Tuesday 30 July: The Chancellor’s Commons speech should leave taxpayers worried

Posted on by Geoff Graham

An unofficial place to discuss the Telegraph letters, established when the DT website turned off its commenting facility (now reinstated, but we prefer ours),
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916 thoughts on “Tuesday 30 July: The Chancellor’s Commons speech should leave taxpayers worried”

  2. Good morrow, Gentlefolk, today’s (recycled) story

    At Least You’re Thinking

    The teacher says, "Class, we are going to play a little game today! I'm going to see whether you can guess what's in my desk from the clues I give you. So here are the clues… it's 12 inches long, it's hard, and it has numbers on it."
    Little Jonny sits there for a moment, then raises his hand.

    "Yes Jonny? Do you think you know what it is?

    Jonny says, "It's a ruler!"

    The teacher replies, "No Jonny, it's not a ruler. It's a maths book! But at least you're thinking!"

    A few minutes go by and Jonny raises his hand. The teacher says, "Yes, Jonny?”

    Jonny says, "I have a puzzle for you! I have something in my pants that is 6 inches long, is hard, and has nuts."

    The teacher, furious, replies, "Jonny! We're not going to play that kind of game!"

    To which Jonny says, “Don’t get upset, it's only a chocolate bar… but at least you're thinking!"

  4. Two children killed in knife attack at holiday club dance class. 29 July 2024 • 9:13pm

    Two children were killed and nine others were stabbed on Monday when a hooded man launched a knife attack in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

    The attack began just before midday in Southport, Merseyside, as the children, some as young as six, were enjoying the workshop at the beginning of the school holidays.

    Six of the wounded children remained in a critical condition on Monday night and were being treated at hospitals across the North West.

    Only two articles about Southport at the time of writing and No Comments allowed on either. Both Starmer and Cooper were quick to get their say in which leads me to suspect that they knew about the fatalities from the very beginning. The delay in the press release was simply to dilute any adverse public reaction. I suppose that it is pointless to say this to Nottlers of all people but our enemies are not in the Kremlin or indeed Beijing, but here in Westminster. They seek our destruction.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/29/southport-major-incident-stabbing-police/

    1. What I always find puzzling is how the powers that be can still control information about events like this, do they round up all the witnesses and ban them from social media?

      1. Morning Bob. Dissenting witnesses, as can be seen by the No Comments, do not appear in the MSM. Social Media is controlled by the Nudge Units.

        1. Ah. See my post above, Anne, on the substack post i found btl on the Speccie..

      3. But luckily Plod is on top of the real terrorists, such as Tommy Robinson

  7. 390493+ up ticks,

    Morning Each,

    If this has a semi innocent and let us pray it does reason, then in reality it has happened and will continue to happen with dire consequences in the future.
    ,
    All the while Dover is allowed to continue bringing in all aspects of the criminal fraternit, unabated.

    We are, as a nation, on a war footing NOT with Russia but with our own ELECTED political overseers, and they are refusing to recognise a daily invasion is successfully operating, proven by the fact a hostilities law should have been passed immediately on taking office.

    Police ‘extremely concerned’ as girl, 6, missing from London estate
    Residents have been urged to check their gardens and sheds as six-year-old vanishes Police ‘extremely concerned’ as girl, 6, missing from London estate

  8. Good Moaning.
    But not for all too many families in Southport.
    And my system is circulating pure, undiluted hatred for our ruling class.
    To save a lot of typing, I will immodestly post the BTL comment I made on the Tellygraff.

    "This time yesterday, 24 little girls were waking up and getting ready for the first day of their summer holiday activity week. Activities for which their parents had carefully budgeted.
    24 excited little girls choosing what they would wear; wondering what new friends they would make; planning to meet friends with whom they had talked about this week for most of the summer.
    Meanwhile, down in Westminster during this summer of 2024 ……
    Neither forgive nor forget."

      1. Until 'it' affects them directly, with their kids getting hacked to death, nothing will happen, because they do not care.

        1. In their book Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty, first published in 2012, Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson provide over 100 case studies of why societies fail.

          Their conclusion is that nations end when trust in institutions dissolves.

        2. Do they really care about their children or are they so self-centred only they matter? In fact, do all of them have children?

          1. Do sociopaths love their offspring? I suppose so, as to how many have children, frankly I don't know or really care.

    3. Excellent comment, Anne.

      Southport must be beyond distressed after yesterday's savagery and now every event and venue will have to be ever more vigilant as savages, imported by governments that were tasked with keeping us safe, are allowed to stalk this Country.

      I await the first instance of one of these savages being dispatched by angry people and to see the wailing and gnashing of teeth that will flow from the MSM.

      "Refugees welcome" has a hollow ring after the last few weeks of attacks and riots.

      1. And the final word from the Holy Qu'ran:

        “Make war on the infidels living in your neighbourhood.” Qur’an 9:123

    4. I had those thoughts about excited little girls, anticipating their summer fun, all night, Anne. It wasn't comfortable, and has left me vengeful.

      1. I think that it is only a matter of time before the the boil is going to burst and when it does the discharge will be awesome.

    2. I said a while back that one of the first acts of the new Labour government would be to discover that the Triple Lock would be unaffordable. Well, I was wrong. First they have gone for the Christmas bonus. Once that piece of bad news has been forgotten, I suspect my Triple Lock predictions will come true. Ratcheting up, bit by bit.

      PS – Correction, they have gone for the Winter Fuel Allowance, no the derisory (£10) Christmas bonus.

      1. I think you're right.
        The agreed public sector pay offers alone will remove the wage part of the triple lock as unaffordable.

    3. I clicked on the link and a talking Smarmer appeared. I knew he was lying even though the sound was muted.

  10. Good morning, chums. And thank you, Geoff, for today's NoTTLe site.

    Wordle 1,137 4/6

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    🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    1. Good morning Elsie
      Wordle 1,137 4/6

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  11. Triathlon day at the Olympics !

    Unfortunately Tuesday has turned in Turdsday

  12. Good morning all,

    Mottled sky? I like that, Bill. Same here at Castle McPhee, wind South-East, 18℃ and it's going to be 30-31℃ this afternoon.

    The editorial team at the DT are hopeless. A story about 14 Sqn RAF being told to drop 'Crusaders' is illustrated ………

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/16b9c80ff4009a6e8c579c15cf202ee0ed2795fd29c23e97b6e17135c4c5a201.png
    ……with a photograph of a Tornado of 12 Sqn! (The fox on the fin is 12). The error has been pointed out in the comments.

    Anyway, they can do their worst. There is enough collective memory among former members of 14 Sqn ( I am one – 1985-86) and I'm sure the 14 Squadron Association will keep the name alive.

    Here's a 14 Sqn Tornado in 1986.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ae690452ec5de325f02ebdcd8d381feebaa4036de5b9ad3f48632360b5fa3fee.png
    The association website is currently under update/revival but here's the cover of the newsletter.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/48344569bc4e3f8078a6cd42d32dde616d6851f0e6f16777ec54a9f06080a74f.png
    Sod them.

  13. I see the new caring left wing government is coming for the elderly, I suppose they figure this group is most likely to be from the native population, so will not be called racist, we can all be thankful for that or the ECHR will be on our cases again.
    But people are worrying unnecessarily, they are going to legalise euthanasia so there is no need for anyone to suffer from severe cold for too long.

    1. But people are worrying unnecessarily, they are going to legalise euthanasia so there is no need for anyone to suffer from severe cold for too long.

      A rather macabre view but no less true for that.

  14. Found this btl in the Speccie. A substack, musing on how we have ended up where we are (appeasement)

    https://demosthenes101.substack.com/p/the-truth-of-manchester-airport-has/comments?utm_source=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

    Edit. A lot of subscribers v unhappy with Fraser’s piece on the removal of the winter fuel allowance for “rich” pensioners. It seems Fraser’s friends spaff their winter fuel allowance on single bottles of champagne, ergo it’s a good idea to remove it from everyone who isn’t taking from the State in terms of pension or universal credit. Lots of talk about unsubscribing.

    1. Don't talk about it, just do it. I haven't missed it since I left some months ago.

        1. Be careful then to tick all the right cancellation confirm boxes. On one page there is two such – one being a tiny box which is easy to miss.

      2. I just get so angry with it. They either distort info. or omit key facts or context or just gloss over important news. Harehills only mentioned once. No mention of the murderer being Rwandan in the Southport one. Apparently, he is welsher than Tom Jones eating a leak pie. No comments allowed on articles which might invite comments which clash with the new Spectator agenda. Can't wait to be unsubscribed although I feel that they should have some pushback. So what do you do?

    2. I unsubscribed then went back for the election on an offer – I knew they were going to try to savage Farage. Now I am trying to unsubscribe again. They have made it much harder to do so. I tried a month ago and thought I had but on checking I can't see any record of it. I tried again today and they make you confirm about 5 times. On one page you have to tick a box too, saying you want to unsubscribe again. Easy to miss. Anyway ticked and ticked and ticked. Let's see what happens. Oh, also sent them an email – not v. complimentary. Point being, I reckon they have made it harder to unsubscribe because there has been a bit of a stampede to do so.

  15. Good morning, weather looks fine for today. Thoughts are still with the families of Southport.

  16. Good morning all.
    Another bright start with 10°C on the Yard Thermometer and very little breeze.

      1. From a seaside village in Valencia

        31°C
        Tuesday 10:26 Sunny

        August is on its way.

          1. Really hot there now. My daughter in law’s father is in Almería this summer and she’s planning to take the family for a week’s visit. He’s told her to prepare for really hot weather.

          2. I have previously recorded 44°c in Estepona. You soon learn to keep in the shade.

  17. Just heard the 8 o'clock news. Guess what, it was not a terrorist attack. Do they honestly believe that anybody with a brain would swallow that hogwash.

        1. Probably fled from the civil war and never returned to that country once it was safe.

          The point I was trying to make indirectly was that all the speculation about him being a boat gimmegrant appears to be incorrect.
          It may also turn out he is a Christian as the majority of Rwandans are.

          1. I would be prepared to bet that he didn't shout 'Jesus lives!' as he plunged the knife in though.

          2. Doesn't matter. He is from an alien culture and he obvs has issues with the west – esp. little British girls enjoying themselves.

          3. How many Christians do you know think music and dancing are haram? How many are instructed to kill the kuffar?

          4. There are certainly Christian sects who disapprove of music and dancing.
            I actually know some who completely disapprove of both.

            As to killing unbelievers I’m pretty sure there will be some somewhere, USA or Africa.

        2. Seeking asylum under the protective wings of Mark Drakeford (of Carmarthenshire) and Vaughan Gething (of Zambia) all paid for by the English

    2. Everybody involved and/or witnessing the attack must have been absolutely terrified; terrified out of their minds. It was deliberately intentional. And if that is not a terrorist attack, I don't know what is.

      1. Without doubt it caused terror, so again without doubt it was a terrorist attack.

  18. News from Paris – not on the BBC:

    "As in World War II, jihadi Muslims are siding with Nazis. The Israeli national anthem was played as a group of pro-Hamas protestors were caught on video giving a Nazi salute and chanting Adolf Hitler’s name.

    Mainstream media outlets such as Yahoo! Sports vaguely mentioned “anti-Semitic gesticulations” during the Olympic soccer match. The video clip shows, however, a group of Arabs holding Palestinian flags, making Nazi salutes and chanting “Heil Hitler!”

  19. 24 girls.. 2 dead, 6 critical, with 2 injured adults.

    hmmmm. Bad news I'm afraid. Steven Edginton, a proper journo now exiled to USA for his own safety after being threatened with jail time, reckons the Blob or civil serpents or whatever you want to call them.. are now totally radicalised left-wingers and in sync with its government. They, like the USA, will use all its agencies to crush anyone or anything that goes against; The Message.. particularly mass migration of unvetted hairy arsed fighting aged Muslim men.

    You can scream at your screen "Enough is Enough" as much as you like.. it won't matter a jot.
    Buckle up.

    1. Ooh podcast with him coming up in my podcast inbox soon. Nick Dixon’s a”The Current Thing”! I will expedite it.

  20. Hungary’s Orban says Russia stands to gain as ‘irrational’ West loses power. 30 July 2024.

    Orban, a nationalist in power since 2010, made the comments during a speech in which he forecast a shift in global power away from the “irrational” West towards Asia and Russia.

    “In the next long decades, maybe centuries, Asia will be the dominant centre of the world,” Orban said, mentioning China, India, Pakistan and Indonesia as the world’s future big powers.

    “And we Westerners pushed the Russians into this bloc as well,” he said in the televised speech before ethnic Hungarians at a festival in the town of Baile Tusnad in neighbouring Romania.

    Orban is probably the only leader of the former "West" that I have any time for. His domestic policies are spot on and his views on Foreign Affairs are not far amiss either.

    https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/28/europe/hungary-viktor-orban-russia-irrational-west-intl/index.html

    1. Imho China, India, Pakistan and Indonesia.. will all be isolated.. some buoyant and thriving but isolated. Pakistan is a failed state.
      The 21st and 22nd century will belong to the USA. Which version of the USA.. we don't know yet.

  21. Competition is strong for Idiot of the Day.

    SIR – In response to the news that Suella Braverman will not be running for the Tory leadership, I think I speak on behalf of compassionate conservatives everywhere when I say: thank goodness.

    Liam Bruce
    London SE1

    SIR – The only person who could persuade me to return to the Tories is Penny Mordaunt.

    She comes across as sensible and reliable. Sadly, in a fit of pique about the Conservative Party as a whole, the people of Portsmouth voted her out. No doubt many now regret it.

    John Baker
    Crayford, Kent

        1. Ha. Let's say the DT organised this little charade from start to finish.
          The DT were hardly going to Publish a letter that said.. "I don't care who the leader is.. The Tory party are finished."

  22. At what point does the multiple murder and wounding of children by someone whose mind has been infected with the teachings of a murderous cult become terror related?

    1. 390493+ up ticks,

      Morning Pip,
      Taking in the rotherham long term cover-up and ALL other cities / towns stemming from the foreign paedophile pandemic they should ALL be under the terrorism banner, if the voters did not think so, then I would say the victims most certainly did.

    2. The establishment has difficulty in accepting that terrorism can be broadly ideological rather directed towards a specific cause as with, say, the IRA.

    4. I honestly don't know what to believe any more. We seem to be getting a constant drip, drip of 'news' calculated to make us angry.
      But not a word about the disintegrating yen or soaring US debt.

      I have a strong feeling of sitting in the front row of the theatre, watching a production by Mind Control, Inc.

  23. 390493+ up ticks,

    The "experts" should be enlightened that it would be far cheaper,
    more sensible and agreeable to scrap ed milliban & co.

    Ed Miliband needs to scrap Britain’s gas network but experts fear it will cost billions
    Grid delivers to 23m homes and emits almost two fifths of the UK’s total carbon

  25. A useful reminder of reality- Nasa has just announced that July 22nd was the "hottest day on record" which is manifest nonsense but I dare say the MSM will be trumpeting this absurd statement. This video is a good counter against all the "inconvenient untruths" parroted by the media on this subject. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcCmVYyXaAs

  26. SIR – Was it any surprise that a BBC commentator had to apologise for talking over our national anthem before an Olympic event (report, July 27)?

    Modern televised sport is wrecked by commentators talking too much, and ex-players are the worst. Whether it's Wimbledon, golf, football, swimming or athletics, they never stop. Viewers simply want to watch the action on their screens, but are constantly distracted by commentators chatting away as if they are at the pub. People say, "Well, just use the mute button" – but then the live sounds from the event are lost.

    During the London Olympics, the BBC had quite a few channels, accessible via the red button, on which there was no commentary. It was wonderful – just like being there. All we could hear was what we could see happening.

    Terry Lloyd
    Darley Abbey, Derbyshire

    I don't know whether Mr Lloyd is a cricket fan. If he is I'm sure he will be appalled by TMS, a programme in which third-rate commentators with lazy speech habits and big egos chatter endlessly and often irrelevantly with their sidekicks, former players whose own linguistic shortcomings are at least offset by their having played the game. I've lost count of the number of times their noise has been interrupted by a wicket falling.

    Jonathan Agnew and, to a certain extent, Simon Mann are excused this criticism. When Aggers leaves it truly will be the end of an era.

    Mr Lloyd is correct. Commentators have forgotten the golden rule: "Speak less, say more."

  27. Asked to give a toast before the prestigious New York Press Club in 1880, John Swinton, the former Chief of Staff at the New York Sun, made this candid confession [it's worth noting that Swinton was called "The Dean of His Profession" by other newsmen, who admired him greatly]:
    " There is no such thing, at this date of the world's history, as an
    independent press. You know it and I know it. There is not one of you
    who dares to write your honest opinions, and if you did, you know
    beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid weekly for
    keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others
    of you are paid similar salaries for similar things, and any of you who
    would be so foolish as to write honest opinions would be out on the
    streets looking for another job.
    If I allowed my honest opinions to appear in one issue of my paper,
    before twenty-four hours my occupation would be gone. The business of
    the journalist is to destroy the truth; to lie outright; to pervert; to
    vilify; to fawn at the feet of Mammon, and to sell the country for his
    daily bread. You know it and I know it and what folly is this toasting
    an independent press. We are the tools and vassals of the rich men
    behind the scenes. We are the jumping jacks, they pull the strings and
    we dance. Our talents, our possibilities and our lives are all the
    property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes. "

      1. And so successful has been their brain-washing that we think we have discovered something new.

      2. And so successful has been their brain-washing that we think we have discovered something new.

    2. How do you post an X thread? I just did the same and my comment was deleted by the mod?

  30. Labour admits private school VAT raid will price parents out
    Treasury insists there would be a minimal impact on state classrooms with enough space for extra pupils
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/07/29/labour-vat-raid-private-schools-state-classes-enough-room/

    BTL

    Why not put VAT on university fees and raise the interest rate on student loans to 20% pa? And why not banish all punishment for misbehaviour in schools so that it becomes almost impossible for those who want to learn to learn? Labour has declared war on aspiration!

    The Labour government is keen to destroy all learning as they know they will gain more votes by so doing: a stupid population is more likely to vote Labour.

    VAT on private school fees is just a beginning – there is much more they can do to destroy education and dumb down the British public.

    1. I cannot see why university fees should not have VAT if school fees do.
      Universities are as much private institutions/charities as public schools.

  31. A trio of letters which struck a chord with me.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/555e93d784b716f9575147454fda5a2f9a256a214d60053401c6cc53897a0a34.png

    In the 1980s we had a Citroen Ami 8 as a second car which I used for commuting. Slightly bigger and heavier than a 2CV but with the same two-cylinder air-cooled 602 cc engine. It could just about make 62 mph going downhill with a tailwind. It too had a 'view of the road'. My hobby at the weekends was getting out the 'Kurust' and filler to attack the latest patch of corrosion. It fairly quickly achieved a mottled faux-camouflage appearance with its blue paintwork liberally splashed with reddish brown Kurust. I called it 'Forth Bridge' because no sooner had I finished at one end than I'd have to start again at the other. Heaven knows how it kept passing an MoT.

      1. But was the rust problem inherrent to the design of the car?
        Or more to do with BL being expected to use steel that had been sat in storage for up to two years as a condition of getting Government contracts?

        1. Fiats had the reputation of rusting more than other cars. We have a Fiat Scudo which is 21 years old – not a trace of rust.

          I think the problem of rusting car bodywork was resolved at the turn of the century when they had a new galvanising process.

          2. From Coffee House, the Spectator

            How to solve Europe’s anti-tourist backlash
            Comments Share 30 July 2024, 5:00am
            In the town of Sintra, a suburb of Lisbon, some strongly-worded graffiti greets travellers like me. It reads: ‘F**k you tourist scum’. Locals have mounted a campaign fighting against the scourge of ‘mass tourism’. According to residents’ group QSintra, ‘Enough is enough!’ The time has apparently come for the state to intervene and bring about: ‘A revitalisation of the community and quality of life for residents; greater care and discretion in urban planning and management; quality tourism, not quantity’.

            Alienating millions of travellers who boost your prosperity each year seems like economic seppuku
            This kind of sentiment isn’t only amusing fodder for a photo-op, or limited to Portugal; it’s part of an anti-tourist backlash sweeping the continent. In a number of European states, tourist-bashing is all the rage.

            In Barcelona, anti-tourist sentiment has been particularly robust. Earlier this month, hoards of angry Spaniards marched through the city carrying banners reading ‘Tourism kills the city’; a few particularly sadistic locals encouraged some visitors to jump from their balconies. The really nasty part came when protestors soaked unsuspecting holiday goers with water guns while they ate at restaurants.

            The irrationality of this behaviour is perplexing. You don’t have to be an economist to realise that tourism is vital for Portugal and Spain’s economies.

            Most popular
            Fraser Nelson
            Rachel Reeves is right to cut the ‘winter fuel’ bung

            Despite a number of working-age people ruining foreigners’ holidays instead of going to the office, Spain’s economy has been doing pretty well recently. It has been growing faster than most of its European neighbours – a trend due, in no small part, to its tourism industry, which contributes about 12 per cent to Spain’s GDP.

            Portugal, whose economy is not in nearly as rosy a state as Spain’s, also reaps the benefits of tourism. Last year saw a record rise in visitors, which contributed €52 billion (£43 billion) to the economy, 19.6 per cent of the nation’s entire output. Bear in mind that this is a country with a GDP of just €240 billion (£200 billion).

            For countries like Spain and Portugal, which are reliant on tourism, alienating millions of travellers who boost your prosperity each year seems like economic seppuku.

            Regardless, people are angry and there are grievances that need addressing. A common refrain from discontented locals is that tourism and second home ownership have made the cost of living crisis worse, particularly when it comes to house prices.

            Sound familiar? In Cornwall, residents have long been furious that people buy second homes there, don’t live in them for most of the year and supposedly push up prices. To deal with this, the Tories announced measures punishing second home owners and incentivising them to sell. Towns such as St Ives also voted to ban the sale of new properties to second home buyers. This has all backfired spectacularly. Not only are second home purchases down, but Cornwall’s housing crisis has gotten worse. Rents have gone up and house building in the region has decreased.

            The situation in Spain and Portugal is almost identical. Construction isn’t keeping pace with demand in either country. In Portugal, house prices increased by 10 per cent last year compared to 2022. In Lisbon, there is a housing deficit of 300,000 homes, which has caused prices to skyrocket. One of the few factors still keeping the Portuguese market buoyant are the large number of Britons and Americans choosing to retire there.

            In Spain, a shortage of so-called ‘buildable land’ has stifled developers’ ability to get projects off the ground, squashing supply. Unsurprisingly, this is felt most acutely in urban areas with growing populations, such as Barcelona.

            The reasons for these shortages are the same as those causing the housing crisis across the UK: a historic unwillingness to reform archaic planning laws and start building. In Blighty, Yimbys were sufficiently noisy to push the new government into making progress on this. Perhaps if the water gun firing protestors of Iberia actually looked at the root cause of their problems and did the same, they would get similar results.

            As the economist Thomas Sowell once said, ‘there are no solutions, only trade-offs’. Anti-tourism agitators ought to consider this. Granted, tourists (particularly us Britons) can be annoying at times, perhaps even intolerable when we land on the continent. But kicking out vast swathes of tourists risks serious damage to a crucially important sector. Thankfully, there is an alternative: stop blaming tourists and start building houses. Creating an environment where enough infrastructure is built to sustain local needs as well those of much-needed visitors could prove the happy medium our European cousins – and those in Cornwall – are after.

          5. We wouldn't have a housing "crisis" if we didn't have an increasing population crisis.

      2. The best car I owned was the Austin Princess I could take half the mini rugby team to the match in it. very underated

        1. The first car I owned, and possibly the worst, was a Riley 4-72 (I think, reg XXR 128). I bought it from a 'mate' at university for £40 in 1972; He'd 'upgraded' to a Triumph TR3. Anyway, it had the endearing characteristic of needing frequent oil top-ups to nurse it through longer journeys (eagle eye on oil pressure gauge the whole time).

          I'd been down to Lancashire to see my then girlfriend whom I'd met at university and I was driving back to Scotland on the M6 when – loud bang – engine stopped. Pulled over onto the hard shoulder – trail of oil behind and great puddle of oil under car and hole in the bottom of the sump/crankcase. Walked to emergency telephone for recovery (I can't remember the cost). Recovery vehicle took it (and me) to a scap dealer in Lancaster who gave me £3 for it. I walked to Lancaster station where my train fare back to Glasgow was …….£3.

          1. My first car was a Hillman Hunter. £70 from the branch porter. Ran very well on Radweld.

        2. The first car I owned, and possibly the worst, was a Riley 4-72 (I think, reg XXR 128). I bought it from a 'mate' at university for £40 in 1972; He'd 'upgraded' to a Triumph TR3. Anyway, it had the endearing characteristic of needing frequent oil top-ups to nurse it through longer journeys (eagle eye on oil pressure gauge the whole time).

          I'd been down to Lancashire to see my then girlfriend whom I'd met at university and I was driving back to Scotland on the M6 when – loud bang – engine stopped. Pulled over onto the hard shoulder – trail of oil behind and great puddle of oil under car and hole in the bottom of the sump/crankcase. Walked to emergency telephone for recovery (I can't remember the cost). Recovery vehicle took it (and me) to a scap dealer in Lancaster who gave me £3 for it. I walked to Lancaster station where my train fare back to Glasgow was …….£3.

    2. Alan Tomlinson echoes my experience exactly (bought the rusty Mini in 1979). Except, the girlfriend (now wife of 42 years) had been taught car mechanics by her Dad, so not only knew the issues but was capable of fixing them, too!
      Deffo a keeper.

      1. I bought my '63 Mini in 1969. Starter on the floor, sliding windows and a pull cord to open the door. The fuel gauge was unreliable – it ran out when the fuel level was at 1/4! Nonetheless it successfully carried a party of three to Vienna and back in 1971, despite having a tendency to stop if it rained heavily because the distributor got wet.

    1. If they had any honesty they would rebel against the proposal.

      They don't, so they won't.

        1. Ogga’s (?) post regarding MP’s ability to claim heating allowances on expenses sums up what utter bastards they all are.
          I’ll bet my pound to your brass farthing that none of them will turn down that allowance.

          1. If Sunak stood up in the HoC and said that not one one of the Conservative MPs would claim heating allowances of up to £3,400 would Starmer stand up and give the same assurance that Labour MPs would not claim it either.

    2. 390493+ up ticks,

      O2O,
      This withdrawal of the winter fuel payment for many can really be taken as adding yet another string to the ALL party coalition CULLING bow.

  34. A BTL comment from Karen Wood I feel many will echo:-

    17 min ago

    I don’t think Labour, at least not this Government can be blamed entirely for the unravelling social fabric of this country. It has been unravelling for decades but it is likely that on their watch it really will begin to disintegrate. Today’s paper alone tells us of extreme violence towards the Police by what appears to be a group of first or second generation Pakistani heritage residents. A Kurdish man of no fixed abode pushed a complete stranger onto a Tube Line and almost killed him because he ‘gave him a funny look’. Then we also have two dead and numerous seriously injured children at the hands of another non British heritage young man whose identity and full story we will be denied for months because he is deemed to be a child.

    Our social fabric was woven over centuries to produce a peaceful largely law abiding populace who were in the majority of families were socialised from childhood into respect for the Police, honesty, courtesy and non violence. Yes there were exceptions and criminals but they were recognised as such and dealt with appropriately by the Courts. Now we have the Nottingham killer, let him remain nameless, deemed to have been ill when he killed three strangers, now in hospital not prison and highly likely to be released at some point and we must pay him benefits too! I fully expect the Southport killer to be in the next room in a few months time.

    Now we have a Government who seem to care for everyone ahead of the majority population of this country. We are merely the sheep to be shorn to feed and clothe those they favour. It’s no way to build cohesion or to repair it once damaged.

    1. I don't agree. The country has been systematically wrecked and destablised by every Prime Minister from Blair onwards.
      This is not just chance or unstoppable social progress – it has been done on purpose.

      Changes like removing the hereditary peers and replacing them with political activists produced effects that weren't felt overnight – they slowly built up, and by the time their evil is seen, nobody associates it with a dry constitutional change made twenty years ago.

      Same with destroying marriage – the evil resulting from each blow of the knife to marriage is only felt a generation later, by which time people have been duped into believing that it's "inevitable."

      Even the sxual revolution of the sixties, from which a large part of the mess in which we find ourselves stems, was not organic – it was cynically pushed by the parasite class.

      1. The comment posted by Bob said our social fabric has been unravelling for decades. She's right, but changes brought in by successive governments have each added to this social breakdown.
        I'm lucky where we live is still recognisably English. We've been here just under 30 years and most of our neighbours for longer. There is much social cohesion here. Previously we lived just a few miles away, in a nice little town where I still do my shopping.
        These incomers and their extended families are citizens of nowhere.

        Yesterday I was having a look at the electoral register for the road I grew up in. I remember all those neighbours of 1955 – I knew them all. They were good English people who looked after each other when they were needed.

      2. Imho I don't believe the cabinet of any govt are to blame.. they are at the end of the food chain.. I'm with Peter Hitchens when he says the radical left are tenacious, organised and active in seizing control of everything that matters from academia, college of policing, judiciary, civil service, NHS, media, arts, monarchy, museums, national trust, military.. the lot. The cabinet dare not disagree with them.

        1. Ultimately, it comes from the parasite class and their big ideas for a New World Order.

          1. The progressive liberal lost badly in the 1970s & 80s and were seething with anger, then regrouped, rebranded and endeavoured to make sure they never ever lose again.. ever.

          3. I presume that when Momentum talks about the ‘working class’ they mean those on benefits who have chosen that way as a lifestyle.

          4. There is no such thing as the "working class". Those people the momentum cretins and the commentators on Spiked would have smeared as "working class" voted overwhelmingly for Mrs. Thatcher. And will no doubt vote for Farage/ Reform in the next national election.

          5. The progressive liberal lost badly in the 1970s & 80s and were seething with anger, then regrouped, rebranded and endeavoured to make sure they never ever lose again.. ever.

          6. 390493+ up ticks,

            Afternoon O,
            Totally agree,tis glaringly obvious, it has been openly seen since M Thatcher (RIP)
            was politically assassinated.

          7. I like the term the 'parasite' class. Much better than ruling elites which suggests that they are superior in some way.

    2. Police!
      Several veteran officers have commented online, and lamented at the fall in standards over the last twenty years. For example the Armed police officers at Manchester airport with the DEI hire.. failed from the start. They were disorganised and quickly lost control, and ended up lashing out in all directions.
      They can see that even the elite officers have not had sufficient basic training. There is an Art to taking control, subduing, cuffing and all the while maintaining calm. The headless chicken DEI hire was a hinderance.

      Now, with low standards and all respect & fear lost.. the ethnics will probe & push their advantage.

      1. The nicely calculated application of violence… needs training and experience, and the attitude that says that you mean it.

    3. Police!
      Several veteran officers have commented online, and lamented at the fall in standards over the last twenty years. For example the Armed police officers at Manchester airport with the DEI hire.. failed from the start. They were disorganised and quickly lost control, and ended up lashing out in all directions.
      They can see that even the elite officers have not had sufficient basic training. There is an Art to taking control, subduing, cuffing and all the while maintaining calm. The headless chicken DEI hire was a hinderance.

      Now, with low standards and all respect & fear lost.. the ethnics will probe & push their advantage.

    4. The Ten Commandments used to underpin most of our society. Now anything goes (and the more depraved the better, it seems).

    5. 390493+up ticks,

      Evening Bob,

      I do believe that much blame can be laid on the shoulders of the electorate for blindly following a party (ino) name for decades, regardless of consequence.

  35. Reposted from late last night

    Tuesday 30th July 2024

    Alf The Great

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e281877e66f9640965428cfaf7612b736a56b10f037dc7830d6ff3f7e0f8aba9.png
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a4e8f7e663623145205ad4c73e84552be3ce77c28e6176b2d357a3c4d5216e12.png

    Birthdays come around and around and yours, like an old shellac gramophone record, has now come around 78 times!

    With very best wishes,

    Caroline and Rastus

    We celebrated Oldest Nottler, Delboy, 4 days ago. We have reason to believe that you are the tallest

  36. I am very sorry for the affected families, but a Taylor Swift themed workshop for little girls from six years old? What on earth are parents thinking about?
    Over-sexualisation seems to be so common now that nobody sees anything unusual in telling little girls that prancing around in their underwear and a ton of makeup is something to copy!

      1. Been happening for years, James. Remember Jonbenet, she was one. Why their mothers encourage it is beyond my comprehension (speaking as one who has daughters/granddaughters).

        1. I don't but agreed KJ. I don't know the content of the Taylor Swift jobbie, but she's got form.

          1. Thanks James. Murder was never solved, but suspicions at the time centered on her brother. Her mother used to enter her into those sorts of competitions, I think. Taylor Swift has thousands of female fans, including very young ones. I understand she’s put out a message today, you can guess the sort of thing, Kate.

          1. Yes, there’s that. Also the projection of themselves through their daughters. Other word …psycho..

      2. The US have had those awful child beauty pageants ever since I can remember. The only difference between then and now is that "then" they weren't sexualised but it was always only a matter of time.

        1. Yes indeed. I might have jumped the gun with the Sky report, I don't know. But I'm sure it's going that way over here. It's a culture and the industry is pedalling it as much as they can in order to extract the moolah.

          1. It is going that way here and the rocket fuel for it is social media. Have you seen what some of these kids post on it? 😱😱

          2. To my eternal shame I don’t use social media first hand at all Peta, so no I haven’t. I had FB between about 2012 and 2013 for a work thing, but gave up in view of the cacophony of idiocy you get bombarded with. I’m happy for people to curate what I see of it as extracts on forums such as this where sensible people exist.

            I can guess, though. I’ve met some mums in my time 😒. As long as they aren’t coming running to me in twenty years time about how they feel degraded and objectified every time they go out in the street, then that’s their choice. As for the kids, well it’s not their choice. That’s where the unfairness of it lies.

          3. You don’t have to use social media to see what the kids get up to, sadly all too often with the encouragement of their parents, especially their mothers. You just have to read the MSM to see what they do, especially when it ends in tragedy. Then of course it’s everyone else’s fault and the government must “do something”.
            I have an FB account on which I rarely post but I do find useful for the Messenger feature to stay in touch with various family members and also to FaceTime with some of them. It’s free :))

          4. Oh yes, it’s not an evil goblin in the corner, any more than the telly is a lantern solely for idiots. I just can’t put up with the noise. It ought to be a good thing in principle and many use it for just that. My missus uses it for just that too, in order to stay in touch with grandchildren and keep up to date with some local businesses she supports from her days making pickles and preserves for farmers’ markets and selected wildlife sites. It has its uses and long may it continue, but as you say, one does not have to use it to see what’s going on.

            Having said I don’t use social media technically I do in a limited way, I suppose. I have a WhatsApp connection restricted to near family only involved in a group to plot our latest foray at Silverstone or to chat about the current F1 race while in progress. The beauty of that is it meets my criteria: it’s a closed shop, not exhortations to get to know random and supposedly “interesting” people such as “hashtag HotBabeDesilu” from Hawaii who loves getting to know people or become “friends” with whomsoever else happened along into my email and is connected remotely to my work through FB; advertisers are severely limited in their presence on it; it’s secure from fruitcakes if you don’t want them in your face and you get to choose what you look at. It is free too, so a bonus there.

            The minor interest activists are the problem with social media as we all know, among whom I’d include the windbags purporting to run our country and Nick ‘the Clegfly’ Clegg, obvs!

    2. Not convinced about the Taylor Swift bit, which likely didn't occur to the girls, but the opportunity for dancing, exercise, learning new moves, dressing-up, and being with friends… enough to excite any small lassie.

  37. It appears to be so common they think it's normal. I never had dancing classes but I think even tutus showed a lot of leg.

    1. Tutus weren’t sexualised though. They’re just pretty sport clothes at ballet classes.

    2. So did sports kit. I can remember stripping down to very unsexy, thick, navy, serge knickers, which were a compulsory part of our school uniform, for PE classes!

        3. Yours sound better, ours were itchy as well, especially when the weather was hot! We used to wear ordinary cotton knickers under them :D!

      2. Aaarrgghh. ……………………………. there's a good reason why many girls loathe sport and physical fitness.
        Did you also have wear those grey serge divided skirts for games? Combine them with cold wet weather and you were walking funny for days afterwards.

        1. I looked like an insect :D! I grew very quickly and at that stage was just a head with a body and four long, stick-like protuberances!!

          1. Don’t believe it for a sec…although I was too, and a small one at that. Everyone hated their bodies, and having to wear what we thought then were skimpy outfits. Compare and contrast to today..

          2. True, but I stopped growing when I was 16 then started to fill out a bit so things began to improve quite a lot :))

        2. I looked like an insect :D! I grew very quickly and at that stage was just a head with a body and four long, stick-like protuberances!!

  38. I am going out to reduce several holly trees by half. I may be some time. On my return, you'll all be entitled to ask, "What bloody man is this?"

    Backson.

      1. Thanks Alf! I usually try to aim the birthday greetings at the person so I’m glad you saw it. Have a great day! Out for lunch? Enjoy it!

        1. No. We’re off to the Alexander house hotel in Sussex for dinner courtesy of a voucher our son & dil have us for Christmas.

        1. We’re off to the Alexander House hotel in Sussex for dinner tonight. Using a voucher our son & dil gave us for Christmas.
          Looking forward to it.

      5. Happy Birthday, Alf! 🎉🎈🥂🍾🍰🎂🍹🎁 🎉 'Tis but wondrous sunny today! Enjoy your day.

    2. And the police don’t want a 999 call. It’s not urgent 101 will do.
      Absolute bastards. To them it’s just routine.

        2. And a belated happy birthday to you from the other day.
          I didn't see if you posted and I like to pass on the good wishes to the birthdayer rather than Rastus's reminder post.

        3. I put an email up 5 hours ago with an email that you could write to, so that I can tell you about the 10th, but I am taking it down now. Is there any other way to let you know, as your email that I have is now defunct?

          6. It has been a goo ‘un thank you Conners. Just back from dinner at Alexander House Hotel, Nr Crawley. Dates nack to 1600s.

        1. And there would have been a message saying we’re very busy at the moment please call back later.

      3. Nothing will happen. He will probably receive compensation for the loss of an essential tool.

    5. He appears to be white, so the perlice might actually do something.
      Unless he claims his name is Jodie.

  41. It accelerated under Blair because he broke our constitution as well as starting the doors open policy
    – House of Lords reform
    – postal voting
    – Scottish/Welsh parliaments
    – supreme court

    These things were all cataclysmic, but only seen after some time.

    2. I blame Blair's horrible wife too. A real commie from a louche actor background. Completely out of touch in their pretend world. And she never shook it off. Then she married someone delusional whose ambition, at that time, was to be a rockstar. She's bright though, and got herself into a position where she could make all our nightmares come true. Reckon the disgusting Yvette is of a similar mentality. See she's preying on the streets of Southport today. They make me sick.

      1. Folklore has it that the now-Lady Blair was behind New Labour's Anti-countryside Act, designed to destroy both hunting and rural foxes.

        1. Even Blair admitted he'd made a mistake with that. It was only intended to license hunts at first, then the baying anti-hunt mob got control and the mess we've got today is the result.

      2. Not 'praying' though. Notice how she's offered only her "thoughts" to the slaughtered children and their grieving families? One must be true to ones secular principles, after all.

        1. Agreed but I used the word ‘preying’ on purpose. How dare she stalk the streets of Southport after a refugee murdered three children, feeding off the trouble she and others like her have caused and are causing with their open door policies. Labour and Tory scum.

  42. If he regards Taylor Swift as particularly debauched, who knows.

    There seem to be a lot of very loose ends here.

    Mental health issues cited, I wonder if it will turn out that he's a regular user of drugs esp. strong Marijuana.

    Given the drip drip drip of new information it's small wonder speculation is discouraged, heaven knows what false roads are being pointed down.

    And yes, I acknowledge I am speculating.

    1. They did, but it was only for shows, Eisteddfods and the like, and it was called grease-paint! It was used in things like school plays as well but no-one thought it was in any way a part of "normal" life.

    1. No, just a shrinking violet now. Lost about an inch in the last couple of years. Only 6'4.5" now.

      1. Similar height to my father, yet none of his children reached 6 ft.
        I've shrunk/stooped at least an inch, probably more.

      2. You can afford the shrinkage. At my five foot two, I could dissappear if I lost that much.

      3. I was 5'4" a few years ago , now to my shock and horror , have shrunk in height to 5'1", and Moh has shrunk as well by an inch!

  46. The Labour chancellor's name is Reeves. This derives from the Old English and Northumbrian 'reive', for robber, plunderer, thief, hence the Border Reivers. She is, therefore, well named.

    Free Speech has some first-class new articles up, including a first-hand report of the huge Unite Britain rally in Trafalgar Square last Saturday, a thought-provoking philosophical dissertation of the perils of pornography by Prof. Frank Palmer and another of Iain Hunter’s superb essays on the nonsense that is the Climate Change Crisis, this time showing that contrary to CO2 being a pollutant as often claimed it is, in fact, good for the planet. Tucked away in Life and Nature is a piece on the amazing health benefits of eating nettle seeds.
    Some pop over for a browse and let us know you’ve been by leaving a comment or few.

    1. A reeve was a servant of the lord of the manor who was always elected from among the peasants. He had the job of organising and overseeing their labour on the demesne, attending the manor court and keeping financial accounts.

      And one of the most vulgar of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is the Reeve's Tale in which two students stay in a miller's house and fornicate with the miller's wife and daughter. The Tale goes into a considerable amount of graphic detail which embarrasses some English teachers who have to teach it and delights the more prurient students.

      3. In my day, the town in which I went to school, had a Town Reeve, rather than a Mayor.

      2. I find the government offensive. Increasingly we are getting more and more thickos in power. I like to be taken in by a lie. I want to fume in the corner months after I've been sold a dummy that I'll never be caught like that again. But no. What do we get? The equivalent of the boy wearing football kit standing in front of a broken window holding the offending ball stating, "a big boy did it and ran away".

        Dullards.

        1. James ,

          Thickos , yes , middle management status politicians , all of them

          How very bizarre was the accelerated hype about the character who turned out to be quaffing flim flam Boris , who has a personality problem , he tried to model himself on Churchill .

          Grand leaders in industry stand out , we recognise them clearly , even trouble making union bosses stand out .. yes they are strong men who don't put up with nonsense .

          Blair was a leader , a narcissistic war monger , an attention seeker who held the crowd and handed the reins to Gordon Brown when the halo slipped .

          Cameron was a fraud , May and Boris and Truss , useless.

          What worries me about Farage is he can talk the talk , but he has walked many times ,he is strong though .

          Hate to say this but Rishi was just warming up , and although he is Asian and wealthy, he tried , and I wish he hadn't called the election now , the weak MP's scuttled and ran and took their pensions and payoffs .. good blinking riddance , except we don't have any quality left in the Tory party .

          There are no outstanding characters , however Tom tugmy forelock appears to be capable even though he was a remainer .

          1. The only thing I’d add about Farage is that he’s safe, in the sense that you know what you’re going to get. Unlike many of the child infestation in the House during modern times he’s been in politics for decades. It’s just that he’s been under the radar, because he wasn’t in Parliament. Plus, he’s no thicko.

            Bojo the opposite. Privileged semi aristocratic latecomer from journalism with a sole gift: mobile gob which from time to time is capable of eloquence. As for anything meaningful? Knowledge – poor. Capability for organising piss ups in breweries? Nil. Credibility when delivering promises? Nil. Amount of time he managed to convince me he’d actually “get Brexit done”? Around 1-day, max.

            And so on. They’re all mostly in the same league, now. Chancers at best. Sir Kneelalot is well below the intellectual level required for his role, but then I can hardly hold that against him given his peers.

    3. A reeve is the female of the ruff (wading bird).

      A ruff is colourful and resplendent in its breeding plumage; it gives its name to the fancy collar worn in Elizabethan times. By comparison the reeve is plain and dowdy.

          1. Yes. You are right Hertslass. I’ll have to engage brain before gob in the future.

          3. I knew a Peacock (Ray, the racehorse trainer) and of course I've seen Wren's work.

    5. Nettle tea is supposed to be good for cleansing the blood – i e detoxification. You can also make string from the nettle stems.

  48. Good Morning all. Hot day, it is going to reach 31c here and still be 23c at eight this evening. So looking forward to Thursday when it will calm down. But those who may, enjoy the heat and sun.

  49. Thomas -1 Holly Trees – 0 But they do fight back….. Height reduced by ten feet (trees, that is…) The MR is very pleased – she was in command, of course. I just followed orders (© Nuremberg Trials)

    1. Blimey, they must have been really tall. What’s left? Presume you had a platform to stand on?

      1. What’s left? Just ten foot high bushes. Ladder = “Hedgeman” tripod. Brilliant device. Wish I’d had that eight years ago.

    1. The DT has fallen completely.

      Charles Moore used to be a good journalist – he is now a total disgrace.

    1. Good on her, standing up to a "man" with a knife. Tough lady!
      Hope she recovers quickly.

    2. all well n good.. but she doesn't realise it yet.. she's in trouble now.

      Roy Larner, who was cut in head, chest and hands, after he charged into terrorists in restaurant, placed on anti-terror watch list.

  52. Just been out cutting the grass before it gets too hot. Skies clear blue now, mottling gone, no chem-trails. Have 'they' finished with their weather-modification ops for the time being? It's scorchio here.

  55. List of demands issued by local elders being implemented?
    Labour doesn't mess around.
    Eight officers have been suspended by Greater Manchester Police following a report of alleged racial discrimination.

  59. It appears that yesterday's information of the savagery in Southport was being "managed" i.e. we are being lied to. On whose orders and by whom isn't certain but we can all speculate, nudge, nudge.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1d37cc994473f4aca835876bc6785b74f92bc2c9ef37616fc9f8dea78f645967.png https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/edcbfc97a6411855da2e7eb496f3dfa83af872e8455d50af9dea02291e01e340.png

    Lie or lying in the sense of being untruthful now has a new synonym i.e. manage/managing etc. Evolving language courtesy of liars. Who would believe it!

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/704f7e0b35e7570d650b2481340fae03fbd95255a9f8d231892b3a30ad33654b.png

      1. Yes, let us remind ourselves:

        Misinformation

        False or inaccurate information spread inadvertently, without the intent to harm or deceive.

        Disinformation

        False or misleading information deliberately spread to deceive, manipulate, or harm others.

        Combatting misinformation and disinformation

        Critical thinking and media literacy are essential for identifying and evaluating information.

        Cause for comfort in the light of this?
        Good job the education system is onto it…

      2. Yes, let us remind ourselves:

        Misinformation

        False or inaccurate information spread inadvertently, without the intent to harm or deceive.

        Disinformation

        False or misleading information deliberately spread to deceive, manipulate, or harm others.

        Combatting misinformation and disinformation

        Critical thinking and media literacy are essential for identifying and evaluating information.

        Cause for comfort in the light of this?
        Good job the education system is onto it…

      3. AKA Habitual and pathological lying. Something politicians are extremely capable of.
        And implement probably every hour of their lives.

    2. My local rag has an article entitled "what we know about the Liverpool stabbings". My cynical mind immediately translated that as "what we will let you know about the stabbings".

  60. Afternoon All
    It seems the government post-terror attack management team have swung into action
    Vigils tea-lights and teddies at the ready
    https://www.middleeasteye.net/video/controlled-spontaneity-how-western-governments-plan-aftermath-terrorist-attacks
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d4c91862e92a9f3f3198404b6558822adb654ec41a261bb53d4f4574417393ee.jpg
    ^^This**
    https://x.com/davidkurten/status/1818165944654393415
    https://x.com/thales4c/status/1817950482461016125

    2. missed out key politico PR statement..

      Merkel 'shocked' by killings.. 2014.
      French President Emmanuel Macron shocked at Bataclan killings.. 2015.
      Paris shocked by murder of girl, 12, 2022.
      Taylor Swift 'completely in shock' following deadly …
      Whole country is 'deeply shocked' by attack, says Sir Keir …

      You would have thought by now they're past being shocked..

      1. It's shocking when it's rare. It's becoming commonplace and there's one common denominator.

  62. Girl, 9, becomes third child to die in stabbing. 3o July 2024.

    A nine-year-old girl has become the third child victim of the knife attack in Southport, police have confirmed.

    Merseyside Police said the girl died from her injuries in hospital this morning. Two other girls, aged six and seven, were also killed on Monday.

    Five other children remain in critical condition after the knifeman attacked a group of children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class on Hart Street.

    No Comments Allowed. Never did the silenced say so much.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/30/southport-attack-live-children-injured/

      1. Paul – two people have named this person. Thin ice. For the benefit of all NoTTLers – I think that the two posts should be taken down pronto.

        2. I am rather anxious in that I posted a link to Tommy Robinsons video. Apparently that is also breaking the law. Something I wasn't aware of. It bothers me because it seems to use the law to suppress truth. Further living, most of my adult life in the USA, I simply assume that anything that can help to further truth should never be concealed due to the First Amendment. But in the UK we have laws now that are deliberately designed to curtail facts that might prove innocence for the self interests of a corrupt establishment. We should all lament that fact for it is the death of our protection, free speech.

  65. God knows how her parents must be feeling and also what the parents of those still critically injured are going through.

    1. Muslim producer as a "very smart and civil," "somewhat moderate"..
      denial, then very upset, threatened violence turned into death threats very quickly,

  68. "Detectives are continuing to question a 17-year-old boy from Banks who has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. "
    Just a pawn; the real stabbers are in Westminster and Whitehall.

  70. CHARITY COMMISSION DISMISSES JOLYON’S CASE AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING POLICY FOUNDATION

    Jolyon is almost losing faster than he can start soliciting donations for new campaigns. After failing against the IEA, GambleAware, Wes Streeting, and the previous government so far this year, the fox-beater has taken another shocking defeat. This time it’s against the Global Warming Policy Foundation…

    The Good Law Project teamed up with crank MPs Layla Moran, Clive Lewis, and Caroline Lucas in October 2022 to complain to the Charity Commission that the Foundation “flies in the face of rules that state the outputs from educational charities must be ‘balanced and neutral’” and is funding its trading subsidiary, Net Zero Watch. Jolyon spent months complaining that the Charity Commission was “sitting on its hands” by not investigating his complaints. He must be happy now that they’ve all been dismissed…

    The Charity Commission says it “examined how the charity ensures its output meets appropriately rigorous standards of objective analysis and factual research to support the conclusions being presented” and is satisfied, all while finding no evidence to support the claim that “the charity was financially supporting Net Zero Watch and that it had consistently operated at a loss.” It also notes that Net Zero Watch doesn’t as a matter of policy accept donations from the energy industry or anyone with a significant interest in it. Not that it’s a legal requirement…

    GWPF Chairman Dr Jerome Booth says:

    “There are those who employ moral reasoning with little respect for opposing views. Sometimes they employ heavy handed means to shut down debate and persecute and attack anyone with whom they disagree… We welcome the Commission’s findings and will continue to pursue our charitable objectives.”

    Another notch on Jolyon’s belt. Talk about blowing hot air…

  71. here they go..

    suspect's former neighbours said they were 'shocked' and 'saddened' to learn the teenager had been arrested over the horror knife attack as he comes from such a 'nice family'.

    such a quiet nice lad, loved his mum..

    2. All I find anoying is there's endless mention of the victims but no condemnation of the killer. All far too much 'look over there!'

  73. I have always believed that the vast majority of Palestinians are very pro-Hamas.
    If they weren't they could have shown the IDF the tunnel entrances and exits, the ammunition and weapons dumps, and where the hostages were being held.
    I have little sympathy for the civilian population of Gaza.

  75. Please don't name the perpetrator of the stabbings.
    Legal advice has that we don't name this person. Sorry – but your posts will be moderated if you do.
    A touch of caution with respect to the law needed, I'm afraid.

    1. What do they mean by "name"? Actual first and surname (I doubt if it is a Christian name and Surname…)?

        1. Identifying as who, or what? What is the difference, seeing as we don't know who he is, between naming (what was obviously a made up name in the previous instance) and speculating?

        2. Identifying as who, or what? What is the difference, seeing as we don't know who he is, between naming (what was obviously a made up name in the previous instance) and speculating?

          4. If he’s been charged? I’ve not read about it as of 22.40hrs. It’s probably a bit academic when it comes to it, though.

      2. I rely on Bill Thomas, who is more familiar than I am with these things, to give good advice – and his advice was very clear.

        1. I’m not unhappy about the ruling. It’s not my forum and I’m more than willing to play, of course I will. I was just after clarification for the basis of the legal traps that could befall the site.

          We are all I’m sure from what flies around these pages somewhat, shall we say, ‘resistant’ to undue State restrictions to free speech and so it’s nice to know where we actually do stand.

          It may be that we are not legally at that point, I don’t know. But I’m sure the suspect will be charged pretty soon, so maybe it’s just unwise to comment in view of that. That’s ok too.

    7. As it is turning out, if the PTB had identified the attacker accurately, and they certainly appear to have known, none of the rioting taking place now might have occured.

    8. Arguably, the systematic withholding of any information about the perpetrator by the police has led to 'peaceable Southport' losing its rag.

      The trouble started yesterday when a Mersey Police Press conference was delayed (without excuse) for 25 minutes – and said very little.

      This led, inevitably, to much speculation on social media, frustration, anger and eventually, protest on the street.

      Neither the Prime Minister – nor the Home Secretary – did anything to anticipate and defuse Southport mourners' incipient frustration and anger.

      IMHO, the Prime Minister – and the Home Secretary et al – may look forward to nascent Civil War.

  76. The Mail Online has removed all comments on the child murders in Southport. They are trying to pevert the truth as on here. We no longer have freedom of speech.

    1. I agree with the curtailment of freedom of speech.
      In NoTTL terms, it's self-preservation: trying to protect the posters, Geoff, and the site from the heavy hand of the law. And the State has endless resources available to hunt us down and throw us in gaol – with no comment allowed. You'd have thought that they worked for a man called Heydrich…

      1. I suggest people listen to this. Towards the end they discuss the truly draconian measures that the government has taken to silence us. Be attentive because it is frightening. We have no defence against them in law, they have made sure of that. Go to 22 min. in
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoVqYiPw9h8
        https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/what-we-do/protect/schedule-7/

        Under Schedule 7, a police officer with the mandated accreditation does not need prior authority or suspicion to stop, question, search, or if necessary, detain someone. However, they may only stop and question a person for the purpose of allowing a determination of whether that person appears to be someone who is or who has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

        Under Schedule 7, an individual has a legal duty to answer questions or provide any information requested for the purposes of the examination.

      2. I suggest people listen to this. Towards the end they discuss the truly draconian measures that the government has taken to silence us. Be attentive because it is frightening. We have no defence against them in law, they have made sure of that. Go to 22 min. in
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoVqYiPw9h8
        https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/what-we-do/protect/schedule-7/

        Under Schedule 7, a police officer with the mandated accreditation does not need prior authority or suspicion to stop, question, search, or if necessary, detain someone. However, they may only stop and question a person for the purpose of allowing a determination of whether that person appears to be someone who is or who has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

        Under Schedule 7, an individual has a legal duty to answer questions or provide any information requested for the purposes of the examination.

    2. If using that freedom of speech resulted in his acquittal would you be so keen?

          2. Doesn't matter. Let's change the subject completely, draw a line, let the law work.

    3. Matters are considered to be sub judice once legal proceedings become active.

      Criminal proceedings are deemed active once a person is arrested, a warrant for arrest has been issued, a summons has been issued or a person has been charged and remain active until conviction.

      Publication of material which is sub judice comprises contempt of court, a crime which is punishable by a fine of unlimited amount and/or imprisonment for up to two years.

      https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/guides/the-sub-judice-rule-and-contempt-of-court

    4. The argument for the silence is this could potentially effect the outcome of criminal proceedings. How would you feel is the perp, who they might well have bang to rights, gets off on an unfair trial technicality?

      1. But has a precendent aready been set?
        After the murder of Jamie Bulger, how long was it before his killers were identified?

    1. I wonder when we'll get the first protest march over the severity of the sentence.

  79. No, they're – just as our folk are – trying to ensure justice is done.

    Eventually his name will get out and then we all know that plod will set about protecting 'the community'.

    1. "The community" not being the indigenous community of this country, of course.

  80. That sentence will be reduced on appeal. He'll be out again in a couple of years.

  81. If someone names the wrong person it is their rresponsibility and they have to deal with it. It happens on facebook all the time

    1. Indeed, but I think the purpose here on Nottle is to protect people from their own folly and to protect Geoff.

        1. Certainly, but moderators could be in the firing line too, for not doing their jobs.
          It's a very fine line.

  82. Junior got his Brown belt in Karate on Sunday, the grading certificate came through today along with his new belt.

    He is very proud of it and Mongo has been wearing it, the daft moose. We are a woman free zone this week as her Maj is away somewhere unpleasantly hot (like the back garden) with her girlie pals.

    She invited us as well but when I said 'If I wanted 30' heat at night and foreigners serving me drinks I'd stay in and get deliveroo.' she got a bit stroppy.

    2. Good – leave them to it. As long as they keep it to and among themselves, let the rest of us ignore them. But they don't, do they?

  85. So it's teddy bears and tealights again. The name shared on X yesterday by the way turns out to be an Arabic phrase that roughly translates as "going to my apartment". It isn't a name at all.

  86. I think Reeves is a dangerous idiot. A typical Labour tax and waste Lefty, she will do untold damage to the economy.

    Worse, they just don't care. Everyone will be poorer, the state will be bloated, services continue to decline, waste continue to accelerate.

    She does nothing, offers nothing positive.

    2. Like all communists, she'll be hoarding (laundering?) sufficient wealth to protect her from the inevitable consequences.

        1. PS. I'm thinking London Overgound from Shepherds Bush and will check the train times but would Friday evening or Saturday morning be best? I wonder too if I can turn up at the station for the return journey and buy a ticket then and there. Not all stations have ticket offices these days. There's still one at Waterloo though so perhaps I should go there and ask!

    3. Well we knew that. They will do as much damage in the time they have, as possible. They know they only have one bite of the chrerry.

  87. I don’t know, but given the right lawyers and a sympathetic judge I would hate this to be the one.

  88. That's easy for you to say, Johnny. I had hoped that Nottlers would grasp the potential legal peril, but apparently I was wrong. If necessary, I'll close the page to further comments.

    1. Do they really think this sort of stuff doesn’t massively piss off the natives? What are they expecting us to do – take it lying down?

      2. Yes, of course they are. They are sure we're stupid (in the same way they were convinced they'd terrified us into voting to remain).

      1. Not social media Bill. But I haven't named the person and have no intention of doing so.

  92. Government never builds anything of worth. It's useless and should be shut down.

  93. I try , Geoff: I'm very trying! I rather wish NoTTLers could find something else to comment on…

  94. But hang on – it's 3 meals a day in a cell where more than half the population support his psychotic ideology.

    We're paying for him. Far better would be flogging, beating and flaying then throw the remains in a sewer – do the same with the others.

  95. What do muslim communities need to be protected from? It's not the rest of us who stab, set fire to, or bomb…

      1. I can't imagine how! Without government to lie, deceive and cheat us how could we survive?

      4. Especially when we had to endure 1976 and all that without government telling us what to do.

  97. The law nowadays seems often to work against reason, or us. That's the trouble.

  99. OT (at last). If any NoTTLer has a glut of cucumbers – the MR has found her grandfather's recipe for Cucumber Relish. It makes an excellent accompaniment to cheese or cold meat.

    Anyone interested- apply here…!

    1. Yes please. I meant to add 3 cucumbers to my party order but i put it on todays delivery by accident. I already have one in the fridge !
      I have made a gazpacho but i still have 3 left.

  100. 390493+ up ticks,

    There is NO BOUNDS to these bastards duplicity two on parade had a large hand in the rotherham odious issue, refusing to acknowledge the mass paedophilia via paki paedophiles activities, telling the victims to go away when the activities were reported.

    A 16 year cover-up by the very bent diversity protection squad,
    the female in the group is from the party now in power, the ones that brought mass foreign paedophilia to these Isle initially

  101. Conservatives can't afford to ignore the culture war – Kemi Badenoch gets this

    All candidates to lead the Party must demonstrate that they understand the issues that are at stake – and are willing to tackle them

    NIGEL BIGGAR • 30 July 2024 • 8:15am

    The "era of the culture wars is over", declared Lisa Nandy in her inaugural speech as the Labour government's culture secretary on 8 July. Those who imagine that recent rows over gender, race, and colonial history have all been engineered by Conservative governments for grubby political advantage, will nod their heads in vigorous agreement. It's hardly surprising that left-wing supporters of reigning progressive orthodoxies pretend that dissent is nothing but a Tory artifice.

    More surprising are those on the Right who think these controversies are beneath the dignity of sensible people. Back in February, the outgoing chancellor of Oxford University and Tory peer, Chris Patten, urged universities not to let themselves be dragged into the culture wars, which "are invariably a clash between the ideologues and heresy hunters from the extremes", which pleases only "those who think that stirring up the extremes of identity politics is a welcome distraction from dealing with the most worrying problems facing us as a society".

    But the culture wars are neither artificial nor trivial. What's at stake in them is very important. So, it's also important that they be fought and won by those contending against ideological prejudice in favour of evidence and reason, whether from the Right like me or the Left (probably) like Kathleen Stock.

    On the gender front, there's plenty of reason to doubt the intellectual coherence of transgender-self-identification. When a biological male believes his inner, authentic self is female, what exactly does he think being 'female' is? I'm still waiting for someone to explain why this doesn't trade on gender stereotypes that feminists rightly taught us to abandon decades ago.

    As Dame Hilary Cass's recent report argues, there's even more reason to doubt that the well-being of young people is well served by uncritically allowing them to align their bodies with their imagined genders by making irrevocable physical changes. Or – as J. K. Rowling has long been contending – that the safety of women in changing-rooms and toilets should be jeopardised by obliging them suffer the presence of men who happen to identify themselves as female.

    On the race front, "progressive" anti-racism threatens to deepen racial alienation and conflict in Britain by importing radically pessimistic American ideas that espouse a dualist opposition between "white" and "black", seeing "white" society as essentially, structurally, and irredeemably racist.

    As the report of Tony Sewell's Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities argued in March 2021, this dismal theory does not map onto the complex realities of race in contemporary Britain, which include considerable elements of progress and signs of hope. Last year Sewell's conclusions were confirmed in effect by two books written by non-white Britons: Tomiwa Owolade's 'This is Not America: why black lives in Britain matter' and Rakib Ehsan's 'Beyond Grievance: what the left gets wrong about ethnic minorities'. Ehsan identifies himself as a Labour supporter. [And he writes in the DT, the tame Roper to Tom Harris's tame Labour supporter.]

    On the colonial front, the politically driven, unhistorical, wholesale denigration of the British Empire not only trashes the record of the West and corrodes faith in it. It also puts wind in the sails of Scottish separatists who justify the disintegration of the United Kingdom in terms of Scotland's repentance from an evil, British, imperial past. What's more, it exposes the UK Government – and British taxpayers – to opportunistic Caribbean claims of reparations for slavery two centuries ago. According to June 2023's Brattle report, Britain's debt amounts to $108 trillion.

    Outlandish though it seems, this could gain political traction. In May 2018, David Lammy, now Foreign Secretary, tweeted, "In 1833 Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act. £17 billion of compensation to slave owners for the loss of their property – my ancestors. The slaves received no reparations".

    In March 2023, Clive Lewis, shadow defence secretary under Jeremy Corbyn, called for the UK Government to enter into "meaningful negotiations" over reparations with Caribbean countries – supported by Labour MPs, Nadia Whittome and Dawn Butler. Lewis's parliamentary office is reported to be planning to run a parliamentary campaign in support of reparations, funded by Irish billionaire Denis O'Brien.

    The present culture wars over transgender identity, race, and colonial history are neither artificial nor trivial. What's at stake in them is the political triumph of truths important for the physical and mental well-being of children, the building of a harmonious multi-racial society, the effective remedy of unfair disadvantages between ethnic groups, the survival of the United Kingdom, the self-confidence of an important part of the liberal West, and justified resistance to exorbitant claims of slavery reparations.

    Yet, of all the main contenders for the leadership of the Conservative shadow government, only one sports a consistent record of grasping the importance of what's at stake: Kemi Badenoch. As women and equalities secretary, Badenoch championed legal reform to allow the exclusion of biologically male "transgender" persons from spaces reserved for biological females. As minister for equalities, she backed the Sewell commission and launched its report. And as international trade secretary, she rejected claims that Britain owes its economic prosperity to colonial exploitation, especially slavery.

    For sure, the voters whom the Tories will need to win back, if they are ever to govern again, care more about the cost of living, ready access to the NHS, and the high rate of net immigration. But they care about other things, too. In Scotland droves of nationalist supporters were so angered by Nicola Sturgeon's determination to relax the conditions for legal transgender transitioning that they abandoned their hitherto unshakeable faith in her.

    And that straw in the wind commands broader social scientific backing. Eric Kaufmann's 2022 Policy Exchange report, The Politics of the Culture Wars in Contemporary Britain, found that "the British public leans approximately 2 to 1 against the cultural leftist position across 20 culture wars issues". Therefore, these form ideal ground "on which conservative parties can unite both the right and the centre-ground".

    All the aspirants to lead the Conservative party into the next general election should bear that in mind.
    ___________________________________________________________________

    Nigel Biggar is Regius Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology at the University of Oxford and the author of 'Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning'

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/30/conservatives-cant-afford-to-ignore-the-culture-war/

    Badenoch is a bit too snippy to be leader of the Not-Tories.

    Lewis (him again), Whittome and Butler are amongst the people who give me hope that the Labour government will have its own very public fallings-out.

    1. The sooner the Conservative Party declares that it is no longer extant the better.

      The right of Centre must start again from scratch or join Reform.

    3. Lammyntable's ancestors may not have got money, but they did get their freedom. I suppose that counts as nothing when you're only in it for what you can get.

      1. Since Lammy's antecedents came here from Africa rather than Murka I would suggest that his ancestors were the slavers rather than the slaves. Even were they slaves, they would have been enslaved by fellow Africans, not wicked old Whitey.

  102. After noon all 🙂😊
    Left Lucker in Northumberland at 5:30 am.
    Arrived home at 11:45. My good lady drove both ways and everywhere we went whilst there.
    it's such a lovely part of the country to visit.
    I really recommend it. But perhaps not during school holidays. Parking was very difficult.
    Hopefully I will get further progress with my cataract removal op this week. It hasn't worked.
    Its quite a lot hotter down south.
    Slayders off for a rest now.

      1. Thanks Elie. We did I felt terrible thati couldn’t help out with the driving.
        I’ve got an eye appointment in the morning. Guess who’s taking me. 😇

  103. I see the labour party didn't take long to bash over the head the retired from a life time's hard work. The brand new chancer leer has banned winter fuel payments unless the recipients are receiving benefits. What a typically nasty hateful and vile thing to do to those who have worked hard and paid taxes for many decades. Passing on the payments to all of the scroungers who have probably never done a day's work in their entire lives or paid a single penny into the system.

    1. And how often have they tried to tell us that the Retirement Pension is a 'benefit'? Only when it suits them it seems.

  104. First victim identified as Portuguese & Venezuelan..

    Islam spreading its love the world over.. or is it Christian Rwandan?

  105. I am going on in a minute. First visit to widow of chum who died ten days ago while swimming. Back later. Play nicely.

    2. Those who live near the family home will know exactly who he and his family are, and will hopefully be suitably unrestrained in future 'communication' with them, even if it is just looks of disgust. Naturally, fellow slammers in their 'community' will rally round them all.

  107. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/727b290012d6993e03e79d9cbb422a9286013d6f399cc7565045a52be9a6f02a.png
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/30/southport-attack-live-children-injured/

    Am I alone in thinking it is rather sickening that they are now naming the victims of the Southport knifeboy/knifeman but are still reluctant for the name of the murderer to be released. Is the anonymity of the piece of sub-human excrement more important than his victims who are dead?

    1. They protect anyone that is not English. In the long term they will not gey away with it.

    2. They protect anyone that is not English. In the long term they will not gey away with it.

      2. And as I pointed out yesterday 17 is a very convenient age because a person is not considered adult until the age of 18.

        And who can forget the illegal immigrants who claimed to be 15 and turned out to be 25 +?

        1. Legal ages are very arbitrary, and it is a bit daft presuming someone is quite different either side of the tick of midnight, but there we go. I once spent an entire general election campaign underage, but voted on the day. I was quite popular with my 17-year-old peers – I looked younger than I was, and was always the one to be challenged in pubs over age.

          The age of criminal responsibility is ten, but anyone who has not reached 18 is legally a minor, and has additional rights and restrictions that do not apply after reaching majority.

          It is up to the judge to decide when and if the identity of a suspect is made public. He or she will be well aware that public comment may prejudice a trial, allowing someone to get off, when really they should be brought to justice.

          We will be told in due course. In the meantime, nicknames suffice. 'Pretty Old Stabber' suggested below is ok.

        2. He might have even been much older when he set out carry out his terrible crime.
          His age seems to be very convenient.

        4. As has been pointed out this person was born in the UK, so his age is probably correct – if only because his parents wanted to claim all of the benefits available.

          isn't it possible to treat a minor as an adult and convict them in adult court?

          At some point, Canada had the ability to deport canadian born criminals back to their parents country of origin, maybe you could try it.

          2. I notice you use the past tense. Would it be Turdeau who stopped such a common sense policy?

  108. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/727b290012d6993e03e79d9cbb422a9286013d6f399cc7565045a52be9a6f02a.png
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/30/southport-attack-live-children-injured/

    Am I alone in thinking it is rather sickening that they are now naming the victims of the Southport knifeboy/knifeman but are still reluctant for the name of the murderer to be released. Is the anonymity of the piece of sub-human excrement more important than his victims who are dead?

  109. This is the one policy that demonstrates how terminally thick the Labour party is.

    Rachel Reeves criticises 'obsession' with private schools

    Chancellor insists 20pc levy on fees is needed as Labour claims policy will raise up to £1.7bn for state sector

    Dominic Penna, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT • 30 July 2024 • 10:24am

    Rachel Reeves has criticised what she claimed is an "obsession" with private school pupils. The Chancellor insisted the 20 per cent levy on independent school fees is needed after confirming on Monday it will come into effect from the beginning of 2025.

    Labour claims the policy will raise up to £1.7 billion to spend on state education, including 6,500 new teachers, but analysis suggests it could actually come at a cost to the Exchequer. Around 550,000 pupils – or 7 per cent – are currently in the private education system, but it is feared the VAT raid could price out tens of thousands and overwhelm state schools.

    Challenged on the policy by LBC's Nick Ferrari, Ms Reeves said: "This decision is absolutely necessary to be able to recruit the 6,500 teachers we need in our state system. "And yesterday we announced that will come into effect from the beginning of January so we can get on with implementing our manifesto commitment."

    Pressed on whether she knew the exact number of children who attend private schools, Ms Reeves replied: "I haven't got the number to hand. "There's an obsession with the 7 per cent of children who are in our private schools. I'm more interested in the 93 per cent of children who are in our state schools with buildings that are often falling down, with unqualified teachers … [The] money will be used for a national priority that people voted for three and a half years ago."

    Treasury documents published after Ms Reeves announced the Government will start charging VAT on private schools from Jan 1 confirmed some parents would be priced out.

    "The Government recognises that these policy changes may lead to increased costs for some parents and carers, and that some pupils may subsequently move into the state education sector," the documents said.

    It is the first time Labour has accepted in writing that its VAT changes mean a private school education will no longer be affordable for some families. Senior Conservative MPs redoubled their criticism of the policy in the wake of Ms Reeves's announcement.

    James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary who is running to succeed Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader, said: "This is an ideological decision that will hit small independent schools. "Don't let them spin it as a necessity. It's the politics of envy."

    Alicia Kearns, a shadow foreign minister and the MP for Rutland and Stamford, insisted her party will "fight" the measures introduced by Sir Keir Starmer's administration. "This risks the 2,000-plus jobs in my communities that our 10 independent schools provide," Ms Kearns said. "It hurts those who put so much on the line for their children to attend the school right for them."

    Bradley Thomas, a new Tory MP, has written a letter to Ms Reeves and Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, urging them to rethink their plans to impose VAT on fees. Signatories to the letter include Andrew Mitchell, the shadow foreign secretary, and Sir Gavin Williamson, a former education secretary, two of Mr Thomas's fellow West Midlands MPs.

    Earlier this year, The Telegraph revealed private school fees at nearly every institution plan to increase fees under Labour's policy. Average annual fees of £16,656 for a UK day school would rise to almost £20,000 if VAT was added in full.

    A separate analysis by the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) found Labour's policy would raise no money at all if between 10 and 15 per cent of pupils migrated to the state sector. If this rose to 25 per cent of pupils, as previously predicted by the Baines Cutler consultancy, the policy could cost the Exchequer as much as £1.6 billion.

    Critics have also noted the negative consequences when a similar policy was introduced in Greece in 2015. It led to the closure of smaller independent schools which were unable to cope with the added levy, while there were acute shortages of both teachers and places in the state sector.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/07/30/rachel-reeves-criticises-obsession-private-schools/

    1. Ah yes! Keep doing the same stupid thing, and expecting to get a different result! Thick as pig poo, that one.
      Actually, not just thick, but vindictive and spiteful.

    2. Unintended consequences, eh? Whoda thunk it? Well, most of us who live in the real world, given Labour's history of useless legislation and punitive taxes.

    3. Unintended consequences, eh? Whoda thunk it? Well, most of us who live in the real world, given Labour's history of useless legislation and punitive taxes.

  110. 'I can't imagine depth of families suffering,' says Angela Rayner

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said she "can't even begin to imagine the depth of pain and suffering" felt by the families affected by the stabbings in Southport.

    She told MPs: "I know the whole House will join me in sending our deepest condolences and strength in the hours ahead to those affected by yesterday's shocking incident in Southport.

    "And as a mother and grandmother, I can't even begin to imagine the depth of pain and suffering of those involved.

    "I'd like to echo the words of (Labour MP for Southport Patrick Hurley) in thanking the police and the emergency services for their swift response, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have already sadly lost loved ones, and (those who) are now fighting for their lives as well."

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/30/southport-attack-live-children-injured/

    I wonder if she'll be as keen to share her thoughts if this should this turn out to be another immigration disaster.

    2. From reports that have got out, it seems that the suspect was born in this country of Rwandan parentage. Does that make him British?

      A lot of bother might be coming from the second generation, who can claim this as their country of birth, without necessarily owing any loyalty to it.

      1. The French very wisely do not give French nationality to all those born in France if their parents are not French.

        Our two sons were born in France but they have British nationality and British passports. They also have an automatic entitlement to Dutch nationality through their mother.

    3. These politicians need to suffer such incidents themselves – maybe that might lead to some action.

      1. They just get us to pay for increased security. They never talk about why it is happening so often.

      2. I remember a German's politician's daughter met a similar fate a few years ago and it didn't make any difference, the message was tolerance, tolerance and more tolerance. It seemed to be a virtue signalling exercise on his part, perhaps he was leaned upon.

        1. I also remember that. Completely brainwashed useful idiot who actually deserves not a moment of sympathy.

          1. I performed a delicate operation this morning, with a junior hacksaw blade, to remove his 'second trunk'.

            Check yesterday's photo and you'll see what I mean.

          3. Indeed I am. Too many prudes told me that it was 'over the top'. I didn't want to risk upset offending the recipient (who knows nothing about it yet).

            Thankfully I have before-and-after photos of the curio.

    2. My pool is just under 34°C at the surface and singularly unpleasant for trying to do lengths.

  112. Well done Nathan Hales – not just a gold medal in the Men’s Trap shooting, but a new Olympic record of 48 hits from 50 shots!! Brilliant. Sport result – Olympics

  113. People actually pay good money for this?
    MB and I thought we'd suss out a local golf club that has been pushing how good it was for stuff other than playing with your balls.
    Absolutely beautiful grounds.
    Crap food. Crap atmosphere.
    Thank goodness we checked it out before taking others there.

    1. Golf clubs that have good food are the private type that don't need to advertise their wares. Few golf club restaurants in these parts venture beyond. Do you a want mustard or relish on your hot dog?

      If you want reasonable food you would probably be better off going to a pub ,one of those garden centre cafes or a restaurant that focuses on their food..

      1. That is what we normally do, but we thought we'd try a change.
        Partly, we were recc'ing before going out for lunch with friends.
        Glad we did.

    2. Years ago I was driving past the road by the entrance to Stoke by Nayland Golf Club only to see Paul McCartney emerge driving a maroon coloured Bentley. He proceeded to follow us until we reached the outskirts of Colchester.

      We postulated that McCartney had likely taken lunch at the Club as opposed to playing golf.

    1. Put them in a room with the Manchester Muzzies for half an hour. That should do it.

    2. Give them a toothbrush and keep them there until the damage is cleaned up. They can buy themselves food at the expensive airport outlets if they wish.

    3. But they are very young and they are talented musicians and feel passionately about the environment and should not be sent to prison because they will miss their brother's wedding next year.

        1. It's those white middle class gits that hold up the welcome signs. They need a good kicking too.

    5. It's the casually contemptuous manner that raises the hackles – a little spray here, another there, all with that lazy swagger.

      One of them will be badly hurt one day but will get all the sympathy.

      1. When they stick themselves to the floor with superglue they should be left in situ, with plenty of water, for a few days so that they soil themselves and beg for food.

        1. Hopefully the water will be placed just out of reach so that they really have to strain themselves to get some sustenance.

          That or a hosepipe ar infrequent intervals.

        3. They can have one of Grizzly's butterbean and mashed squid recipes to enhance the process

    6. How do these morons get past security when they're carrying large paint sprayers? These sprayers are bulky items and concealing them should not fool alert security personnel. The containers could have acid or alkaline contents capable of causing life-changing injuries and/or death. How soon before someone of a particular persuasion causes mayhem with toxic chemicals?

      1. I haven't bothered to watch/read but were they actually beyond security? People bring in large cases with musical instruments and those canisters could easily be concealed.

        1. I’ve never flown so my experience of airports is limited but I’d be surprised if there was no security inside these large halls.

          1. There are cameras everywhere and places like Manchester airport they have roaming armed officers and dogs.
            Don’t smile at them and certainly don’t pat the doggie on the head.
            Quite possibly for social cohesion purposes they leave the dogs at home.

      2. They also look like potential assault weapons. A mystery as to why they gained access in the first place, let alone continued unmolested by airport security

      3. They were not 'airside'. They were using orange paint to celebrate the incarceration of mus lims at Guantanamo Bay.

    7. They seem to have stopped gluing themselves to various surfaces. I'd like them to start again, permanently.

    1. We all knew he wouldn't keep any of his 'promises', and that he only says what he thinks/knows everyone wants to hear.
      A master of hypocrisy, lies, u-turns, envy and spite.
      Naturally, these parasites will keep their subsidised restaurants and bars, as well as all other perks.

    1. We return to Transylvania, prepare the transit beam.
      Say good-bye to all of this. (Good-bye, all of this!) And say hello… to oblivion. (Hello, oblivion; how's the wife and kids?).

    1. I prefer runner beans , I love them sliced thinly with my gadget , I love them cooked , and if there are any cooked ones left over , cold, popped into an omelette , or mixed with cooked spaghetti, with some cooked salmon , flaked and the usual a few cooked tomatoes and courgettes .. delicious o.

      1. Runner beans were mum's favourite veg. I like them young but not when they go stringy. My favourite have always been broad beans.

        Broad beans served with grilled gammon steak, mashed spuds, grilled tomato, mushrooms and parsley sauce were a favourite when I was growing up.

        1. I think they are particularly tasty when picked very young and cooked whole.
          The broad bean flavour is outstanding.

          The mature, but not hard, beans also make a great broad bean, pea and asparagus risotto. A spring-time favourite of ours.

          2. We get very good frozen ones here, but as always seems to be the case in France they are seasonal even the frozen ones.

          3. We get nothing like the produce you can get unless you go high end and or pay a lot. Our markets are mostly stuffed with Chines tat.

            I am using the beans as a carrier for what i am adding to it. Mostly garlic and chilli. For those who may want to snog later i have other choices. Whipped feta with roasted tomato dip. And an anchovy elixir if they want to go full on.

            I am also doing croustards, Ducasse gougeres and Pani puri.

            That about covers half of what i am laying out.

            I have sourced the best i can and i am keeping it as simple as i can. Though not as simple as pork pie and pickle a la Grizz.

          1. No one eats broad beans pods. I think you mean skinned (not 'podded'). Conversely I hate it when the skins are removed from each bean.

          2. Yes you are correct. Not sure how many skins are on a broad bean but the ones at school were like miniature rugby balls. I think you have to take off at least two layers after podding for them to be digestable.

          3. I personally like the flavour and texture of broad beans with their skins on. To me, removing the skins off broad beans is as utterly pointless, wasteful and imbecilic as "French trimming" the rib bones on lamb chops. The fat and meat on those bones are the tastiest and most nourishing bit of the entire chop. Removing them makes the chop look like a vulture-picked carcass lying in the desert. Whoever invented that technique habit is a twat.

          4. Probably some ne'r do well like someone called Escoffier.

            None of those trimmings are wasted. They go into stocks, soups and sauces. Those leathery skins make a good thickener for soups.

          5. Of course they are wasted! I want to nibble them off the bone, not drink them in a bloody soup!

          6. You cannot create a master stock without those trimmings. They are not wasted. They appear right across the menu in different forms.

          7. You can get trimmings from all manner of meat and bones. Just leave the meat on lamb chop bones alone.

          8. You have mentioned in the past that Sweden doesn’t know much about butchery. Are those lamb cutlets halal?

          10. No. I have a lamb farm just a mile away and another around four miles away. I have to tell them how I want my meat butchered and I show them photographs of English meat joints to show them how.

          11. When you approach and they spot you do they ever give each other a look or go into a huddle?

          12. I personally like the flavour and texture of broad beans with their skins on. To me, removing the skins off broad beans is as utterly pointless, wasteful and imbecilic as "French trimming" the rib bones on lamb chops. The fat and meat on those bones are the tastiest and most nourishing bit of the entire chop. Removing them makes the chop look like a vulture-picked carcass lying in the desert. Whoever invented that technique habit is a twat.

        3. Oh yes , I love broad beans , and the scent from a field of flowering broad bean plants is heavenly.

          Yes , I remember those days, boiled ham , and the same veg and parsley sauce as you mentioned .

          1. That's your problem. I detest bread pudding, which is only fit for use as a door stop. It is certainly not food.

          2. I would hazard a guess that your detestation of bread pudding is purely a riposte (and your problem) to my (much) earlier post about my dislike of mushy peas. I would also decline such 'delicacies' as tripe and onions.

          3. I’ve never had tripe and onions. I was given some bread pudding once in north Norfolk. It was like a soggy, claggy, heavy brick.

            I utterly love proper, custardy, bread-and-butter pudding though. The best bread-and-butter pudding I had was also in north Norfolk. At the now closed, and much missed, Red Lion in Upper Sheringham. They splashed whisky on theirs and called it Scotsman’s Delight. It was delicious.

        5. Don't like broad beans, Griz, if you mean butterbeans, and there is a limit to how much I want to have no choice but to fart. I first read that as mashed squid but have since put on glasses and clarified.

          1. Broad beans Vicia faba (aka 'fava' beans) are green. Butter beans Phaseolus lunatus (aka 'lima' beans) are yellow. They are a similar shape but taste completely different.

            I used to hate butter beans at school but they are delicious cooked in a pan of tinned tomatoes with some mushrooms, chopped courgettes and sweet potato pieces. Servd with some good sausages this makes a decent supper dish in winter.

          2. Yes, I’ve just remembered the difference, and BB’s mildly preferable. Granddaughter had a school song with the line”…and the broads beans a-sleeping in their blanketty beds” to a rather jaunty tune

      2. Sounds delicious. I never buy runner beans (invariably tough and stringy), just enjoy them fresh and tender from the garden.

          1. From Coffee House, the Spectator

            It’s no surprise McDonald’s is struggling
            Comments Share 30 July 2024, 12:30pm
            The news that McDonald’s sales have fallen by 1 per cent around the world between April and June might not seem, on the face of it, to be vastly significant. After all, surely there will always be a market for cheap and cheerful hamburgers, chicken nuggets and chips that even Michelin-starred chefs rave about? Apparently not. Ever since the pandemic, when there was a considerable rise in prices, the lustre has gone off the golden arches, and profits have declined by 12 per cent. There have been calls for ‘value added’ innovations, such as the current ‘buy three items for £3’ deal, but, as one McDonald’s executive helpfully put it, saying the quiet part out loud: ‘Consumers are being more discerning about where, when and what they eat, and I would say we don’t expect significant changes in that environment for the next few quarters.’

            McDonald’s is a grim, frenetic place where everybody looks both unhappy and unhealthy
            When I was growing up in Bristol in the Eighties, visiting the McDonald’s in the city’s main shopping centre was a treat reserved for occasional Sundays, and I used to relish every moment of it. The cheeseburger, complete with the obligatory slice of gherkin – my first introduction to that unsung hero of the pickle fraternity – was always the perfect mixture of beefy goodness and tangy ketchup, complete with the obligatory slice of processed cheese. The fries were every bit as good as everyone has always said, firm and crisp and moreish, and a strawberry milkshake on the side turned the whole thing into a satisfying meal. Was it remotely healthy? Of course not. Rumours circulated as to the provenance of the beef, the milk in the milkshake, even what the chips were made out of; I was informed that they had to be called ‘French fries’ not ‘potato chips’ because they, in fact, contained no potato. Of course it was nonsense but, anyway, I didn’t care. I lapped up every visit I ever made to McDonald’s as a child, and then as a teenager, and I regret none of it.

            Yet fast food dining in Britain is a very different beast, no pun intended, to what it was like three decades ago. The once-maligned burger has found countless upmarket outlets to sell it, many of which have foundered because they were too expensive. In my home city of Oxford, I mourned the recent loss of the excellent Tommi’s Burger Joint, the only place I knew that served béarnaise sauce on the side with your burger and fries. I was less sad at the end of our local Byron, a once-magnificent group that swiftly declined when it expanded too fast. But it would no more occur to me to visit my local McDonald’s – a grim, frenetic place where everybody looks both unhappy and unhealthy – than it would to order a tofu salad with added quinoa. That time is well and truly past.

            There have been occasional attempts by the company to go upmarket, such as the introduction of the would-be exclusive ‘Signature Collection’. This boasted supposedly higher-quality burgers in packaging designed by the appropriately named Julien Macdonald: a man whom I can no more imagine eating in a McDonald’s than I’m likely to see Anna Wintour enthusiastically tucking into a Filet-O-Fish at my local Maccy D’s. These have not endured, due to poor sales. Most of their patrons are not interested in attempts to compete with the hipper likes of Burger & Beyond or Black Bear Burger. Instead they want familiarity, decent quality and good value. As McDonald’s own executives have admitted, you may still find the first, but the second is debatable and the third is, increasingly, a thing of the past.

            What can be done? Short of rebranding the company as a retro delight – self-consciously returning to a heyday that may well have ended before I started ever visiting McDonald’s – there does not seem any obvious solution other than cutting prices, hoping that comfort and convenience outweigh people’s desire to try something new and trusting that brand loyalty will win through in the end. I remain unconvinced that this is really going to happen.

            My eight-year-old daughter is surely the target market for McDonald’s; an enthusiastic connoisseur of YouTube and children’s television, she is bombarded with adverts for the company’s wares on a daily basis. Yet when I asked her whether she’d like to go there for an annual treat, she wrinkled up her nose and said: ‘I don’t know what’s in the burgers, dad. Can we go to Shake Shack instead?’ If the likes of Rose Larman are lost, then there may be less hope for this once-ubiquitous institution than its desperate executives imagine.

          2. The type of person who goes to McDonald's is the type of person who is too stupid and too bone idle to make their own hamburgers.

          3. Used to take my autistic son there when he was little and am perplexed by the negativity. It was fairly standard food of reasonable quality and they had some truly delightful free toys in the Happy Meals. Still have a fabulous plastic Beast that plays a tune and turns into a prince. All for a quid back in the day.

          4. I can't say I've ever eaten in McD's – had a coffee, maybe. When I dine out I prefer a proper roast.

          5. It must have been in the early sixties that we began to see commercials for McDonalds on TV in the Twin Cities Minnesota. My parents never took us, hamburgers were of course widely available everywhere. I ate takeaway McDonalds at other kids’ homes.
            In London in the mid sixties there was Wimpy, a poor substitute for any culinary experience. When McDonalds came to Spain my children wanted to eat nowhere else but as they got older came to prefer Chinese food.
            So many places to eat good hamburgers nowadays. No excuse to go to McDonalds.
            Even or maybe especially in the US. ‘In&Out’ much better. The best is Pinks of Melrose, in Hollywood. A legend since 1939 they tell me. Worth the long queue which seems more or less permanent during the day.
            McDonalds lost the battle a long time ago

          6. I try to avoid articles by Larman although I can’t resist those about the Sussexes because the current state of the western world makes it essential to get some light relief through despising the entitled plonkers.

    1. On bail???? Why? Suspects in any murder should never be given bail. What's the betting these cockroaches will 'disappear?'

        1. Even if given bail, any suspects in any serious crime should be fitted with high-powered, heavy duty tags that can give a strong shock should the scum stray from a small prescribed area.

  122. According to a just published article in the DM caution over speculation on the identity of the Southport murderer was justified. They have interviewed neighbours from Cardiff. The parents are Rwandan and moved from there to Cardiff with one son, they then had a second who is the 17-year-old and was born in Cardiff. Presumably they are here legally. The father has apparently always worked and they rented in a nice part of Cardiff before they moved north when the boy was six. So no, the youth is not Jordanian/Palestinian who arrived on a boat last year which was one of the stories that we read. Just saying…. Geoff is quite right to warn us to be careful.

    1. "This is why the government must have complete control of all social media in the country," said Max in the House of Commons today…

      1. And remember during the Covid nonsense Jacinda Adern told the New Zealanders that the only source of the truth was the government.

        Funny how that statement made people trust the government less rather than more!

    2. I read that a third child has now died. Such an avoidable tragedy.
      I don't care how long that murdering scum has lived in the UK, or how young he was when he came here, or what sort of 'mental health' problems he has, he should be permanently deported with no right of appeal.

      1. Yes, it is a terrible tragedy and a third child has died. However, if his parents came here legally, and it looks as though they did, and he was born here, he cannot be deported. He can, though, be put away for the rest of his life and should be.

        1. There is increasingly a case for capital punishment for such crimes. Jailing him for life means we pick up the bill.

          2. I whole-heartedly agree with Connors and would include public birching for hooligan behaviour by 18 -30-year-olds

          1. She wasn’t actually chucked out, she was already out, just not allowed back in. In fact she probably did murder a few people, or was at least an accessory. She also joined a proscribed terrorist organisation. It may well turn out that this youth, who was apparently very introverted and rarely left the house, did the same and was radicalised online. We shall have to wait and see.

        3. Just like other ‘juveniles’ who have murdered children, even if he does serve a few years, he will then be released with a new identity.

      1. As a child playing war games the term "fainites" was frequently used. Don't hear it spoken these days but given the choreography in the HofC I can see it coming back into use…..

        1. For those who may be unfamiliar with the word:

          "The use of "fainites" was first recorded in the original Notes & Queries in 1870: "Fains or Fain it – a term demanding a truce during the progress of any game, which is always granted by the opposing party." The word itself derives from the 14th- century "feine" or "faine", itself deriving from the Old French

          2. We used to shout ‘skinshies’ for a truce, but I’ve absolutely no idea why!

          3. See also: "Fains and no returns" to follow "Pinch and a punch, the first of the month."

            (I'll go and have a lie down…)

        4. We used to cross the first two fingers and call "Barley", possibly a corruption of "parlez".

  124. Easy-Peasy – If you start with the last one:
    Wordle 1,137 6/6

    🟨🟨⬜⬜🟨
    🟨🟩🟨⬜⬜
    ⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩
    ⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩
    🟨🟩⬜🟩🟩
    🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

  125. A civilised world still operates capital and corporal punishment.

    An imbecilic world has banned the use of those effective deterrents. You reap what you sow.

    1. I used to pooh-pooh the hang-em-flog-em attitudes of my parents and dad used to say that one day I'd understand that the old man knew a thing or two. He did.

    2. My post has been downvoted by an anonymous "guest voter".

      There must be a closet woke Pinko snowflake on site!

      1. Get on message, embrace diversity!!!!! And don't downvote me, cos I will know.

          2. I love beef, and duck, and goose. I’ve not had decent tasting chicken since my childhood, and turkey is only fit for the cat.

  126. Jailed for life? What's the betting he will be out in under 20 years. meanwhile, every single one of his many vile, hate-filled, sponging dependents will continue to live in luxury courtesy of the British tax payers, including pensioners who have had their winter fuel allowance stopped. Meanwhile, that lot will never have to worry about heating their homes.
    The whole lot should be finger-printed and have DNA samples taken and stored, then deportation with no right of appeal.
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a39b37a6a80a57c3589e82a58192215d7d58cb7b9d586bcb3365887b0e545510.jpg

      1. Quite possibly. Either that or he will be placed in a psychiatric unit where he will be treated 'kindly' by wishy-washy do-gooder staff who will feel sorry for this unfortunate 'child.'

      2. Well, in Scotland you are allowed to commit brutal rape and not be appropriately sentenced (no jail time) if the crime is committed when you were under 25, as the frontal cortex of the brain (which is to do with impulse control) is not fully mature until that age! But you can vote and consent to sex at 16 (soon to be lowered and to include life altering drugs and surgery)

    2. I would suggest 95 plus percent of the British indigenous people would whole heartedly agree.

      He's Just another POS our government's have taken a lifetime to recognise and take action against.

      2. You’re being very hopeful – our government ‘recognise and take action against.’ They are only appearing to do so because public opinion and action is somewhat rattling them. I won’t hold my breath for any real, effective action.

    3. Cant we adopt Sharia justice,beat him with sticks , throw stones at him then cut off a hand or burn him/ hang him from a crane .. Simple really .

      Live by the sword mate, and you die by the sword .

      We need to resort to a few of our older punishments , flatten him with a heavy oak door impregnated with nails , or hang draw and quarter him .. Like they did to people in Wolf Hall.

      The British had some wonderful punishments , oh yes .

      1. I can think up a few more, Maggie. Top of the list, Capital Punishment and public birching. Both would attract crowds akin to a football match. Your Saturday/Sunday entertainment.
        .

    2. Thank you Sue

      What was equally horrific was a familiar BBC name like Huw Edwards having a macabre interest in the defiling of young children , but incredibly the BBC were unaware of his deeper depravity, yet paying him a huge salary even though he was on so called leave .

          1. That is what I think, pm. I think that Noncety is part of their culture, along with a hatred of Jews. All nudge, nudge, wink wink of course. But it is in the DNA of the BBC and has leached into the Civil Service, the NHS, Universities, Schools and every single institution of our country, which we are obliged to fund whether we agree or not.

            They must be defunded and held to account.

  129. It's already starting on Twitter. Similar to how David Amiss's murder brought about a conversation [about 5 mins worth anyway] about "online hate". The focus this time around will be on "knife crime".

    We will learn that the knife crime that does for a black youth in Dalston's rival drug dealer, will be the equivalent of the knife crime that ends the lives of several innocent, harmless little children enjoying themselves at a dance class!

    https://x.com/ITVNewsPolitics/status/1818236486883373458

  130. Untamed Birdie Three?

    Wordle 1,137 3/6
    🟨⬜⬜⬜🟨
    🟩🟨🟨🟩⬜
    🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    1. Me too.

      Wordle 1,137 3/6

      🟨🟨⬜⬜🟨
      🟨🟩🟨⬜⬜
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    2. Well done! I repeated a wrong letter in try number three.

      Wordle 1,137 5/6

      🟨⬜⬜🟨⬜
      ⬜⬜🟨🟩⬜
      ⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
      🟨🟩🟨🟩⬜
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

  131. In cases of murder, especially when it is pre-meditated and/or there are multiple victims, age should not be taken in to account. This 17 year old went out equipped and with the intention to carry out such a heinous crime.

    2. The effect of a microclimate caused by the build up of heat in buildings, tarmac roads and the rest. Cambridge is always warmer by several degrees than out here 6 miles away or so in the depths of the 'countryside'.

  136. And now the idiots in the new government are pushing hard to build millions of new homes.
    They are changing the planning supplication rulings to suite the proposed wrecking of our countryside.
    What a bunch of AHs Labour politicians really are.
    But it won't be in 'their own back yards'.

    1. Look at my link below, Eddy, 19mts ago.

      We won't have enough water for millions of homes , nor reservoirs or sewage plants . Let alone tradesmen , bricks , timber etc.

      Electrician son says they haven't a clue .

      1. Same old story Maggie, those effing idiots wreck everything they come into contact with.

        1. Not to worry, opopanax, ‘Civil’ Service be the wind in Rayner’s sails, more than in Badenoch’s anyway.

      2. The problem is KJ they have all the experience and expertise of crooked Whitehall to cover their terrible patterns of habitual lying.
        Therfore covering their stupid arses.

        1. There you go, Eddy…:-) especially Rayner in those god awful floral dresses and Reeves’ trouser suits….my style? old jeans sloppy sweater, usually covered in paint, pencil stuck in hair…:-D Did you by any chance see Liz Truss on Mogg this evening…I reckon spot on..

          2. Thanks Sir J….long day…off to my cot now, hope you sleep well…I’ll likely be awake at 5am, have some emails to attend to…yuk 😀

          4. It’s too warm..which reminds me to ask about your quilt/bedding, ca often help with sleep…tmrw 🦉 think this is a night owl 🤞😊

          5. Here’s more suggestions…..easy one is have you tried an eye mask…other one is a coverless duvet or even a weighted blanket..?

  137. Afternoon, all. Just had my boiler serviced and a long chat with my totally unwoke, pro-Brexit "normal" servicer.

    The fact that Labour got its mitts on the levers of power should cause taxpayers to shake in their shoes, frankly.

  138. Slovakia Government to Boycott ‘Degenerate’ Olympic Closing Ceremony

    The leftist-populist government of Slovakia has announced that it will not take part in the closing ceremonies of the Paris Olympics over the “insult” to Christianity and the “degenerate decadence” put on display during the opening of the games.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba announced on social media on Monday that he will cancel his planned trip to France to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympics after an LGBTQ-themed apparent parody of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ enraged Christians worldwide.

    Taraba, who has been covering certain responsibilities in the wake of the failed assassination attempt of PM Robert Fico in May, said: “I was supposed to represent Slovakia at the closing ceremony, but this Olympics will be forever written as a repulsive symbol and degenerate decadence.”

    The Slovakian politician added that the organizers of the Opening Ceremony had “abused the beauty of sport and made it progressive political theater.”

    “For that, I decided that I will not participate in the ceremony.”

    2. Isn't it odd how the countries that had communism forced upon them post WWII and escaped its clutches are the only ones willing to fight this current attempt by the left to reinstall it.

      1. In the same way that countries that were annexed by the Ottoman Empire are less than enthusiastic about the ROP.

    3. It appears the further East in Europe the more common sense there is, unaffected by the progressive political poison being fed to the west.

          1. Quite, but one might have thought common sense would have prevailed by now.
            Even if they "win", they don't.

    4. I am reminded of the formation of the UK Labour Party, a strong Methodist and wider Protestant Working Class contingent. I suspect they would of said something similar. Not anymore.

      1. The splendid Jonathan Meades had something to say about the Labour Party's founding in BBC's 'The Joy Of Essex'.

        He spoke of the communes of the late 19th and early 20th century that were set up by wealthy and well-meaning people for the benefit of the poor of East London.

        (10:30) Referring to soap magnate's Joseph Fels commune "…the Fabian Beatrice Webb dismissed Fels as a 'decidedly vulgar little Jew'. She was merely manifesting the knee-jerk anti-Semitism which a chapter of the English Left displays to this day in its enthusiasm for Palestine and Islam."

        (12:15) "There were further communes…most notably at Purleigh, outside the town of Maldon. Christian non-conformity was powerful around 1900. The incipient Labour Party – its founder Kier Hardie was MP for West Ham which was then in Essex – owed little to Marx and much to chapel, evangelism and a distaste for international finance i.e. Jewry. It was also indebted to what Ramsay Macdonald called 'Man's creative utopia building faculty'."

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wujXeI6rj6U

        1. Good post. I’ll need a little more evidence of Hardie’s anti-Semitism than the hearsay of a passing assertion in a barrage of Meades assertions. But duly noted.

          1. ‘Keir Hardie anti-semitism’ will return some results.

            Most of the British establishment was anti-Semitic but it was particularly strong in the Labour Party with its inherent anti-capitalist sentiment “Big money is bad, big money is Jewish, therefore Jews are bad.” Nothing much has changed.

            And Meades is always worth a watch.

  140. Some ship designated RO8 has been in and out of Pompey harbour. Went to Scotland where they set fire to it and is now out again for Cowes week. Anyone would think there wasn't a war on !

    1. R08 is the pennant number of the HMS Queen Elizabeth. The letter at the start of a Royal Navy pennant number denotes the class of ship it is assigned to. R is the letter that denotes aircraft carriers.

      1. I know. Just being facetious. I'm watching her on live cam. She is going to the Isle of Wight and will do some sort of rubbish to celebrate Yachts.

    1. Since the parents come from Rwanda which is a 90% Christian country I think that is unlikely.

      1. Still leaves 10%. It isn't a particularly Christian act. There are other "religions" which find it normal, though.

      3. We shall see. Certainly we know that Rwandans can go big on the killing front …

  142. Was the booing of Sir Keir Starmer in Southport today mainly by Reform voters or DidNotVoters?

    PS Where was Starmer's "Refugees Welcome" placard?

          2. My lips are sealed. I might want to stand for Parliament at a future date and you know how posts come back to bite you!

    1. Nah! It has to be catastrophic climate change – caused by Maggie Thatcher, natch.

    2. No comments allowed on anything to do with this I see. So much for a free press and freedom of expression.
      I see also that the adverts are not only including black people, but now making them the main protagonists with the occasional white person put in.
      I assume now that blacks and immigrants are seen as the true English and white people are just an embarrassing throwback.

    1. I have to wonder how many understand the power of Magna Carta and Common (Natural) Law. I've barely grasped it.

  148. 390493+ up ticks,

    Evening C1,

    Depends on the daily boat landings during the invasion.

  149. That's me for today. It was sort of sunny, but cooler. Clearly a short Ice Age on its way. Grass cut. Vegetables watered. Wine imbibed….
    Sorry that only two people wanted the ACE Cucumber Relish recipe. You don't know what you are missing.

    Spent an hour and a half with our great chum whose husband died ten days ago. Got the full – and very touching – story. They have a house in Frinton where they spend a couple of weeks a month. The day before, they spent what Sue called the most fantastic and happy day together – joined by two friends whom John had known for 67 years. Stories told, drink taken, a shared meal. On "the day" – morning, crossword done, various plans made for their very shortly to be celebrated 40th wedding anniv. After lunch, John decided to go for a swim – something he had done hundreds of times. An hour later Sue was alerted by a woman asking if anyone had a relative "in the sea".

    Long story cut short. Thanks to modern technology, a young couple spending the day on the beach decided to make a film on their phone (no, don't ask me). That 35 minute video captured John walking slowly and happily into the sea, leaving his shirt on the breakwater and starting to swim. He suddenly stopped – and "floated". He was dead – massive heart attack. He felt nothing. What a way to die? Happy, contented close to family and friends.

    Because of all the video evidence, NO inquest required. Funeral this Friday – a mere two weeks after John's death.

    A man greatly admired for his learning and humility. Brilliant teacher, writer, critic, producer of plays. Lifelong fan on Notts CCC. The only person I know who really appreciated one of the bottles from my 1970s claret stock. A wonderful, earthy laugh.

    The one thing for me is that the last time I saw him -on 1 July – he was in terrific form – cracking jokes, telling stories just wonderful company.

    Live each day, my friends…..

    A demain

    1. When the time comes that's how I would wish to go.
      Suddenly, instantly and no prior knowledge, doing something I love.
      RIP

      2. Since a third of it is already dead, I think my heart will just stop one day (or night). And, bang, out went all the lights.

        1. I was extremely fortunate. I was “under the knife” within two hours of the initial huge pain in the chest.

    2. Best way to go, no dribbling in a care home and endless sadness watching the person who was.

    3. I shall try making it on Sunday or Monday when Tesco has delivered missing ingredients.

  150. Anyone see the footage of Keir being heckled as he lay wreaths, in Southport, for those poor mites.
    'How many more children, Prime Minister?' Apparently, Yvette Cooper had the gall to pay a visit too. The two biggest proponents of open borders in the country, if not the world.

      1. Persons of colour: Patel, Dimly, Badenoch
        Others: Stride, Jenrick, Tugentwat

  154. Whilst I take your point, I'm actually pleased Labour stopped the scheme.

    It was going to cost a fortune, and we were obliged to take Rwandans that Rwanda didn't want, burdens on the NHS, relatives etc etc. with no guarantee that the exports would not return a few months down the line by the routes they originally arrived with the money we gave them being used to get them back again, but with a little more of our cash in their pockets.

    It was a stupid scheme.

  156. Two boxers are CLEARED to compete in the Olympics as women, despite being disqualified from the World Championships last year… as former athletes claim that 'gender ideology will get women KILLED'

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-13684553/Two-boxers-CLEARED-compete-Olympics.html

    Show me a single sport where women pretending to be men are winning medals in men's sport anywhere, let alone the Olympics.
    I'm sure there must be examples, but I'm unaware of them.
    I don't count sports where, for example, the manowom is being carried by a horse or similar, where the lighter frame helps.

      1. The women should gang up and beat nine flavours of shit out of them in the changing rooms.

    2. All sportswomen should attend their event and, when the starting pistol or whatever is sounded, they should just stand back and not take part. That would show the idiots/cheats up.

      1. True, but the idiots in charge would still award the medals to them.

        I hope you enjoyed his nibs’ birthday!

        1. Certainly did, thanks. Had a wonderful meal, actually courtesy of our son, dil and grandson, meant to be a Christmas present, at a hotel Near East Grinstead. The present was a 7 taster meal but when Alf went to book it they didn’t start them until the spring. Still hadn’t started a few weeks later and then it turned out they weren’t doing them at all! So we had a 3 course proper meal instead and booked it for Alf’s birthday. Came away with a bottle of Rioja, too, as an apology for the trouble he went through trying to book something.

          Have a look at the menu, the Alexander House Hotel and spa near Crawley.

  157. Apparently, according to Yvette, it's all our fault. We dare to mention online, you see, just how hypocritical she and her cohort are for promoting open borders and unlimited immigration.

    1. Perhaps every crazy knifeman of immigrant stock who has been found guilty, should be sentenced to live with the likes of Cooper et al.

      1. Apparently our good Home Secretary says in that report that this is down to the spreading of "false information" since the attacks.

        Hmmm.. Perhaps if the authorities had spent more time attending to the spreading of some true information over the past hours, then maybe none of it might have happened then. Just sayin'.

      2. Good God! Compare and contrast with the craven behaviour of the police farce in the face of RoP violence. This is beyond the pale.

        1. I suspect they were already present in large number for obvious reasons. The Manchester airport business was a bit more 'out of the blue', with just a handful of officers on routine duty.

        2. The police know that there aren't another 4 million people available to turn out in support of the rioters if they gave them the same treatment as they are giving to the Southport protesters.

    2. This is what happens when the full story isn't allowed to be published because of age restrictions/prejudice restrictions.
      If the police and other authorities were allowed to publish what they know for certain at every stage it wouldn't happen.

      And yes, I appreciate it is difficult to know "for certain", but pretending that a perpetrator is black when he isn't or Christian when he isn't or a Brit when they are only Brit by birth from immigrant parentage is stirring up more problems than it solves.

      1. Apparently this is all down to the EDL (the Far Right, in other words) . I do not envisage that they will be cut the kind of slack enjoyed by the non-indigenous. It's all coming to a head now.

          1. Well, it's got to happen sometime, sos. Been expecting it but don't feel ready.

          2. If it turns out that the stabber isn't a Muslim, I fear that the most likely outcome will be the blasphemy and other laws that the Muslims have been seeking, which Labour will be only too pleased to pass.

          5. It'll be even worse if he is, sos. The backlash of the rabid racists endemic in this country against the peaceful Mussslim community will have to be curtailed by draconian laws

          8. You see, just pointing that out marks you down as a racist in the powers' eyes. A mere quibble to them.

        2. Do we “know” it’s the EDL? I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t some paid agent provocateur. I just am suspicious of most things HMG and MSM comes up with.

          1. I agree, vw. The lies are blatant. But I do think it is now kicking off in exactly the way they have planned.

      2. It's not going to make a blind bit of difference suppressing the story. What our government has forgotten, having gone to great lengths in order to ostracise its traditional base, is that a town like Southport is still an old fashioned community. Half of the North of England now knows the full background because it'll have spread like wildfire. By word of mouth, because people still talk to each other.

        You can put out a gagging order in London and you'll get away with it, because the people live in a permanent state of alienation. Not in Southport.

        1. Mark Steyn on this subject: “The west dishonours its child sacrifices before the bodies are even cold. If you wanted to turn the present low-trust society into a no-trust society you would "manage" this atrocity exactly as the dissembling and evasive authorities are doing.”

          1. Yes Sue, spot on.

            The biggest glaring error that the vast majority of the inhabitants of Westminster have made ever since Brexit I'd say, is that they're all of one mind: that you can lie to the people as much as you like and get away scot free. Neither side has been a particular fan of democracy in the UK, but the newly installed lot are hidebound enough that they'll try to brazen it out.

            Treat people like grown-ups instead of cattle, otherwise you're just sowing the wind before reaping the whirlwind.

          2. Yes Sue, spot on.

            The biggest glaring error that the vast majority of the inhabitants of Westminster have made ever since Brexit I'd say, is that they're all of one mind: that you can lie to the people as much as you like and get away scot free. Neither side has been a particular fan of democracy in the UK, but the newly installed lot are hidebound enough that they'll try to brazen it out.

            Treat people like grown-ups instead of cattle, otherwise you're just sowing the wind before reaping the whirlwind.

        2. All that is true, but if it turns out it's the lie that got its boots on before the truth was out this could be a pivotal moment in favour of Islam in the UK.

    3. The last thing we need is the EDL giving this government an excuse to side even more firmly with the Death Cultists.

    1. I think Sir Kneelalot needs to show leadership. A quick picture of him and his right hand girl kneeling in his office published on the front page of every daily. Should appease everyone in double quick time.

    2. Good. There’s a stupid bitch on GBN saying people shouldn’t do this because…because we’ve been told not to speculate about the killer and…and these people should just do as they’re told. Grrr! Notice the police are not running away from this crowd.

    3. If the stabber isn't a Muslim this is going to result in Gawd knows what laws to protect Islam in Britain.

          1. They are saving their bullets for the Patriots. This is exactly what they have wished to provoke and it will lead to martial law.

          2. Thank goodness Tommy Robinson is out of the country! Plod would deffo target him!

        2. As things stand, I don't trust anything I see.
          2+2 is equalling 5 far too often.
          The arrest might be true, but the follow up seems very soon.
          News spreads quickly, and an instantaneous and very large flash-mob occurs?

    4. And the moronic Pixie Balls telling us not to be divisive! She should keep her stupid pursed mouth firmly shut! How bluddy dare she?

    5. Our country has been infested with a violent, stone age cult that's been pandered to, indulged, spoiled, given endless cash and still sets out to kill us.

      They've got to go. An example must be made so the muslim realises once and for all that one flicker out of line, one microcosm of dissent and they are exterminated.

      1. If only. There is no will on the part of TPTB to do anything that will upset the you know who. I think it’s far too late for them to backtrack now.

    6. How many riots since our wonderful new Govt took over? Seems weekly, trending to daily

  163. Another day is done, so, I wish you a goodnight and may God bless all you Gentlefolk. If we are spared! Bis morgen früh.

  164. The "Don't be divisive" command means do not disagree with us or you will face draconian consequences.

      1. Yep, own the problem, I say.

        Instead of holding up a placard while ham acting a wan look, come out and explain precisely why. I'm listening. Everyone was listening for a while. But while stabbing after stabbing was allowed to pass by and all people got was basically a "be kind" people became deaf. Doesn't cut it I'm afraid.

          2. Aaaarrrgh!
            And they’ve just closed comments on the DT letters where everyone was congregating! Cowards!

          3. Oh, they will. They will but they think silencing comment excises the problem. It doesn't though, does it.

          4. Oh, they will. They will but they think silencing comment excises the problem. It doesn't though, does it.

        2. In fact refugees are, and always have been welcome in the UK. The problem is that the vast majority of immigrants don't qualify as refugees.

          1. Both points are true; however, it didn't help when first they claimed that they weren't coming and secondly that they were only being rejected because the country is racist. Politicians and the bien pensants told us that. To cap it all, claiming that they were doing something about it when they weren't wasn't going to help, either.

            If there's trouble, then I'm afraid that the powers that be caused it by their negligence and blindness.

          2. "pensants" – pendants are decorative things you hang around your neck :))
            Apart from that, spot on.

          3. Tell me about it! I write that every time and bloody spell check changes it every time. “Excise” is another one. Had to change that too.

            Edited now though.

      2. There's the problem. The Left wing political class are just scum. They should hang as well. They're responsible for the murder of those children, the concert bombers victims, July the 7th's murders, Lee Rigby – the list is endless.

        Hang them holding those bits of paper.

  165. Indeed. The divisions were evident in 88-89 and the Satanic Verses affair but all arguments against Islam will be off the agenda with this stupid own goal.

    It would have been distasteful for anyone yesterday or today to have approached a politican, local or national, at the scene of the murders and asked questions about immigration. Now the EDL have played into the hands of the enemy, who might not even be responsible, directly or indirectly.

    The BBC held back last night and earlier today. I doubt that it will tonight.

    1. I think the problem was rumours circulating on social media that the murderer arrived recently on a boat and in fact we heard the same right here a couple of days ago. The Police did say that they had said he was born in the UK which is apparently true, and I suppose to add "of immigrant parents" could in itself have been inflammatory. Unfortunately the powers that be are reaping what they have sown in always trying to hide the origins of so many of these villains to the extent that few believe what they say anyway. As you say, we really don't need the EDL thugs sticking their oar in.

      1. Dishonesty and lack of trust caused this. Precisely Peta. Blatantly lying to the people and calling them low education racists ever since Brexit and all the rest of it created the climate. Breaking 'the Social Contract' that they're so fond of can only go one way.

      2. 'Focus on victims'

        Merseyside Police chief constable Serena Kennedy posted on X that she was "incredibly proud of my officers and staff who have worked so hard to save the lives of children, investigate the horrific incident from yesterday, working with partners to provide reassurance to our communities and now they are facing this level of violence from these thugs".

        She said over 1,000 residents from Southport had come together at the vigil to remember the little girls who had died, those who were still critical in hospital and all those who witnessed and were traumatised by the events from yesterday.

        "This is where all of our focus should be," she added.

        The Liverpool Region Mosque Network said the violent scenes were "causing further fear and anxiety within our communities", it said.

        It added: "We must all unite and stand together against all forms of hate, violence and division."

        Southport MP Patrick Hurley said he was "deeply concerned about reports of violent protests tonight".

        He said the protests involved "people from outside our Southport community attacking our police and local people".

        https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv2gyv882nvo

        1. “"causing further fear and anxiety within our communities", ”

          Perhaps a statement condemning Muslim violence on indigenous Brits might be in order? Calling for Muslims to obey the law of the land? Etc? Unless and until they integrate properly and not keep themselves separate snd apart, they only have themselves to blame.

        1. It's a matter of opinion as to whether the EDL still exists as a coherent movement. TR left it more than 10 years ago because he thought it had 'become too extreme'.

      4. Peta, I rarely disagree with you, and on most of your post I heartily do agree. But "EDL thugs sticking their oar in" – really? Who would such people be?

        1. Whether or not they are EDL which apparently no longer exists is irrelevant, but thugs they are. It looks as though they set out to attack a mosque and ended up attacking the police instead. It really isn’t appropriate behaviour this close to such an awful tragedy and with a large and peaceful vigil for the victims going on nearby. If the murderer is of Rwandan parentage he is highly unlikely to be a Muslim anyway. That said, it is also perfectly possible that he had been radicalised but we don’t know that – yet.

          1. OK. Haven't seen it. If you are right, I capitulate ( but I really do object to anyone defying the PIB being referred to as far right nutters). But with the caveat that if you see it on the BBC they have a particular agenda, an agenda that is malign, self serving and completely congruent with the agenda of the WEF & Co.

    2. The BBC will wheel out endless muslim and Lefties who fervently support the right of these creatures to kill, ensuring the narrative is that it's the 'far right' who are to blame, or an unhappy childhood brought on by 'discrimination' or 'colonialism'. They're desperate spinners.

      This time it won't work. This time they've got to accept the truth and face it: they're responsible for incredible misery.

      1. This evening's 10pm news was quite measured and concentrated on the memorials.

  167. Israel's anticipated big 'retaliation' has begun, apparently, after major airstrikes were felt in the Lebanese capital of Beirut. Large smoke clouds were seen above a suburb in southern neighborhoods, sparking momentary panic and a large emergency response amid reported casualties.

    An Israeli military statement quickly owned up to the attack: "The IDF targeted in Beirut the commander responsible for the murder of the children in Majdal Shams and killed many Israeli civilians," a translated statement said.

  168. Well, chums, for me it's time for bed. So Good Night all, sleep well, and hopefully see you all fit and healthy tomorrow morning.

    1. The muslim menace must be defeated. The Left forced them on us and they've caused nothing but trouble. How many countless hundreds would be alive if the violoent sewage were never let in?

      They either integrate and vanish, or they are removed – at any cost.

    3. I really don't want even more Mossslem police. it's bad enough that they have taken over the judiciary and infiltrated the armed forces. No.

  171. I see there is copious reporting about local Imams and mosque dwellers calling for calm. Now why would that be?

  172. Indeed, I made a point of watching it and was pleasantly surprised. I can't remember the last time I watched BBC news!

  175. Oh dear. I just watched a medal ceremony and they've enforced the wearing of face knickers for everyone involved.

    Probably someone in the crowd was diagnosed with a non descript sniffle. The wokery of the Opening Ceremony it seems is to carry on through the entire event.

          1. Guarding everyone else’s more like. A noble and worthy cause, I might add.

    1. Those are what our authorities refer to as "men from Southend" or, showing flexibility "men from London".

    1. I had a cold bath before bed last night and, knowing it was likely to be warm, left the water in so I able to have another 15min soak at 3am!

    2. Thank you for the reminder of that piece. As you may already know, the Berceuse was used as the playout music for Listen With Mother on the Home Service. I always hoped that the playout was long enough to go into the middle section, which modulates into minor keys far distant from the major key used for the start and end sections. Even in my early primary-school years my musical appreciation and musicianship was well-enough developed to enjoy very much the harmonic progressions.

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