It's not really possible to means-test the pension. People pay NICs (and, yes, I know it isn't a pension pot, and is paid out of current taxation) in the sure knowledge that they will receive pension… (View Post)

I loathe Trump. I really do. Have had a horrible sinking feeling since he first emerged. But there is a grain of truth here. When Trump is riffing at one of his rallies, and you pause and watch for a… (View Post)

Mandelson is ensuring that there remains a comms channel with Trump and that means, unfortunately, getting a hearing in MAGA world. It's an ugly job but someone has to do it. Realpolitik. Mandelson h… (View Post)

Depends on the Yanks, Malc. There are some very decent ones. Trouble is the barrel-scrapings got into the White House. (View Post)

Turkey's participation in the summit is interesting. Powerful NATO member but outside of the EU despite their aspirations. They could deliver a lot for European security and they are certainly not af… (View Post)