The Politics Thread

[Vice Admiral]

Dream on. UK will finally have a right wing reform

The turquoise menace is receding!

Today’s Times has this:

Reform UK would win fewer seats than both Labour and the Conservatives if a general election were to be held today, in a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Nigel Farage’s party.

A new large-scale seat by seat poll by YouGov suggests the UK is heading for a hung parliament with Labour the largest party, with 241 seats.

The Conservatives would be in second place with 130 seats, better than their result in the 2024 general election, while Reform would be pushed into third place with 123 seats.

If replicated at the next election, the poll suggests, both Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, who deserted the Tories to join Farage, would lose their seats to their old party. [Vice Admiral: Hurrah!]

Even if Reform and the Tories agreed a pact, they would not have enough seats to form a majority coalition government.

However, the poll suggests that Labour would also struggle to govern if it lost the predicted 162 seats of the 403 it holds at present. Labour would have to rely on support from both the Liberal Democrats, predicted to win 71 seats, and the Greens, on nine, or one of the nationalist parties in order to command a majority in the Commons.

[TallnHung]

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

Fuck me can he get any worse?

[Blackpool Rock]

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

They could well have been on a training exercise and I previously suggested it may have been a recon trip however why the fuck would one of them phone the cops 
Given that their cover is now blown and it's obvious that they will now be under scrutiny / observation do you honestly think they'll try and do anything else 

Doesn't mean that someone else may not try but these would have to be as thick as a Tommy fan to try anything else

Amazing how you can tell just by looking at someone whether or not they were born in Britain 

[Punting2022]

Your talking about today, a lot can change in 3 years for the election. The UK public will be fed up if Labour keep allowing immigrants in soon. Even you will be.

Shabina announced the other day that routes are open for palestine and afghan immigrants soon.

[Doc Holliday]

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

Indeed. It is reported that they were already on the scene when she phoned.

The farce continues. When things don't add up and the less info the Police etc give out, the more the press will delve.

Presumably they successfully found someone 'on the inside', willing to leak info on this earlier call?

[puntingking]

Dream on. UK will finally have a right wing reform

Very Unlikely.

[DastardlyDick]

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.

My point was that you were wrong about the aircraft stationed at Fairford and the effect any incursion may have had on RAF refuelling arrangements, which would be be been zero due to incompatible systems.

[pbrown355]

Which if these core ECHR rights (that you and I have too) would you like to see removed?

Article 2: Right to life
Article 3: Prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment
Article 4: Prohibition of slavery and forced labour
Article 5: Right to liberty and security
Article 6: Right to a fair trial
Article 7: No punishment without law (prohibition of retrospective criminal penalties)
Article 8: Right to respect for private and family life, home, and correspondence
Article 9: Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
Article 10: Freedom of expression
Article 11: Freedom of assembly and association
Article 12: Right to marry and found a family
Article 13: Right to an effective remedy before a national authority
Article 14: Prohibition of discrimination in the enjoyment of Convention rights
Article 15: Derogation in time of emergency
Article 16: Restrictions on political activity of aliens
Article 17: Prohibition of abuse of rights
Article 18: Limitation on use of restrictions on rights

Protocol 1, Article 1: Protection of property
Protocol 1, Article 2: Right to education
Protocol 1, Article 3: Right to free elections
Protocol 4, Article 1: Prohibition of imprisonment for debt
Protocol 4, Article 2: Freedom of movement
Protocol 4, Article 3: Prohibition of expulsion of nationals
Protocol 4, Article 4: Prohibition of collective expulsion of aliens
Protocol 6 & Protocol 13: Abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances
Protocol 7, Article 1: Procedural safeguards relating to expulsion of aliens
Protocol 7, Article 2: Right of appeal in criminal matters
Protocol 7, Article 3: Compensation for wrongful conviction
Protocol 7, Article 4: Right not to be tried or punished twice (ne bis in idem)
Protocol 7, Article 5: Equality between spouses
Protocol 12, Article 1: General prohibition of discrimination

I'm guessing its 1 or 2 of them but hey you throw the baby out with the bathwater and fuck all our rights whilst youre at it why dont you.
I quite like the majority of them if Im being honest!

You could of course have your own national legislation that included all the bits you like but removing the bits you didn't. Then call it by a different legislative title.

[WASA38]

As I pointed out 2 posts up

Hadn't appeared when I posted.

[Thephoenix]

Also lied saying they are British. I have seen the pictures. Suspects don't look British.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say they don't look British.
What does 'looking British' mean?

[bigden40]

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.

Lord help us

[puntingking]

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.

Yes, this is the most likely outcome. But Labour will be hoping that they will increase their party support to win a majority again in three years time. I highly doubt they will. I highly think it is very probable that the left wing parties would form some kind of coalition next time around.

[john122350]

A flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv sent a hijacking alert mid-air.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Te Aviv on Wednesday, was forced to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent incident inside the cockpit.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft suddenly plunge by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before transmitting emergency codes 7700 and later 7500, the international code used to signal unlawful interference or a possible hijacking,. sraeli fighter jets were subsequently scrambled.

Reuters reports that Israeli officials now believe the co-pilot stabbed the captain and are investigating the incident as a possible attempted "terrom attack."
Earlier reports described the incident as a physica altercation between the pilots. Both pilots were hospitalized after the aircraft landed safely in Saud Arabia.

Flydubai has so far confirmed only that flight FZ1073 experienced an "incident," diverted safely to Tabuk and that all passengers were safe and accounted for
The airline has not publicly confirmed a hijacking o motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Hidden Image/Members Only

[Vice Admiral]

Your talking about today, a lot can change in 3 years for the election. The UK public will be fed up if Labour keep allowing immigrants in soon. Even you will be.

Your talking about today, a lot can change in 3 years for the election.
Indeed.  My post at 9.19 am today included this:  “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, in my view – and that of many commentators – Reform UK has passed its peak.  It will retain its core vote, but many of the “floaters” will go elsewhere.

The UK public will be fed up if Labour keep allowing immigrants in soon. Even you will be.
I am already fed up with the level of immigration, and have been for years.  However I don’t think that Reform UK will be any more successful than anyone else in limiting it.  Those whose position is on the right of British politics should be heartened by the very decent job that Kemi Badenoch is doing as leader of the Conservative party.  Indeed she may just possibly get my vote next time.  (At the moment Labour under Burnham – apart from a few bright spots – is not looking much like the answer to anything.)

[Thephoenix]

Lord help us

Who would you prefer?

[Thephoenix]

Your talking about today, a lot can change in 3 years for the election.
Indeed.  My post at 9.19 am today included this:  “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, in my view – and that of many commentators – Reform UK has passed its peak.  It will retain its core vote, but many of the “floaters” will go elsewhere.

The UK public will be fed up if Labour keep allowing immigrants in soon. Even you will be.
I am already fed up with the level of immigration, and have been for years.  However I don’t think that Reform UK will be any more successful than anyone else in limiting it.  Those whose position is on the right of British politics should be heartened by the very decent job that Kemi Badenoch is doing as leader of the Conservative party.  Indeed she may just possibly get my vote next time.  (At the moment Labour under Burnham – apart from a few bright spots – is not looking much like the answer to anything.)

Which policies he's espousing are you opposed to?
Reforming social care?
Building more council homes?
Greater public control of water?
Greater public control of energy?
Having closer ties with Europe?
Electoral reform?

[spiralnotebook]

All of ‘em

   
 

[cunningman]

My point was that you were wrong about the aircraft stationed at Fairford and the effect any incursion may have had on RAF refuelling arrangements, which would be be been zero due to incompatible systems.

Where did I say that?  I was just referring back to the impact of a prior paint attack at Brize.  Why don't you re-read what I actually said?  The point of which was that at the time the RAF Regiment Base Defense team didn't feel authorised or inclined (or indeed arsed) to shoot first when the perimeter was breached.  That would likely not be the outcome at any of the USAF bases here.  I also rather suspect that anyone approaching the duty Voyager would be less successful now.

And just for the record - the Stratotankers are at Mildenhall.  They probably are important for long duration raids by B52 and B1B because climb out with full load is expensive fuel-wise, though I believe the Americans can base them temporarily elsewhere in Europe.

Given what we see with robotic drone swarm light shows, it can't be beyond the with of man to deploy a swarm of drones that would reach those parked bombers from where the vans were, unless there is sufficient electronic jamming capacity ready to go.  Kinetic defenses wouldn't stack up.

But they didn't have a swarm of drones.  Or any explosives that we can't buy in a supermarket.

Given the revelation that one of them apparently shopped the operation, its descended into farce.  What were they planning to do - steal jet fuel from a USAF base on high alert?  I can imagine the poor pikey's thoughts:  We're going to steal from whom, exactly?  I suddenly have second and third thoughts.  Even Dyson Fury would have them.

(OK we don't know they're pikeys, I know, I'm a bad person)

[Jerboa]

A flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv sent a hijacking alert mid-air.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Te Aviv on Wednesday, was forced to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent incident inside the cockpit.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft suddenly plunge by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before transmitting emergency codes 7700 and later 7500, the international code used to signal unlawful interference or a possible hijacking,. sraeli fighter jets were subsequently scrambled.

Reuters reports that Israeli officials now believe the co-pilot stabbed the captain and are investigating the incident as a possible attempted "terrom attack."
Earlier reports described the incident as a physica altercation between the pilots. Both pilots were hospitalized after the aircraft landed safely in Saud Arabia.

Flydubai has so far confirmed only that flight FZ1073 experienced an "incident," diverted safely to Tabuk and that all passengers were safe and accounted for
The airline has not publicly confirmed a hijacking o motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Hidden Image/Members Only

Yes saw that, very unusual, is this the second time a co-pilot has attempted to take control of a plane and crash it? He stabbed the pilot in the cockpit. They were at cruising altitude, he dived the aircraft downwards 14,000 ft, but they managed to overpower the co-pilot. Imagine if he'd tried to crash the plane on take off or landing, as the Air India co-pilot did. UAE is one of few Islamic countries to have diplomatic ties and direct flights with Israel. Did the co-pilot target this flight, because it was full of Israeli citizens?

[bigden40]

Who would you prefer?

From the current set of leaders, Kemi.

Not ideal, more of a least worst option. 

[Followyourdick]

Also lied saying they are British. I have seen the pictures. Suspects don't look British.

This surely proves you are trolling, nobody can be this dense….can they?

[DastardlyDick]

I'm not sure what you mean when you say they don't look British.
What does 'looking British' mean?

A very good point, at one time, centuries ago, a native Briton would have had a darker complexion than they do now, similar to what would be called white southern European now.

[Jerboa]

Met Police ‘failed to spot Nigel Farage firebomb suspect on CCTV’

The probe into the attack on Mr Farage’s house was reopened after Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was killed at her Devon home

A suspect accused of firebombing Nigel Farage’s home in Greater London was captured on CCTV but Met Police officers failed to spot him.

The force told the Reform UK leader that CCTV cameras at his home had failed to capture the suspect who had attacked his property in April last year, causing damage to his front door and covering it with lighter fuel.

However, when the footage was reviewed in the wake of Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe being killed at her home in Devon, it emerged that the CCTV had shown a suspect and their car “over an extended period”, The Telegraph reports.

The police officer who had originally been tasked with reviewing the footage has now been placed under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), over concerns Scotland Yard might have “missed an opportunity to protect the public”.

No one has been charged over the attempted firebombing of the politician’s home.

The incident was reported to police on 20 April 2025, after Mr Farage’s partner Laure Ferrari returned home to discover the door of the home had been damaged with a chisel or a crowbar, and an empty can of lighter fuel was in the porch.

Both Ms Ferrari and Mr Farage were interviewed by police and CCTV was taken from several cameras positioned around the property.

Two months later, the Reform UK leader was informed that the case was being closed and that no further action would be taken.

Following Ms Widdecombe’s death in July, Mr Farage called for further security support to protect politicians.

He said: “It’s a great, great tragedy that it took the death of Ann for the security services in Britain to finally take seriously the safety and security of Reform politicians and Reform prominent figures.”

Asked in August about the probe into the attack on his home, Mr Farage told reporters: “Clearly, counter-terrorism made some mistakes, which is why they referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police (Conduct) (IOPC).

“I understand this is a completely unprecedented move, and yes, this is directly linked to the murder of Ann Widdecombe, and I’m afraid I just can’t tell you any more than that at this stage.”

In a statement issued on 7 August, Vicki Evans, the senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism policing, said: “As part of the ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, officers have reopened an investigation into an incident reported to police last year.

“In April 2025, the Metropolitan Police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in the Greater London area.

“Enquiries were carried out by the Metropolitan Police, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London. No arrests were made, and the investigation was subsequently closed, pending any new lines of enquiry.

“Following the re-opening of the attempted burglary investigation, Counter Terrorism Policing London identified a line of enquiry which was not identified and pursued by them at the time, which may have been relevant.

“As a result, to ensure their support to the initial investigation is thoroughly reviewed, Counter Terrorism Policing London made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today, Friday 7 August 2026.

“We will engage fully and comprehensively with the IOPC on this matter.”

An IOPC spokesperson said: "The conduct relates to an allegation the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of enquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025."

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with Ms Widdecombe’s murder, and is awaiting trial. External Link/Members Only


It is believed the suspect who was responsible of the firebombing of Farage's house last year was the man charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe in August. the useless cop who didn't do his job has been placed under investigation.

[Charliehutton]

A very good point, at one time, centuries ago, a native Briton would have had a darker complexion than they do now, similar to what would be called white southern European now.

Nowadays, though, it's easy enough to spot an Englishman because we all wear bowler hats and carry umbrellas. As for the Scots...that's trickier. Many of them no longer wear kilts and sporrans. If they are of a dour, surly disposition then they may well be Scottish, but please approach with caution at all times...

[Blackpool Rock]

A very good point, at one time, centuries ago, a native Briton would have had a darker complexion than they do now, similar to what would be called white southern European now.

Like the 10000 year old remains of Cheddar Man, when they tested the DNA they found he had blue eyes so assumed he was white but actually the DNA indicated he had dark skin, some of the locals are still linked to his DNA but they look typical white European now

[Punting2022]

A flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv sent a hijacking alert mid-air.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Te Aviv on Wednesday, was forced to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent incident inside the cockpit.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft suddenly plunge by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before transmitting emergency codes 7700 and later 7500, the international code used to signal unlawful interference or a possible hijacking,. sraeli fighter jets were subsequently scrambled.

Reuters reports that Israeli officials now believe the co-pilot stabbed the captain and are investigating the incident as a possible attempted "terrom attack."
Earlier reports described the incident as a physica altercation between the pilots. Both pilots were hospitalized after the aircraft landed safely in Saud Arabia.

Flydubai has so far confirmed only that flight FZ1073 experienced an "incident," diverted safely to Tabuk and that all passengers were safe and accounted for
The airline has not publicly confirmed a hijacking o motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Hidden Image/Members Only

No doubt Iran are linked to this somehow. Their network of terror has sleeper cells in most countries ready to do terror.
Think 3 pilots or 4 need to be on flights now. 2 is just too risky. Or more security checks, how did he get  knife through security.

[Punting2022]

This surely proves you are trolling, nobody can be this dense….can they?

bbc.com/news/articles/cjwyz59k5y75o
Well well. I think they were testing the waters.
Why would they give bail though, From the pictures you can clearly see the suspects were of colour. Hairstyle etc. Also it was reported they were middleeastern.

British nationality yes, but deffo some other ethnicity/religion. Could even be from abroad and have nationality here.

[Punting2022]

Yes saw that, very unusual, is this the second time a co-pilot has attempted to take control of a plane and crash it? He stabbed the pilot in the cockpit. They were at cruising altitude, he dived the aircraft downwards 14,000 ft, but they managed to overpower the co-pilot. Imagine if he'd tried to crash the plane on take off or landing, as the Air India co-pilot did. UAE is one of few Islamic countries to have diplomatic ties and direct flights with Israel. Did the co-pilot target this flight, because it was full of Israeli citizens?

Its not proven that the Air India pilot switched fuel off yet. Everyone is still waiting for the report.
Could be a cover up still by boeing. Those 787 are not built as well

[mills_and_bhuna]

No doubt Iran are linked to this somehow. Their network of terror has sleeper cells in most countries ready to do terror.
Think 3 pilots or 4 need to be on flights now. 2 is just too risky. Or more security checks, how did he get  knife through security.

100% false flag. I'm sure others will be in the pipeline as we speak.

[Jerboa]

100% false flag. I'm sure others will be in the pipeline as we speak.

I'm not one to deny false flags, however there is no evidence either way yet. I have yet to see the name of the co-pilot.

[Blackpool Rock]

I'm not one to deny false flags, however there is no evidence either way yet. I have yet to see the name of the co-pilot.

Apparently the stabbed pilot was Indian and the co-pilot was from Oman

[Punting2022]

Hidden Image/Members Only

[Punting2022]

Apparently the stabbed pilot was Indian and the co-pilot was from Oman

Oman has links to iran

[mills_and_bhuna]

Hidden Image/Members Only

Multiple US officials have threatened numerous other countries over the last few years and especially Iran, that if they don't comply and hand over their resources to the empire they will be bombed into oblivion.
What's your point ?

[mills_and_bhuna]

I'm not one to deny false flags, however there is no evidence either way yet. I have yet to see the name of the co-pilot.

Maybe I exaggerated. I'll make that 97%

[Vice Admiral]

Andy Burnham is full of plans – and to be fair, some of them are quite brave. Indeed perhaps the main difference between him and Keir Starmer is that he has a certain amount of political courage.

But plans are all very well.  I might plan to go to Sainsbury’s with a shopping list that includes Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésimé Vintage 2015 Champagne, Leap Wild MSC Sockeye Smoked Salmon and an Odysea Greek Feast Hamper – but my plans would bite the dust when I discovered that I had only a tenner in my wallet.

Burnham is almost certainly going to find himself in a comparable position.

Then there’s his proposal to rejoin the European Union at some point.  As Captain Mainwaring used to say to Corporal Jones when he came up with one of his hare-brained schemes, “I think we’re in the realms of fantasy there, Burnham.”

The idea that any such process would be painless and seamless either from the “within-UK” or the European point of view is for the birds.

If we tried to re-enter the EU, some of the terms would be highly controversial.  Schengen, anyone?  The single currency?

Brexit – engineered by two liars and charlatans (Johnson and Farage) who hadn’t a clue what its consequences would be – was the biggest British political mistake of my lifetime.  But rejoining the EU is out of the question, not least because we would almost certainly be required to sign up for the single currency, a concept to which many Britons are viscerally opposed.  The best we can hope for is to negotiate closer trading arrangements while remaining outside the bloc.

Which policies he's espousing are you opposed to?
Reforming social care?
Building more council homes?
Greater public control of water?
Greater public control of energy?
Having closer ties with Europe?
Electoral reform?

I’m in favour of most of the above, just as I’m in favour of motherhood and apple pie.  (Although I’m not entirely sure about greater greater public control of utilities.  On the surface it seems an unanswerably good thing, but it’s an area I know little about – except that it’s complicated.) 

But that “menu” will cost an absolute fortune, as the top part of this post suggests.  Where’s the money coming from? 

[Blackpool Rock]

Andy Burnham is full of plans – and to be fair, some of them are quite brave. Indeed perhaps the main difference between him and Keir Starmer is that he has a certain amount of political courage.

But plans are all very well.  I might plan to go to Sainsbury’s with a shopping list that includes Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésimé Vintage 2015 Champagne, Leap Wild MSC Sockeye Smoked Salmon and an Odysea Greek Feast Hamper – but my plans would bite the dust when I discovered that I had only a tenner in my wallet.

Burnham is almost certainly going to find himself in a comparable position.

Then there’s his proposal to rejoin the European Union at some point.  As Captain Mainwaring used to say to Corporal Jones when he came up with one of his hare-brained schemes, “I think we’re in the realms of fantasy there, Burnham.”

The idea that any such process would be painless and seamless either from the “within-UK” or the European point of view is for the birds.

If we tried to re-enter the EU, some of the terms would be highly controversial.  Schengen, anyone?  The single currency?

Brexit – engineered by two liars and charlatans (Johnson and Farage) who hadn’t a clue what its consequences would be – was the biggest British political mistake of my lifetime.  But rejoining the EU is out of the question, not least because we would almost certainly be required to sign up for the single currency, a concept to which many Britons are viscerally opposed.  The best we can hope for is to negotiate closer trading arrangements while remaining outside the bloc.

I’m in favour of most of the above, just as I’m in favour of motherhood and apple pie.  (Although I’m not entirely sure about greater greater public control of utilities.  On the surface it seems an unanswerably good thing, but it’s an area I know little about – except that it’s complicated.) 

But that “menu” will cost an absolute fortune, as the top part of this post suggests.  Where’s the money coming from?

Well the overall tax take has steadily been increasing for decades regardless of the party in power however I am thinking that with the tax thresholds having been held since 2021 and now extended to 2031 we are only half way through however more and more people must be paying more tax and an increasing amount will be going into the 40% band

I'm wondering at what point they will have significant amounts of extra money that will actually be enough to start paying for all these things, will just the extra tax from workers ever be enough     

[Jerboa]

Apparently the stabbed pilot was Indian and the co-pilot was from Oman

It could have been a terror attack, or it could of been a attempted murder-suicide, such as the 1999 Egypt air flight, German Wings 9525 and was likely the cause of MH370.

[Charliehutton]

Which policies he's espousing are you opposed to?
Reforming social care?
Building more council homes?
Greater public control of water?
Greater public control of energy?
Having closer ties with Europe?
Electoral reform?

Given the scandalous performance of our water companies, you'd be hard pressed to find anybody opposed to public ownership, I'd have thought.

Whenever a politician of any colour talks of 'electoral reform' it's best to count the spoons, because what they invariably mean is 'how can we rig the system in our favour'.

Are more council homes a good idea? Dunno. But we're both old enough to remember the Thatcherite 'right to buy' scheme in the '80's, which was a wonderful, liberating policy that gave millions of people the chance to own their own home, something they'd have never been able to do, otherwise. Thousands of people, possibly hundreds of thousands, seized the opportunity. If you took a drive through a council estate in those days you could instantly tell those which had been bought; the first thing their owners would do is paint the front door a different colour from the bog standard utilitarian colour imposed upon everybody by the council. There'd be flower beds in the front garden, and hanging baskets, people took a real pride in their homes for the first time. Many people would pebbledash the front of their house, which was very much in fashion at the time. I seem to remember Jack and Vera Duckworth did the same thing in Coronation Street. How the people who'd done it in real life felt about that, I'm not sure.

It's fashionable among curmudgeonly left wingers to now to deride it as a bad thing, but it was one reason why Mrs Thatcher, to the bemusement of Labour, had such terrific support among the working class.

[myothernameis]

Well the overall tax take has steadily been increasing for decades regardless of the party in power however I am thinking that with the tax thresholds having been held since 2021 and now extended to 2031 we are only half way through however more and more people must be paying more tax and an increasing amount will be going into the 40% band

I'm wondering at what point they will have significant amounts of extra money that will actually be enough to start paying for all these things, will just the extra tax from workers ever be enough 

I have gone from paying no income tax, and now I'm paying around £80 per month, but if the tax allowance increased each year.  Im guess my income tax would be around £20 per month

[mh]

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.

Fact check: PMSL

[RandomGuy99]

Secretary of War Hegseth explaining the new rules yesterday External Link/Members Only

[RandomGuy99]

Secretary of War Hegseth explaining the new rules yesterday External Link/Members Only

Elon is going to advise on the future of warfare.

They're building new bases in the US and investing in new equipment with a trillion dollar budget. No pissing around like the UK.

[RedKettle]

Given the scandalous performance of our water companies, you'd be hard pressed to find anybody opposed to public ownership, I'd have thought.

Whenever a politician of any colour talks of 'electoral reform' it's best to count the spoons, because what they invariably mean is 'how can we rig the system in our favour'.

Are more council homes a good idea? Dunno. But we're both old enough to remember the Thatcherite 'right to buy' scheme in the '80's, which was a wonderful, liberating policy that gave millions of people the chance to own their own home, something they'd have never been able to do, otherwise. Thousands of people, possibly hundreds of thousands, seized the opportunity. If you took a drive through a council estate in those days you could instantly tell those which had been bought; the first thing their owners would do is paint the front door a different colour from the bog standard utilitarian colour imposed upon everybody by the council. There'd be flower beds in the front garden, and hanging baskets, people took a real pride in their homes for the first time. Many people would pebbledash the front of their house, which was very much in fashion at the time. I seem to remember Jack and Vera Duckworth did the same thing in Coronation Street. How the people who'd done it in real life felt about that, I'm not sure.

It's fashionable among curmudgeonly left wingers to now to deride it as a bad thing, but it was one reason why Mrs Thatcher, to the bemusement of Labour, had such terrific support among the working class.

Selling council houses in the 80s was a great policy and right for the time.

Building more council houses now is a great policy and the right one for the circumstances now,

You can hold those two views, they are not incompatible.

[Punting2022]

External Link/Members Only

This is where the UK gone wrong. Favours migrants over british nationals.

[Punting2022]

Elon is going to advise on the future of warfare.

They're building new bases in the US and investing in new equipment with a trillion dollar budget. No pissing around like the UK.

Our budget goes to Scamkraine and also migrant hotels

[Massagemanmr]

External Link/Members Only

This is where the UK gone wrong. Favours migrants over british nationals.

politicians favour Israel over British nationals, any outrage ?

[Massagemanmr]

I'm not one to deny false flags, however there is no evidence either way yet. I have yet to see the name of the co-pilot.

Israel is the world's number 1 at false flags, you have to give them credit

Former MI5 intelligence officer Annie Machon says the 1994 London Israeli Embassy bombing was a false flag operation  by Israel's own intelligence agency, Mossad
External Link/Members Only

And whatever you do, do not google  the lavon affair

[Nomerzypuntr]

Shabina announced the other day that routes are open for palestine and afghan immigrants soon.

She is the one who want more refugees (cancer) here. Have hopes on Andy, if Labour Party appoint Brit instead of Shabana and Sadiq (london mayor) then illegal immigration would stop and can deport illegals already in UK

[Jerboa]

Israel is the world's number 1 at false flags, you have to give them credit

Former MI5 intelligence officer Annie Machon says the 1994 London Israeli Embassy bombing was a false flag operation  by Israel's own intelligence agency, Mossad
External Link/Members Only

And whatever you do, do not google  the lavon affair

I'm aware of their history of their false flags, USS Liberty a joint venture with Lyndon Johnson, though other countries are not innocent in them too. The story is Bibi needed a 9/11 style attack to keep him in power, and out of the clink, the thwarted attack won't keep him and his Mrs out of the nick.