catholics. A few on private said they felt more welcomed.

    We always had a great time with both, work and socially.

    Charming friendly company.

    At one time I regularly met with professional colleagues from Northern Ireland. As you say charming friendly company.

    It was just now and again.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 16,830
    Taz said:

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    That’s crazy. The top two are totally unfit to be PM

    Although LOL at Davey being below Rupert Lowe.
    For 'two' read 'six'
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 58,509
    MattW said:

    MattW said:

    I'm inclined to think that Trump's War will have less impact than feared, at least here, because he has a glass jaw and will TACO.

    For anyone wanting cheering up, here's Evan Edinger pulling the legs off AI "anti-London" videos, including the one that uses footage from Derby.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkyP37JgY0

    Here's a screenshot form a video showing dangerous threats on the tube in Peckham:

    The fact there is no tube in Peckham should have been the giveaway here.
    Only the Windrush Line on London Overground.
    He was Wombling free
    He noted it. Also (being a nerd) that Red Poles = Central Line.

    But that particular tweeter has 50k followers and is putting out dozens of tweets a day; it's extreme politics for money-making. That is an indicator of the scale of this stuff.
    https://x.com/KieraDiss
    Yes I noticed the Central Line - passes through Ilford North!
  • FishingFishing Posts: 6,142

    "The correct process was followed" will be Starmer's political epitaph

    "Labour will kickstart economic growth", "We won't raise taxes for working people" and "We will run the most pro-growth government ever" will probably also be on his rather crowded political tombstone.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 49,512
    edited March 18

    Leon said:

    Pulpstar said:

    We're fucked aren't we ?

    Like a stepmom on well you know where.
    OK as everyone is trying to take my job as the PB Panjandrum of Pessimism I’m going to have a bash at optimism. In the sun

    Let’s say the war lasts two more weeks. By that time Israel and the USA have absolutely pulverised Iran into the dust, so it won’t be a threat for a generation. Trump declares victory

    Yes there is a horrible oil price spike but as the war ends everything reopens quickly. Iran needs the money. Dubai is damaged but it will bounce back

    There is a relief rally. Stocks surge. Pressure for regime change in Iran actually begins to succeed. Meanwhile without his Iranian friends to help, Putin has no choice but to seek a peace in Ukraine

    The world, remarkably, takes a massive turn for the better

    Why not?
    I quite like it, but keep the camera rolling for a few more weeks......

    The Israelis know that they can con the White House into doing stupid things, so they think of a few more ... greater security in Lebanon, lebensraum into Egypt or whatever. So they start firing missiles again, and the US is tricked into joining in again.
    Trump gains kudos for "doing a Vietnam (i.e. declaring a victory, and going home.) Unfortunately, he then recognises himself as a Triumphant War Leader, a veritable Wellington de nos jours, so feels compelled to invade Mexico, or Canada, or Greenland or similar, in order to Build a Wall or liberate some polar bears or whatever.
    Even if Iran is a "success" for Trump, it will only encourage him to go on to make things worse. Maybe it's for the best if it drags on for a few more months in order to 1) keep him busy, and 2) re-educate the American voters.
    Yep. More war drama is certain after this. The most powerful military in history at his disposal. Pulverising unloved places with no air defences. Saying hard-on things 24/7 like "we're obliterating them" and "biggest bombs ever" and "maybe I'll stop soon, maybe I won't" to the watching world, then the cherry on top - probably the most thrilling aspect of all - charged gatherings at home in Palm Beach where serious looking men in uniform come along and present 'options', we can take this out with a bunkerbuster, Mr President, we can take that out with an ankleduster, yeah we definitely can, just say the word, Mr President, it just needs the greenlight from the commander-in-chief, from you sir. From YOU. He's addicted now. It's a big factor, the biggest. How he feels. He's told us this and for once it's true. However it turns out don't make the mistake of believing any of it is driven by calculated geopolitical objectives. Donald Trump is about impulse. He's a child. Thirty months to go, god help us.
  • TazTaz Posts: 26,068
    algarkirk said:

    Taz said:

    https://x.com/gbpolitcs/status/2034320777340699034

    NEW: Most preferred choice for Prime Minister

    - Nigel Farage: 26%
    - Zack Polanski: 21%
    - Keir Starmer: 16%
    - Kemi Badenoch: 14%
    - Rupert Lowe: 13%
    - Ed Davey: 9%

    [@FindoutnowUK]

    That’s crazy. The top two are totally unfit to be PM

    Although LOL at Davey being below Rupert Lowe.
    For 'two' read 'six'
    That’s fair comment.
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