The Politics Thread

[RandomGuy99]

He does this after creating a 'flu outbreak due to abandoning injections.
He's an idiot

And what's he going to do about the women in the US forces?

He wants to get the US army on testosterone supplements to get them bulkier. He's complained about out of shape members of the armed forces as they look bad in parades.

[Jonestown]

Ed Miliband for Foreign Secretary and Shabana Mahmood for Chancellor - shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic ?

[Vice Admiral]

Ed Miliband for Foreign Secretary and Shabana Mahmood for Chancellor - shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic ?

Yes, today's Times suggests that's the way the wind may be blowing.

I think they would be reassuring appointments.

Shabana Mahmood is regarded as "a safe pair of hands", and is probably the most right-wing of the possible candidates for Chancellor – and the bond market would thank Burnham for keeping Ed Miliband away from the Treasury.

And Miliband as Foreign Secretary?  Sounds OK to me.  He is experienced and has authority.  He was, after all, leader of the Labour party for five years.  I never felt that either David Lammy or Yvette Cooper quite cut the mustard at the Foreign Office; and Wes Streeting (who has been suggested) is surely too lightweight.   

 

[Jerboa]

100,000 globally, not in Germany
The major cuts are going to be at SEAT (Spain), Skoda (Czechia), Porsche (Austria) and the various South American plants -i.e. the ones with the oldest engineering and tooling which it isn't cost effective to replace.
VW's problem isn't fuel costs: it's down to Chinese government subsidised production of electric vehicles undercutting prices, Chinese government forcing increased prices on exports of car components, and the Chinese government rationing sales of electronic components and raw materials for electric vehicles

Yes I'm sure it's not only in Germany, but it is fact that German industry is going down the tubes because of energy costs. And firms have/are planning to move abroad. At one point during the last 4 years industry was paid to shutdown. How can you make steel, cars, chemicals, fertiliser, weapons and general heavy industry without cheap energy? What will Germany reinvent itself as, another financial service industry?

[Jerboa]

Anne Applebaum's husband.
Imagine falling in love over a mutual hatred of Russia

That clown quickly deleted that post, embarrassing that he's the Polish foreign minister. 

[bigden40]

Yes, today's Times suggests that's the way the wind may be blowing.

I think they would be reassuring appointments.

Shabana Mahmood is regarded as "a safe pair of hands", and is probably the most right-wing of the possible candidates for Chancellor – and the bond market would thank Burnham for keeping Ed Miliband away from the Treasury.

And Miliband as Foreign Secretary?  Sounds OK to me.  He is experienced and has authority.  He was, after all, leader of the Labour party for five years.  I never felt that either David Lammy or Yvette Cooper quite cut the mustard at the Foreign Office; and Wes Streeting (who has been suggested) is surely too lightweight.

How low do expectations have to be to regard these as “reassuring appointments”?

[Charliehutton]

How low do expectations have to be to regard these as “reassuring appointments”?

I do agree. Have any of these people ever had a proper job? Has Burnham? One where they've actually had to create wealth? I wouldn't trust any of them to run a whelk stall.

[Zimbaman]

I do agree. Have any of these people ever had a proper job? Has Burnham? One where they've actually had to create wealth? I wouldn't trust any of them to run a whelk stall.

Why is direct wealth creation the only metric you accept as a competent leader  that’s very limiting isn’t it? Medics no good? Military? Teachers?

[whiskyfan]

That clown quickly deleted that post, embarrassing that he's the Polish foreign minister. 

Yep, it's hugely embarrassing having to delete posts when you get things completely wrong, particularly when it's your hero. 

External Link/Members Only

[Charliehutton]

Why is direct wealth creation the only metric you accept as a competent leader  that’s very limiting isn’t it? Medics no good? Military? Teachers?

All very laudable, but unless we create wealth, none of the people you mention could be paid.

[Zimbaman]

All very laudable, but unless we create wealth, none of the people you mention could be paid.

And without the people I mentioned.. it would be much harder to create that wealth 

[Jerboa]

Yep, it's hugely embarrassing having to delete posts when you get things completely wrong, particularly when it's your hero. 

External Link/Members Only

It's quite simple to understand, when he's wrong he will apologise, the mum who contacted Tommy regarding the allegations, was threatened with harm if she didn't retract her post about Jamal. Tommy then travelled up to Huddersfield, and used hidden cameras to get the truth. Go watch the film Silenced, which has been viewed by hundreds of millions.

[Charliehutton]

And without the people I mentioned.. it would be much harder to create that wealth 

  Thank you for not adding a  emoji thinking it may add credibility to what is a pretty feeble point. Oh, Dammit....

[Zimbaman]

Thank you for not adding a  emoji thinking it may add credibility to what is a pretty feeble point. Oh, Dammit....

Is every point you haven’t thought of feeble? 

[Jonestown]

Mayor Khan handed a peerage so he can walk straight into a cabinet position ?

And why not, considering the runaway success of his London tenure.

[Charliehutton]

Is every point you haven’t thought of feeble? 

Okay. How about in any future highbrow debate we skip the  emoji? Don't forget, I voted leave, so my cognitive functions may struggle to keep up with what's intended to be ironic and what isn't...

[whiskyfan]

It's quite simple to understand, when he's wrong he will apologise, the mum who contacted Tommy regarding the allegations, was threatened with harm if she didn't retract her post about Jamal. Tommy then travelled up to Huddersfield, and used hidden cameras to get the truth. Go watch the film Silenced, which has been viewed by hundreds of millions.

Nothing to do with Jamal but thanks for proving yet again that you'll do anything to kiss Tommy's arse and tout his propaganda videos.

[Jerboa]

Nothing to do with Jamal but thanks for proving yet again that you'll do anything to kiss Tommy's arse and tout his propaganda videos.

I just stated the time line, the mum retracted her allegation, because she was threatened, so Tommy posted the video saying he'd been duped, as he at that moment did not know the mum had been threatened, not sure what part you are struggling to understand.

[whiskyfan]

I just stated the time line, the mum retracted her allegation, because she was threatened, so Tommy posted the video saying he'd been duped, as he at that moment did not know the mum had been threatened, not sure what part you are struggling to understand.

Have you got reading comprehension problems, what has that "timeline" got to do with the article I posted?

Yep, it's hugely embarrassing having to delete posts when you get things completely wrong, particularly when it's your hero. 

External Link/Members Only

[bigden40]

External Link/Members Only

I see someone one on social media, has been arrested for making comments about Anne Widdecombe death.  Now we dont know what the comments were, but surely hurtfull words are not a reason, for someone to be arrested and charged

This was on obituary thread but it’s delving into politics.  The bloke has been charged with malicious communications apparently, but if it’s just for the social media posts about Widdecombe then I'm not supportive of it.  People are entitled to their opinion no matter how offensive. 

That said he looks like the type that will not be benefitting from a forensic investigation of his hard drive.

[Punting2022]

Dark day for the uk. Burham is in. Say hello to more taxes. Net zero crap.
Also immigration. Londistan is the new name now.

[george r]

thought David Davies MP did a good job on sturgeon in parliament , well done   

[Jonestown]

Dark day for the uk. Burham is in. Say hello to more taxes. Net zero crap.
Also immigration. Londistan is the new name now.

The icing on the cake will be Lord Khan coming in as Home Secretary.

[bigden40]

The icing on the cake will be Lord Khan coming in as Home Secretary.

And standing down as Mayor of London?

[Doc Holliday]

Testosterone screening for military personnel over 30 is not illogical given the physical and mental demands on military personnel. Adding it to an existing annual health check makes it relatively straightforward.

Is it not medically illogical?

[Jonestown]

And standing down as Mayor of London?

As required.

Khan has previously expressed a desire to get back into national politics.

[bigden40]

Is it not medically illogical?

Is it?  Genuinely welcome your view. 

I commented because it seemed an odd thing for whoever it was to get outraged about it.   It’s an additional screening test when they’re already drawing blood.

Screening the general population for low testosterone would seem illogical. However, this is a targeted population facing high physical and mental demands.  Military service involves intense training, deployments, stress, sleep deprivation, head injuries, and physical strain, all of which can contribute to lower testosterone.  Have seen Jason Fox speaking on this recently.

[bigden40]

As required.

Khan has previously expressed a desire to get back into national politics.

At least there would be a silver lining of getting a new mayor.

[DastardlyDick]

This was on obituary thread but it’s delving into politics.  The bloke has been charged with malicious communications apparently, but if it’s just for the social media posts about Widdecombe then I'm not supportive of it.  People are entitled to their opinion no matter how offensive. 

That said he looks like the type that will not be benefitting from a forensic investigation of his hard drive.

Yes, people are entitled to their opinion, but this guy's tweets said something like 'I hope she died screaming.....tied to the bed'. I can see how Ms Widdicoms views on LGBTQ+ issues would offend members of that community, had he left it at one offensive tweet, fine, but no, he had to double down on it.a

[Jonestown]

At least there would be a silver lining of getting a new mayor.

A new Mayor yes, but it’s hard to see how Labour’s grip on London can be broken. The tories have never taken this role seriously or put the effort into winning, they put Johnson in there to keep him out of the way, and I don’t think the other parties have a big beast who could generate the popularity or cross London support. So we’d probably get that nice chap who is currently the Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

[Doc Holliday]

Is it?  Genuinely welcome your view. 

I commented because it seemed an odd thing for whoever it was to get outraged about it.   It’s an additional screening test when they’re already drawing blood.

Screening the general population for low testosterone would seem illogical. However, this is a targeted population facing high physical and mental demands.  Military service involves intense training, deployments, stress, sleep deprivation, head injuries, and physical strain, all of which can contribute to lower testosterone.  Have seen Jason Fox speaking on this recently.

I very much doubt Jason Fox has low testosterone. 
Whilst that is a flippant comment, there is some relevance which I will return to.

Firstly, an Endocrinologist or Urologist will tell you the subject of testosterone levels is hugely complex. Not least because they vary for each individual on a daily basis and what is ‘normal’ for one person is not for another. Investigation requires not just one test but a minimum of two and often more as well as other investigations for the cause. A single low figure test should not result in offering TRT.

Yes chronic stress, for example, may produce hormonal imbalance, including testosterone levels. However, if as a result this produces symptoms, you would need to treat the cause, ie the stress. It is highly unlikely, in most cases, that you would opt for TRT. To do so is just ‘fire fighting’ and potentially harmful.

So ‘when I was a lad’ and well beyond, the chances of anyone under 30, having a low testosterone level was considered exceedingly low. (1%) At thirty to forty it became slightly higher, but still very low. Both groups will almost always be picked up due to investigation of symptoms and not blood level T screening.

Age related lower levels only begin to kick in after 50+ and once again in most cases are of no medical significance.

So fast forward to now and studies are claiming that this figure has risen to up to 20%. This is blamed predominantly on obesity and lifestyle etc. It has become a huge online money-making industry (to scam level). Just google TRT. Now call me an old cynic but ……

Putting that dubious statistic aside, the general fitness levels required in the military and subsequent training etc mean that 20% figure is likley of little relevance and once again, anyone under forty who had significant lower levels would soon be picked up due to symptoms.

So, let’s look below at the demographic of the ages of the US Military. The average is is under 30 and I understand the vast majority of front line active personnel are also under 30.

So how many people would you expect annual mass screening of T blood level testing to pick up?

Is such a screening test medically logical?  Do you see where I am coming from? 





Hidden Image/Members Only

[bigden40]

I very much doubt Jason Fox has low testosterone. 
Whilst that is a flippant comment, there is some relevance which I will return to.

Firstly, an Endocrinologist or Urologist will tell you the subject of testosterone levels is hugely complex. Not least because they vary for each individual on a daily basis and what is ‘normal’ for one person is not for another. Investigation requires not just one test but a minimum of two and often more as well as other investigations for the cause. A single low figure test should not result in offering TRT.

Yes chronic stress, for example, may produce hormonal imbalance, including testosterone levels. However, if as a result this produces symptoms, you would need to treat the cause, ie the stress. It is highly unlikely, in most cases, that you would opt for TRT. To do so is just ‘fire fighting’ and potentially harmful.

So ‘when I was a lad’ and well beyond, the chances of anyone under 30, having a low testosterone level was considered exceedingly low. (1%) At thirty to forty it became slightly higher, but still very low. Both groups will almost always be picked up due to investigation of symptoms and not blood level T screening.

Age related lower levels only begin to kick in after 50+ and once again in most cases are of no medical significance.

So fast forward to now and studies are claiming that this figure has risen to up to 20%. This is blamed predominantly on obesity and lifestyle etc. It has become a huge online money-making industry (to scam level). Just google TRT. Now call me an old cynic but ……

Putting that dubious statistic aside, the general fitness levels required in the military and subsequent training etc mean that 20% figure is likley of little relevance and once again, anyone under forty who had significant lower levels would soon be picked up due to symptoms.

So, let’s look below at the demographic of the ages of the US Military. The average is is under 30 and I understand the vast majority of front line active personnel are also under 30.

So how many people would you expect annual mass screening of T blood level testing to pick up?

Is such a screening test medically logical?  Do you see where I am coming from? 





Hidden Image/Members Only

Re Foxy - External Link/Members Only

They are only screening over 30s, so presumably as you say a minority of service personnel. I don’t think the policy says anything about TRT, presumably an abnormal screening result would lead to follow up investigations rather than immediate treatment. 

As I said before I was really just responding to scutty who seemed outraged by the changes - hence my use of “not illogical”.  Just don’t see it as a big deal. Some posters seem to want to rage against everything certain people do.

[bigden40]

A new Mayor yes, but it’s hard to see how Labour’s grip on London can be broken. The tories have never taken this role seriously or put the effort into winning, they put Johnson in there to keep him out of the way, and I don’t think the other parties have a big beast who could generate the popularity or cross London support. So we’d probably get that nice chap who is currently the Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

It can be broken by putting forward a candidate people have actually heard of.

[scutty brown]

Re Foxy - External Link/Members Only

They are only screening over 30s, so presumably as you say a minority of service personnel. I don’t think the policy says anything about TRT, presumably an abnormal screening result would lead to follow up investigations rather than immediate treatment. 

As I said before I was really just responding to scutty who seemed outraged by the changes - hence my use of “not illogical”.  Just don’t see it as a big deal. Some posters seem to want to rage against everything certain people do.

Outrage? No.
Just pointing out it's yet another ridiculous decision by Hesketh.
Cancelling the 'flu injections resulted in almost an entire air force basic training camp going sick with several hundred affected.
Now he wants to physically bulk up his troops by giving them steroid injections. Totally pointless and likely to cause long term harm both physically and mentally. It's fake medicine. Do you fancy the idea of an army suffering from 'roid rage?

[Jerboa]

This was on obituary thread but it’s delving into politics.  The bloke has been charged with malicious communications apparently, but if it’s just for the social media posts about Widdecombe then I'm not supportive of it.  People are entitled to their opinion no matter how offensive. 

That said he looks like the type that will not be benefitting from a forensic investigation of his hard drive.

I agree, he should not be prosecuted for being a horrible wanker, the state should not be policing hurty words. However his hard drive needs checking.

[Jerboa]

thought David Davies MP did a good job on sturgeon in parliament , well done 

Yes I saw that, he made some good points, Sturgeon is not a stupid woman, she knew full well what her husband was doing, the whole persecution of Alex Salmond did look like a witch hunt, Sturgeon needed to politically destroy Salmond.
External Link/Members Only

[Jonestown]

Former high profile police detective Colin Sutton just elected as Police & Crime Commissioner for Norfolk under the Reform Party banner, with a sizeable majority over the Tory candidate. Will be interesting to see how and old fashioned cop makes out in that role.

[finn5555]

Former high profile police detective Colin Sutton just elected as Police & Crime Commissioner for Norfolk under the Reform Party banner, with a sizeable majority over the Tory candidate. Will be interesting to see how and old fashioned cop makes out in that role.

He has less than 2 years to make an impact then he’s out of a job 

[Doc Holliday]

Re Foxy - External Link/Members Only

They are only screening over 30s, so presumably as you say a minority of service personnel. I don’t think the policy says anything about TRT, presumably an abnormal screening result would lead to follow up investigations rather than immediate treatment. 

As I said before I was really just responding to scutty who seemed outraged by the changes - hence my use of “not illogical”.  Just don’t see it as a big deal. Some posters seem to want to rage against everything certain people do.

Re Foxy. He is very much part of the growing industry I commented on above External Link/Members Only

He has a financial interest, so the cynic in me takes anything he says about his T levels and effects on him feeling a 'bit tired' as he approaches fifty, with a pinch of salt.

They are only screening over 30s, so presumably as you say a minority of service personnel. I don’t think the policy says anything about TRT, presumably an abnormal screening result would lead to follow up investigations rather than immediate treatment. 

Only compulsory for over 30s, but I suggest many under 30s will get drawn in also? Offering TRT has been very much part of the announcement. I too would hope it is only offered after a thorough individual process, but once again I am unsure? There is no detail
This is really part of a growing ethos driven by the internet and not the bulk of the medical community.

My key point is that as a screening process it is seriously flawed. The cost/ benefit ratio plus the logistics does not justify any benefit. Unless of course you have a contract to provide the screening service? 

[Jerboa]

Hope Not Hate Deletes Page Attacking Ann Widdecombe
External Link/Members Only

Hidden Image/Members Only

[bigden40]

Outrage? No.
Just pointing out it's yet another ridiculous decision by Hesketh.
Cancelling the 'flu injections resulted in almost an entire air force basic training camp going sick with several hundred affected.
Now he wants to physically bulk up his troops by giving them steroid injections. Totally pointless and likely to cause long term harm both physically and mentally. It's fake medicine. Do you fancy the idea of an army suffering from 'roid rage?

That’s blatantly untrue.  Announcing vaccination being made non-mandatory in April did not cause a flu outbreak in June, it being too early to have made a difference. Flu vaccinations are a late autumn/early winter thing.

Got a link regarding the steroid injections as Google draws a blank on that one?

[bigden40]

Re Foxy. He is very much part of the growing industry I commented on above External Link/Members Only

He has a financial interest, so the cynic in me takes anything he says about his T levels and effects on him feeling a 'bit tired' as he approaches fifty, with a pinch of salt.

Only compulsory for over 30s, but I suggest many under 30s will get drawn in also? Offering TRT has been very much part of the announcement. I too would hope it is only offered after a thorough individual process, but once again I am unsure? There is no detail
This is really part of a growing ethos driven by the internet and not the bulk of the medical community.

My key point is that as a screening process it is seriously flawed. The cost/ benefit ratio plus the logistics does not justify any benefit. Unless of course you have a contract to provide the screening service? 

You’re right, much is still unknown as it was only just announced.

Details on the Pentagon’s testosterone testing rollout remain limited and high-level as of July 16-17, 2026, since the program was only publicly announced on July 15. Here’s what is known from official statements and reporting:

Key Rollout Elements
•  Who: Active-duty service members (and potentially reserves) aged 30 and older will receive mandatory annual screening as part of existing Periodic Health Assessments (PHA) or routine medical checkups. Troops under 30 can volunteer for testing.
•  What: Blood tests for testosterone deficiency (likely total and/or free testosterone levels, per standard clinical protocols). Positive findings would lead to confirmatory testing and medical evaluation.
•  Treatment: If deficiency is diagnosed, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is voluntary. Options could include gels, injections, patches, etc., under medical supervision. Hegseth has emphasised this is for “restoring natural capabilities,” not enhancement.
•  Timeline:
   •  Announced July 15, 2026.
   •  Described as rolling out “immediately” or integrated into upcoming routine assessments. No precise start date or phased implementation schedule has been detailed publicly.
   •  Annual cadence tied to existing health screening cycles.

Additional Notes
•  Scope and standards: The Pentagon has not released specific diagnostic thresholds (e.g., ng/dL cutoffs), lab protocols, or handling for women (whose testosterone levels are much lower and tested differently). Focus appears primarily on men.
•  Rationale: Address age-related decline, military stressors, “operator syndrome,” and overall readiness/lethality. Framed as optimizing the “individual warfighter.”
•  Contracting/Labs: No new contractor announcements. Testing will likely use existing military/DHA labs and reference lab contracts initially.
•  Unresolved questions: Exact lab methods, monitoring requirements for TRT, potential impacts on deployments/fertility, data privacy, and evaluation metrics for success.
The program is still in early rollout, with more operational guidance expected from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) in coming weeks. For the latest, monitor official DoD/DHA releases or Hegseth’s communications

[RedKettle]

Hope Not Hate Deletes Page Attacking Ann Widdecombe
External Link/Members Only

What point are you trying to make?

I have not read much of  the page but it seems to have been a factual account of what she said and they are entitled to have an opinion about it.  What I read (and as I say I have not read much of it) does not seem to be aggressive or threatening or encouraging violence. 

To remove it when she has died seems a respectful thing to do, I assume like me they tend to think when someone has died if you cannot say something nice then stay quiet.

[DastardlyDick]

Yes I saw that, he made some good points, Sturgeon is not a stupid woman, she knew full well what her husband was doing, the whole persecution of Alex Salmond did look like a witch hunt, Sturgeon needed to politically destroy Salmond.
External Link/Members Only

He (David Davies) is taking on some unusual cases - first Lucy Letby, now Sturgeon.
He did present a horrible image - Nicola Sturgeon in lingerie!
I don't doubt he robbed the SNP blind, but their "marriage" was one of convenience to conceal the fact she (allegedly)  "batted for the other side" and further her career - they led essentially separate lives. Both were earning over £100k, so having luxury items wouldn't have been that unusual - she bought a house in Bridge of Allen from Judy Murray to (allegedly) meet her girlfriend(s) - so I could believe that she didn't notice, assuming she ever saw them at all and they weren't just given away to Murrell's "friends" .

[Jerboa]

What point are you trying to make?

I have not read much of  the page but it seems to have been a factual account of what she said and they are entitled to have an opinion about it.  What I read (and as I say I have not read much of it) does not seem to be aggressive or threatening or encouraging violence. 

To remove it when she has died seems a respectful thing to do, I assume like me they tend to think when someone has died if you cannot say something nice then stay quiet.

That Hate not Hope are a horrible far left group, who go about doxxing people and paying others to do hit pieces. Now that Ann has been liquidated they remove her page, very nice of them.
External Link/Members Only
External Link/Members Only

And while we're at it, Burnham has hired former Hope not Hate's Matthew McGregor head of political strategy in No10 External Link/Members Only

[DastardlyDick]

That Hate not Hope are a horrible far left group, who go about doxxing people and paying others to do hit pieces. Now that Ann has been liquidated they remove her page, very nice of them.
External Link/Members Only
External Link/Members Only

I
As already said, that's a factual account of Me Wiidecom's career, if you genuinely believe in free speech as your  friends Farage and Robinson demand, you just have to put up with people disagreeing with you.

[Adoniron]

I
As already said, that's a factual account of Me Wiidecom's career, if you genuinely believe in free speech as your  friends Farage and Robinson demand, you just have to put up with people disagreeing with you.

Widdecombe was an unpleasant person with some distasteful views. She shouldn't be made out to be some sort of saint just because she's dead.

However none of the above justifies or excuses her murder.

[mills_and_bhuna]

That Hate not Hope are a horrible far left group, who go about doxxing people and paying others to do hit pieces. Now that Ann has been liquidated they remove her page, very nice of them.
External Link/Members Only
External Link/Members Only

And while we're at it, Burnham has hired former Hope not Hate's Matthew McGregor head of political strategy in No10 External Link/Members Only

HnH are not far-left or actual left as I prefer to call it.
They're just astroturfed Labour Right , just like Labour Together.
Another bunch of frauds .

[Jonestown]

The point is that HnH didn’t delete the page in response to AW’s murder, that deleted it on the morning that it was announced that two of their personnel had been asked by Burnham to join his No 10 team, it was deleted together with McGregor’s X account and possibly other online material.

[Jonestown]

Angela Rayner for Health & Social Care Ministry ?