Certainly in the IOM and Gibraltar, which I have visited recently, their local pound seems to be freely convertible with the GBP at a 1:1 rate. So they are not really independent currencies any more … (View Post)

I have Hong Kong refugees living next door. I'm tempted not to say they are very nice people, as it sort of implies that I might think that people of some ethnicities are not very nice people - but t… (View Post)

It's more about expecting people to take any job, while still applying for their preferred option. Even if it pays less - no-one on UC should be worse off when working. Some sectors are still stuffed… (View Post)

Could just be vii) finds PB more diverting than watching telly (View Post)

The FCO sent out a travel advisory for Ukraine at the weekend - essential travel only. Up to that point it was "be careful, have an escape plan, be prepared to get out quickly" (View Post)