The Politics Thread

[bigden40]

Why don't you just answer my question 

You've implied that all the rights of that act were already in place in this country before it existed and would still be in place if we left, so it was a simple question why leave, I mean if your point is correct then there's no advantage to leaving is there 

Why don’t you ask an actual proper question rather than your normal pithy emoji laden response then?

The issue with the ECHR is not so much the rights themselves, Britain was a drafter of the ECHR and an early signatory to the convention in 1950.  But it was Blair's Human Rights Act of 1998 that formally enshrined the rights in UK law and bound us to the judgements of the European Court that is primarily responsible for the concerns today.

Do you not think we had human rights in the UK before 1998?  The Magna Carta was 1215, Petition of Right 1628, Habeus Corpus Act 1679, Bill of Rights 1689, etc, etc.

The main objections to the ECHR/HRA are:

- it undermines parliamentary sovereignty:  in the traditional UK constitution, Parliament can make or unmake any law, and no court can override primary legislation.  In practice the ECHR has bound courts to interpret statutes in line with the convention meaning parliamentary accountability is replaced with judicial oversight.

- there has been mission creep:  The ECtHR treats the Convention as a living instrument that evolves with present-day conditions. Critics argue this has produced expansive readings way beyond the intent of the original drafters and what the UK signed up for. Particular issues around Article 8 (family life)

- it causes immigration and deportation constraints: connected to the above, some articles and rules have been used to thwart the UKs processes

Here’s the case put together by Suela Braverman, worth a read if you’re really interested in the why leave argument- External Link/Members Only

Proponents of leaving the ECHR emphasise that exit would not abolish human rights: core protections exist in common law, other statutes, and remaining international commitments. It would restore the pre-HRA/Strasbourg-expansion constitutional balance, allow Parliament to decide the precise scope and balancing of rights in light of contemporary challenges, and end the practical supremacy of an external court whose interpretation the UK cannot unilaterally control.

[Blackpool Rock]

Why don’t you ask an actual proper question rather than your normal pithy emoji laden response then?

The issue with the ECHR is not so much the rights themselves, Britain was a drafter of the ECHR and an early signatory to the convention in 1950.  But it was Blair's Human Rights Act of 1998 that formally enshrined the rights in UK law and bound us to the judgements of the European Court that is primarily responsible for the concerns today.

Do you not think we had human rights in the UK before 1998?  The Magna Carta was 1215, Petition of Right 1628, Habeus Corpus Act 1679, Bill of Rights 1689, etc, etc.

The main objections to the ECHR/HRA are:

- it undermines parliamentary sovereignty:  in the traditional UK constitution, Parliament can make or unmake any law, and no court can override primary legislation.  In practice the ECHR has bound courts to interpret statutes in line with the convention meaning parliamentary accountability is replaced with judicial oversight.

- there has been mission creep:  The ECtHR treats the Convention as a living instrument that evolves with present-day conditions. Critics argue this has produced expansive readings way beyond the intent of the original drafters and what the UK signed up for. Particular issues around Article 8 (family life)

- it causes immigration and deportation constraints: connected to the above, some articles and rules have been used to thwart the UKs processes

Here’s the case put together by Suela Braverman, worth a read if you’re really interested in the why leave argument- External Link/Members Only

Proponents of leaving the ECHR emphasise that exit would not abolish human rights: core protections exist in common law, other statutes, and remaining international commitments. It would restore the pre-HRA/Strasbourg-expansion constitutional balance, allow Parliament to decide the precise scope and balancing of rights in light of contemporary challenges, and end the practical supremacy of an external court whose interpretation the UK cannot unilaterally control.

Thank you, that was actually worth reading

[Doc Holliday]

So the "terrorists" have been released on police bail - stealing farm machinery or sheep rustlers perhaps ???

I may be wrong, but I sense we may hear nothing further on this and the story will be buried to prevent further embarrassment all round, but to Trump especially? He opens his mouth to speak before the neural pathways are fully connected in his cerebral cortex.

Had these been suspected terrorists they would not have been released on bail pending further enquiries. They could have been held for up to 14 days.

Also had they been known to US intelligence, there is no way Trump would just say he was 'surprised' they had been released on bail. He would have been threatening tariffs   

As for Farage?  External Link/Members Only



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[bigden40]

Thank you, that was actually worth reading

Thank you

[bigden40]

I may be wrong, but I sense we may hear nothing further on this and the story will be buried to prevent further embarrassment all round, but to Trump especially? He opens his mouth to speak before the neural pathways are fully connected in his cerebral cortex.

Had these been suspected terrorists they would not have been released on bail pending further enquiries. They could have been held for up to 14 days.

Also had they been known to US intelligence, there is no way Trump would just say he was 'surprised' they had been released on bail. He would have been threatening tariffs   

As for Farage?  External Link/Members Only



Hidden Image/Members Only

In all likelihood the initial, dramatic, response was overblown.  No trace of explosives was found in the vans and the justification for extended detention evaporated (you still need a judge to sign off) and they were released on bail.

Story probably dies a death, although there are a few questions that journalists should be ask8mg.

[RandomGuy99]

In all likelihood the initial, dramatic, response was overblown.  No trace of explosives was found in the vans and the justification for extended detention evaporated (you still need a judge to sign off) and they were released on bail.

Story probably dies a death, although there are a few questions that journalists should be ask8mg.

Possibly a bunch of immigrant protesters trying to stir up division in the country funded by Russia behind the scenes. Like the flags on lampposts mob.

[Doc Holliday]

In all likelihood the initial, dramatic, response was overblown.  No trace of explosives was found in the vans and the justification for extended detention evaporated (you still need a judge to sign off) and they were released on bail.

Story probably dies a death, although there are a few questions that journalists should be ask8mg.

My speculation is that US intelligence had indeed identified a threat and that the UK was probably kept in the loop. They will probably have been mounting surveillance on a number of potential suspects.

However the actions of a farmer in reporting suspicious activity, threw a spanner in the works and resulted in a large scale operation and arrest of individuals who were possibly 'up to no good', but not part of the terrorist threat.

During the overall confusion, Trump couldn't resist revealing that they were well known to the US as part of their investigation, assuming that it was that group who had been arrested.

Why would a terrorist plan involving five men and no explosives, require three white vans? More likely three vans were needed to load up and remove something?

Meanwhile the real threat still exists although the surveillance may now be jeopardised. 

Of course I may be well off the mark, but the coming days/weeks will tell.

[Vice Admiral]

So the "terrorists" have been released on police bail - stealing farm machinery or sheep rustlers perhaps ???

There is a suggestion in today's Times that the goons who were arrested may have been on a mission to steal fuel.

Either way, it looks as if World War III has been averted.

(For the time being...)

[DastardlyDick]

There is a suggestion in today's Times that the goons who were arrested may have been on a mission to steal fuel.

Either way, it looks as if World War III has been averted.

(For the time being...)

I've seen speculation that there were barrels in at least one of the vans, which supports the fuel theft theory. If that's the case, it shows forward thinking by the "terrorists" with the threat of huge prices rises heading our way.

[RandomGuy99]

I've seen speculation that there were barrels in at least one of the vans, which supports the fuel theft theory. If that's the case, it shows forward thinking by the "terrorists" with the threat of huge prices rises heading our way.

They must have got the shock of their lives when a bunch of armed police officers and military police descended upon them.

[mh]

Fairford is used by the USAF not UK Forces.
I see Farage has been on SM basically saying "I told you so" before  flapping his gums about the IRGC - such a shame (for him) that the alleged Terrorists  are all UK Nationals.

Not only that but potentially UK National criminals out stealing diesel. Or dogging. They would need to be careful as they may bump into Nige and Dick.

[mh]

Also had they been known to US intelligence, there is no way Trump would just say he was 'surprised' they had been released on bail.

He even said yesterday he "would not have released them". But then he still wanted the death penalty for the Central Park Five who were exonerated, after they were exonerated! 

[bigden40]

He even said yesterday he "would not have released them". But then he still wanted the death penalty for the Central Park Five who were exonerated, after they were exonerated! 

Fact check:  False

Trump advocated for the death penalty in relation to the Central Park Five in 1989 and has never repeated that call since, they were exonerated in 2002.

He has subsequently criticised the multi-million dollar settlement and said he still thinks they’re guilty (as do others involved in the case), but that’s a long way from your claim.

[bigden40]

My speculation is that US intelligence had indeed identified a threat and that the UK was probably kept in the loop. They will probably have been mounting surveillance on a number of potential suspects.

However the actions of a farmer in reporting suspicious activity, threw a spanner in the works and resulted in a large scale operation and arrest of individuals who were possibly 'up to no good', but not part of the terrorist threat.

During the overall confusion, Trump couldn't resist revealing that they were well known to the US as part of their investigation, assuming that it was that group who had been arrested.

Why would a terrorist plan involving five men and no explosives, require three white vans? More likely three vans were needed to load up and remove something?

Meanwhile the real threat still exists although the surveillance may now be jeopardised. 

Of course I may be well off the mark, but the coming days/weeks will tell.

That’s the bit I very much doubt

[Doc Holliday]

That’s the bit I very much doubt

 

In the interests of 'National Security' no further details will be revealed 

Wes(unable to comment)Streeting

External Link/Members Only

[Jerboa]

What you and a lot of others also can't or won't grasp is the root cause of all this and that Brexit made the problem far worse, Bojo "Get Brexit done" wasn't anti immigration, in fact he liked it as it provided more cheap labour but the main problem was that he also extended the right for family members of workers to also come here, get 1 NHS worker that you want / need and another 20 extended family members that you don't 

When we were in the EU we also had a mechanism for sending illegals back under the Dublin agreement but once we left we couldn't use the agreement any more.
Ultimately all of this is down to Farage though who ironically is now seemingly even more vocal about the whole thing 

You have done what many pro EU have said in the past, but is actually not true. The Dublin agreement was a mirage, that didn't operate effectively.

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[Jerboa]

UK has a diesel shortage. If only they drill the North Sea. Its not about cost as that's global markets. But about relying on imports. USA will soon limit exports. But if the uk drilled north sea, Guess what they could have it.

Another bad Labour decision, Andy is taking his time to agree to it. Net Zero is dead and no one cares tbh about Net Zero.

UK only has FOUR remaining refineries, it had over 16 in the 1970's, drilling more oil won't increase capacity at refineries. UK also banned diesel from Russia, while Russia supplied 40% of diesel to Europe. The USA is thinking of banning diesel exports, because of higher demand at home, because of the Iran war.

[DastardlyDick]

They must have got the shock of their lives when a bunch of armed police officers and military police descended upon them.

It does make you wonder about their planning - they went as far as to have a (genuine) fuel company name on a van and drums to presumably take fuel, but didn't look at map and see a massive military site nearby.

[Jerboa]

So the "terrorists" have been released on police bail - stealing farm machinery or sheep rustlers perhaps ???

Meanwhile they hope the  villagers will be allowed home "soon"  - seems to be odd priorities

Fairford looks like a bungled shit show. The airbase was on high alert, because of intelligence suggesting a imminent attack, the farmer quite rightly called 999 after spotting the dodgey blokes in the vans. The police went overboard bringing in counter terror, no viable bombs in the vans, then they bail the five, police would not bail suspected terrorists, this is not a terror incident, likely a diesel thieving gang, but plod and government to embarrassed to now tell the truth.

[Punting2022]

UK only has FOUR remaining refineries, it had over 16 in the 1970's, drilling more oil won't increase capacity at refineries. UK also banned diesel from Russia, while Russia supplied 40% of diesel to Europe. The USA is thinking of banning diesel exports, because of higher demand at home, because of the Iran war.

All for Scamkraine. I say start buying from Russia, Scrap the sanctions. Bonus is we get more russian ladies over too.
Scamkraine war is a waste.

[badsin]

If these guy's wanted to steal diesel, surely they'd just fill the vehicles up at a filling station and drive out within paying?
Maybe they were released so quickly was because they had some form of diplomatic immunity, which has been suggested on the radio a short while ago?
Is that possible, surely a potential terrorist attack would trump diplomatic immunity?

[Jerboa]

If these guy's wanted to steal diesel, surely they'd just fill the vehicles up at a filling station and drive out within paying?
Maybe they were released so quickly was because they had some form of diplomatic immunity, which has been suggested on the radio a short while ago?
Is that possible, surely a potential terrorist attack would trump diplomatic immunity?

If it wasn't diesel stealing it was something as petty, even how dysfunctional police and CPS are, they would not release terror suspects.

[DastardlyDick]

If these guy's wanted to steal diesel, surely they'd just fill the vehicles up at a filling station and drive out within paying?
Maybe they were released so quickly was because they had some form of diplomatic immunity, which has been suggested on the radio a short while ago?
Is that possible, surely a potential terrorist attack would trump diplomatic immunity?

Petrol forecourts have CCTV - farms don't. Diplomatic Immunity does trump terrorism legislation, but it would lead to an immediate expulsion.

[mills_and_bhuna]

All for Scamkraine. I say start buying from Russia, Scrap the sanctions. Bonus is we get more russian ladies over too.
Scamkraine war is a waste.

Talk about giving an antiwar movement a bad name.
The war you are against and the war you are balls to the wall for are linked.
Zelensky is a Zionist and all in for attacking Iran.
It's all a scam.
Concern about Iranian nukes.I
It's all about China .
And Russia was a step in that process. As is Iran.
Instead of listening to these fucking idiots in gammonsphere media I suggest you take a look at real political analysis.
External Link/Members Only
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[WARSZAWA16]

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[mills_and_bhuna]

It does make you wonder about their planning - they went as far as to have a (genuine) fuel company name on a van and drums to presumably take fuel, but didn't look at map and see a massive military site nearby.

We hear a lot about organised crime.
It's nice to hear about disorganised crime now and again just for a bit of balance.

[cunningman]

this is not a terror incident, likely a diesel thieving gang, but plod and government to embarrassed to now tell the truth.

I'm inclined to agree and its going to make Trump and Rubio look (even more) stupid.  I don't see why plod or (our) government would be embarrassed - there's clearly something that has raised threat levels.

What doesn't quite add up is their being charged with explosives and planning terrorism - if there really wasn't any explosives in the vans.

I'm not sure how they expected to attack anyway: while some knobheads did indeed damage a voyager, probably more than they intended due to ignorance - and leave QRA without its on-duty tanking facility - the Americans will shoot first and ask later, unlike the kindly (and generally portly) gentlefolk of RAF Regiment.

[Jerboa]

I'm inclined to agree and its going to make Trump and Rubio look (even more) stupid.  I don't see why plod or (our) government would be embarrassed - there's clearly something that has raised threat levels.

What doesn't quite add up is their being charged with explosives and planning terrorism - if there really wasn't any explosives in the vans.

I'm not sure how they expected to attack anyway: while some knobheads did indeed damage a voyager, probably more than they intended due to ignorance - and leave QRA without its on-duty tanking facility - the Americans will shoot first and ask later, unlike the kindly (and generally portly) gentlefolk of RAF Regiment.

Well maybe these were a Palestine Action cell, no explosives found, but quantities of petrol.

[Charliehutton]

Apparently Burnham wants to take us back to the '70's.

Why would he want to do that?

[timsussex]

Well maybe these were a Palestine Action cell, no explosives found, but quantities of petrol.

or paint ? 

but why release on bail rather than charge them ? and why are the vans still cordoned off and why the delay in allowing villagers back ?

the only way I can add it up (inc Trump) is they were a small part of a gang under surveilance - perhaps inc an UC cop - but local plod jumped the gun and they have been released in the hope of catching bigger fish

but I dont think we will ever know

[Punting2022]

or paint ? 

but why release on bail rather than charge them ? and why are the vans still cordoned off and why the delay in allowing villagers back ?

the only way I can add it up (inc Trump) is they were a small part of a gang under surveilance - perhaps inc an UC cop - but local plod jumped the gun and they have been released in the hope of catching bigger fish

but I dont think we will ever know

Regardless of what it is. You don't hang around a army base, with vans acting suspicious.
But UK bases do need more tighter controls. Tanks, Electric fences etc. Cant have Cancer attacking the bases.

Some stupid free palestine protestors even got in and painted a RAF jet a few months ago

[DastardlyDick]

I'm inclined to agree and its going to make Trump and Rubio look (even more) stupid.  I don't see why plod or (our) government would be embarrassed - there's clearly something that has raised threat levels.

What doesn't quite add up is their being charged with explosives and planning terrorism - if there really wasn't any explosives in the vans.

I'm not sure how they expected to attack anyway: while some knobheads did indeed damage a voyager, probably more than they intended due to ignorance - and leave QRA without its on-duty tanking facility - the Americans will shoot first and ask later, unlike the kindly (and generally portly) gentlefolk of RAF Regiment.

Fairford is a USAF base, they use Stratotankers with the rigid boom system, which is not compatible with Typhoons, which is what our RAF QRA squadrons have, they use the flexible hose and drouge method, which is the same as the US Navy.

[webpunter]

Regardless of what it is. You don't hang around a army base, with vans acting suspicious.
But UK bases do need more tighter controls. Tanks, Electric fences etc. Cant have Cancer attacking the bases.

Some stupid free palestine protestors even got in and painted a RAF jet a few months ago

Your capacity to be a complete fucktard continues
Tanks - to defend against what ?
You should think about the words you choose. karma what goes ...
Terrorists mislamics etc whatever, as for cancer 
On the basis that some 200,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with cancer it would be a shame if one of them was you
199,999 etc
One normal person gets a free ticket
I wouldn't normally wish this on anyone however i'll make an exception for you

[Punting2022]

Your capacity to be a complete fucktard continues
Tanks - to defend against what ?
You should think about the words you choose. karma what goes ...
Terrorists mislamics etc whatever, as for cancer 
On the basis that some 200,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with cancer it would be a shame if one of them was you
199,999 etc
One normal person gets a free ticket
I wouldn't normally wish this on anyone however i'll make an exception for you

Its not the disease btw. Its a slang term used to desribe a political group/demographic.

Even if no bombs were there. This was some form of training exercise from the select terrorist groups that exist in the world.  Sane people don't hang around army bases without intent.
Some form of surveliance by Iranian sleeper cells or simiar.

Police should have done this In the United Kingdom, police can hold a terrorism suspect without charge for a maximum of 14 days.

[TallnHung]

Do you think these rights did not exist in British law before joining the Convention, or would not exist if we left it?

With no context Shitler would have us leave them all.
He doesn't say 'I will accept all the good and drop the bad'. He says dump them all.
Agai, simple answers to complex questions.
Hence knee jerk politics! 
As I said a while ago. There is no black and white. Life is frankly grey everywhere.

[TallnHung]

All for Scamkraine. I say start buying from Russia, Scrap the sanctions. Bonus is we get more russian ladies over too.
Scamkraine war is a waste.

Oh look. He's a Putin supporter too. Who knew!

[TallnHung]

Regardless of what it is. You don't hang around a army base, with vans acting suspicious.
But UK bases do need more tighter controls. Tanks, Electric fences etc. Cant have Cancer attacking the bases.

Some stupid free palestine protestors even got in and painted a RAF jet a few months ago

Plenty spotters spend all their time looking dodgy around airbases!

[Frostingthebowl]

Your capacity to be a complete fucktard continues
Tanks - to defend against what ?
You should think about the words you choose. karma what goes ...
Terrorists mislamics etc whatever, as for cancer 
On the basis that some 200,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with cancer it would be a shame if one of them was you
199,999 etc
One normal person gets a free ticket
I wouldn't normally wish this on anyone however i'll make an exception for you

Funny how nobody talks about people being unpleasant when it comes from this side of the fence....

[Vice Admiral]

I saw some of Andy Burnham's conference speech last night.

Little though I liked the way Keir Starmer was defenestrated, seeing Burnham in full flow demonstrates why it had to be done.

Whether meaningful action will follow the usual words will of course be the test.  But there are a few signs that he may be disposed to do the right thing.  Taking a stand against Israel on the West Bank and Gaza was relatively easy, since he had most of his party behind him.  However being the first leader of a major party to indicate that the triple lock on pensions is unsustainable is brave.

OK, the proposals so far seem to be a bit of a fudge, but it's a step in the right direction.  And in politics easing the door open is often the important bit.  As time passes, it can gradually be opened wider.

[cunningman]

Fairford is a USAF base, they use Stratotankers with the rigid boom system, which is not compatible with Typhoons, which is what our RAF QRA squadrons have, they use the flexible hose and drouge method, which is the same as the US Navy.

I know - what's your point?  The P.A. idiots got paint in an engine which was a safety issue and effectively grounded the plane.  Public reaction was 'terrorism seems excessive' but the view in the RAF was quite different.

[timsussex]

The suspected bomb attack on a RAF base was foiled when one of the suspects made a call to police, The Times has learnt.

One of the five men phoned 999 in the early hours of Sunday morning before the group was arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorist offences in the proximity of RAF Fairford.

That at least explains how plod made such a rapid response to the Farmers 999 call

[Punting2022]

I saw some of Andy Burnham's conference speech last night.

Little though I liked the way Keir Starmer was defenestrated, seeing Burnham in full flow demonstrates why it had to be done.

Whether meaningful action will follow the usual words will of course be the test.  But there are a few signs that he may be disposed to do the right thing.  Taking a stand against Israel on the West Bank and Gaza was relatively easy, since he had most of his party behind him.  However being the first leader of a major party to indicate that the triple lock on pensions is unsustainable is brave.

OK, the proposals so far seem to be a bit of a fudge, but it's a step in the right direction.  And in politics easing the door open is often the important bit.  As time passes, it can gradually be opened wider.

All plans in 2030
 He wont be in power to drliver them. So pointless

[WASA38]

or paint ? 

but why release on bail rather than charge them ? and why are the vans still cordoned off and why the delay in allowing villagers back ?

the only way I can add it up (inc Trump) is they were a small part of a gang under surveilance - perhaps inc an UC cop - but local plod jumped the gun and they have been released in the hope of catching bigger fish

but I dont think we will ever know

It's now revealed that one of the gang phoned 999 half an hour or so before the farmer did !

The 'plot' thickens.

[timsussex]

It's now revealed that one of the gang phoned 999 half an hour or so before the farmer did !

The 'plot' thickens.

As I pointed out 2 posts up

[Blackpool Rock]

I saw some of Andy Burnham's conference speech last night.

Little though I liked the way Keir Starmer was defenestrated, seeing Burnham in full flow demonstrates why it had to be done.

Whether meaningful action will follow the usual words will of course be the test.  But there are a few signs that he may be disposed to do the right thing.  Taking a stand against Israel on the West Bank and Gaza was relatively easy, since he had most of his party behind him.  However being the first leader of a major party to indicate that the triple lock on pensions is unsustainable is brave.

OK, the proposals so far seem to be a bit of a fudge, but it's a step in the right direction.  And in politics easing the door open is often the important bit.  As time passes, it can gradually be opened wider.

Yeah everything will be a bit of a fudge as he is still sticking to the manifesto pledges on spending etc, everyone knows the triple lock needed to go and thankfully someone has grasped the nettle but people need to be mindful that it's not a total disaster for future pensioners as it's simply going back to Gordon Brown's Double lock which was seen as a really good thing at the time.
Additionally it's not changing until after the next general election so if people don't like it then they don't have to vote for it, i'm expecting certain parties to claim they will maintain the triple lock just to get votes though 

I previously said part of Starmer's problem was that he wasn't taking the fight to the opposition however Burnham seems happy to call things out as he sees them like Brexit being shite
It's the same as a football manager where I want them to be cool; calm and collected however on occasions I also want to see them getting animated when required

[Blackpool Rock]

Oh look. He's a Putin supporter too. Who knew!

That's only the half of it mate, he's fessed up to being a Man Utd fan on the footy thread   

[Vice Admiral]

All plans in 2030
He wont be in power to drliver them. So pointless

The next General Election is unlikely to be before 2029.  A week is a long time in politics – so 150 weeks is a very long time indeed.

Nonetheless, here's my prediction for the result (which is also what current polls suggest would be the result if an election were held now).

The government from 2029 onwards will probably be a left-wing coalition or "arrangement", involving some or all of: Labour, the Lib Dems, the Greens and the Nationalists.  In that case Burnham – whose position as Labour leader is all but unassailable – would probably remain as Prime Minister.

[Thephoenix]

Yeah everything will be a bit of a fudge as he is still sticking to the manifesto pledges on spending etc, everyone knows the triple lock needed to go and thankfully someone has grasped the nettle but people need to be mindful that it's not a total disaster for future pensioners as it's simply going back to Gordon Brown's Double lock which was seen as a really good thing at the time.
Additionally it's not changing until after the next general election so if people don't like it then they don't have to vote for it, i'm expecting certain parties to claim they will maintain the triple lock just to get votes though 

I previously said part of Starmer's problem was that he wasn't taking the fight to the opposition however Burnham seems happy to call things out as he sees them like Brexit being shite
It's the same as a football manager where I want them to be cool; calm and collected however on occasions I also want to see them getting animated when required

At last a prime minister with some vision.

[Punting2022]

It's now revealed that one of the gang phoned 999 half an hour or so before the farmer did !

The 'plot' thickens.

They were on a training exercise, testing something. They will prob do something big and the police made the mistake of bailing them. Also lied saying they are British. I have seen the pictures. Suspects don't look British. Lets wait and see, UK needs better security on their bases and surrounding

[Punting2022]

The next General Election is unlikely to be before 2029.  A week is a long time in politics – so 150 weeks is a very long time indeed.

Nonetheless, here's my prediction for the result (which is also what current polls suggest would be the result if an election were held now).

The government from 2029 onwards will probably be a left-wing coalition or "arrangement", involving some or all of: Labour, the Lib Dems, the Greens and the Nationalists.  In that case Burnham – whose position as Labour leader is all but unassailable – would probably remain as Prime Minister.

Dream on. UK will finally have a right wing reform