Monday 5 August: A crucial factor to consider in the debate about integration in Britain

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),
Intelligent, polite, good-humoured debate is welcome, whether on or off topic. Differing opinions are encouraged, but rudeness or personal attacks on other posters will not be tolerated. Posts which – in the opinion of the moderators – make this a less than cordial environment, are likely to be removed, without prior warning.  Persistent offenders will be banned.

Today’s letters (visible only to DT subscribers) are here.

906 thoughts on “Monday 5 August: A crucial factor to consider in the debate about integration in Britain”

          5. Tokyo's stock market nosedived more than 12 per cent this morning in the latest bout of sell-offs to shake world markets as investors fret over the state of the US economy.

            The benchmark Nikkei 225 index suffered its largest points drop in history, plunging 12.40%, or 4,451.28 points, to 31,458.42 as the broader Topix index lost 12.23%, or 310.45 points, to 2,227.15.

            By the close on Monday, the index had wiped out 113 trillion yen ($792.32 billion) of the Nikkei market value since July 11, when it peaked at 42,426.77 – a drop of 27%.

            It comes after a solemn Friday on Wall Street where the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished down 1.5% as data showed the US jobs market cooled much more than expected in July.

            European stock markets also closed sharply in the red at the end of last week.

          7. It’s very significant.
            Amongst other aspects, if the stock markets continue to fall private sector pension funds are potentially in danger of becoming insolvent.

    2. Whats, "japanic Monday"?

      Never mind, saw it below. But Good Morning Stephan.

    3. Whats, "japanic Monday"?

      Never mind, saw it below. But Good Morning Stephan.

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

    Keep It Up

    An old man turned 115 and was being interviewed by a reporter for the local paper.

    During the interview, the reporter noticed that the yard was full of children of all ages playing together. A very pretty girl of about 19 served fresh tea.

    “Are these your grandkids?" the reporter asked.

    “Naw, they all my young ‘uns," the old man replied with a sly grin.

    “Your kids?" said the reporter. "What about this beautiful young lady who keeps bringing us tea? Is she one of your children too?"

    “Naw," said the old man. "She's my wife!"

    “Your wife?" said the surprised reporter. "But she can't be more than 19 years old!"

    “That's right!" said the old man with pride.

    “Well, surely you can't be having sex with a 19-year-old!" the reporter remarked.

    “Sure" said the old man. "We have sex every night. Every night two of my boys helps me on her, and every morning six of my boys helps me off."

    “Wait just one minute," said the newspaperman. "Why does it only take two of your boys to put you on, but it takes six of them to take you off?"

    “Because" the spry old man said, wagging his fist, "I fights 'em!"

  4. Morning all. Two letters to draw to your attention. Here is the first:

    “SIR – Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, is quite wrong to blame the riots on illegal immigration (report, http://telegraph.co.uk , August 4). The responsibility rests on the criminals wreaking mayhem, and the solution is to lock them up.
    Robert Edwards
    Hornchurch, Essex”

    2. Is he subtly suggesting that Anthony Blair and his gang should be incarcerated forthwith?

      2. A the very minimum, if Stormtrooper is serious about jailing thugs, he should throw Blair in the dungeon. Just because you have the power to throw a spanner in the works via politics does not make you any less a thug. You are simply a thug in a suite. Blairs history amply demonstrates that he is nothing but a glorified Arthur Scargill. In fact far worse because he had the power to "rub our noses in diversity". Showing on the one hand malicious intent and the fact that he thought we should be treated like dogs who had shit on the carpet. Forgive my indelicacies but Anglo-Saxon bluntness seem appropriate given the topic.

  6. 'Morning All
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e794f5f9953579bbfcb833884ca72f64f26ff9a21b3ad660e44f4abe43471b69.jpg
    https://media.128ducks.com/file_store/ef119758dc83509474af6c0c9dd381d8924e3053f435feccd97dabb96e66d64e.png
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4772b8a1720bb2a7a1a35317206a25c01d3f588e3f2b28cb18c3e9233808069e.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1fd7d02dd785d5bb78f650f98163cb0494e0d4b646246f9d3df5580f1c7d2761.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4cbf377d4599b24fbd7dcd88c10d9bf0cf75a4f4028bf53b1185c33f59529506.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2e51f1d13408152cb744f6620ddbb6de7cd6f389724276d57b42a571b90e6c68.jpg

  7. And the second. I wouldn’t want to give my money to most charities which operate in this country anymore. The sector is tarnished, to the detriment of many decent ones.

    “Sir – – Frank Skinner’s idea that “working-class people” should not pay inheritance tax (report, August 2) is ludicrous. After all, if Mr Skinner leaves his children his hard-earned money, they will not have earned it any more than Jacob Rees-mogg’s children.
    All one can suggest is that Mr Skinner leaves the bulk of his estate to charities. His children can then have the satisfaction of making their own way in the world.
    Roger Wood Weymouth, Dorset”

    1. The comedian Frank Skinner, real name Christopher Graham Collins, is on the edge of a quandary, if Wikipedia is to be believed. He is not married to his girlfriend, so they could not take advantage of the spouse exemption on Inheritance Tax. He appears to have only one child, aged twelve, so currently he could not leave 100% of his capital to charity because he would be obliged to consider maintenance for the lad. Mr Skinner possesses intellectual property, copyrights etc, which will survive for 70 years after his death. It can be difficult to value a literary estate. For example, it is possible that he jointly owns the rights to a popular song about some lions, and the co-owner (David Baddiel) and his heirs may object to the hassle of sharing the administration and decision-making with a group of charities. And so on.

    2. The comedian Frank Skinner, real name Christopher Graham Collins, is on the edge of a quandary, if Wikipedia is to be believed. He is not married to his girlfriend, so they could not take advantage of the spouse exemption on Inheritance Tax. He appears to have only one child, aged twelve, so currently he could not leave 100% of his capital to charity because he would be obliged to consider maintenance for the lad. Mr Skinner possesses intellectual property, copyrights etc, which will survive for 70 years after his death. It can be difficult to value a literary estate. For example, it is possible that he jointly owns the rights to a popular song about some lions, and the co-owner (David Baddiel) and his heirs may object to the hassle of sharing the administration and decision-making with a group of charities. And so on.

    1. Gotcha, Mir, I too am exceeding slow but that's just trying to move. Read the second, thank you – a pair of sanctimonious twats.

  11. Morning all 😊🙂
    Sunny Monday.
    We have get a move on, ive got a major hospital appointment at 9 am. Why don't they have a lie in ?

  12. Good morning all.
    A dull start again, but dry with a pleasant 12°C on the Yard Thermometer.

      3. Had it all day yesterday, today doesn't look to promising as well. It's just awful.

  14. The response to the riots reflects terribly on our political class. Nick Timothy. 5 August 2024.

    It should not be difficult to condemn, without equivocation, the violence we have seen on our streets in the past week. The perpetrators belong behind bars.

    For the line between civilisation and chaos is thin, and public order is a public good too often taken for granted. Once lost, it can be difficult for the police to regain control, which is why the response to disorder must always be unequivocal and uncompromising, swift and tough.

    The headline is somewhat misleading. Mr Timothy is a dyed in the wool represser and it is more an apology for failing to create a multicultural UK than otherwise. If he had his way one suspects that the “Rioters” would be transported or confined to the hulks. There’s even a side swipe at Nigel Farage for not jumping on the Government band wagon.

    If there is a benefit to these riots so far, it is that it has exposed the nature of the Political Elites, anti-democratic and tyrannical, to the vast majority of the population.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/08/04/public-order-has-collapsed-and-starmer-is-too-weak/

    1. I've just shamelessly plagiarised, copied and pasted those last paragraphs as a BTL Comment.

        1. They should fear them.
          But, as the sheeplike reaction to convid proved, the shoe is now on the other foot.

    3. If by ‘perpetrators’ he means the various agents provocateurs, I agree that they belong behind bars. That would include various members of the media and political elite, various ‘anti-fascist’ types, those who were rampaging with baseball bats shouting Allahu Akhbar and – I regret to say- elements of the police who were cuffing unarmed citizens who were standing on the pavement in SW1.

      1. Morning Lola. I watched the poor woman in Downing Street being handcuffed. She obviously has/had no idea of the true nature of the British State and the Political Elites.

  15. Good morning, chums, and thanks to Geoff for today's NoTTLe site.

    Wordle 1,143 4/6

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  16. Goood morning all,

    Cloudy at McPhee Towers, wind in the Sou'-Sou'-West, 16℃ rising to 23℃ this afternoon.

    All we pensioners should look on this visage so we can recognise the man who would pick our pockets.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/90a564519c94379b5040ee87bc03b0f5362ce22bb6b3c47697a66c2d05b83d22.png

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/08/04/charge-pensioners-national-insurance-help-pay-social-care/

    One month in and already I loathe the sight and sound of Kier Kneeler, Rachel Thieves and the rest this Far Left cabal which is ruling us.

      1. The wife of a friend does not work. She spent about 6 months doing list work from home. She now receives child benefit – which is zeroed because of his income. However she'll still collect NI stamp. This is why nothing works – we're paying for idle wasters to get things they've not paid for.

        You can guarantee were the pension to be means tested it would be withdrawn at the top, not from those who've not contributed.

        1. I didn’t work when my children were young – I was at home looking after them. Home Responsibilities Protection only started in 1978 so I missed out on the years before that. I was fortunate before I retired that there was an opportunity to pay up for three missed years from the 1970s which made my NI record up to the full whack. The amount I paid for those three years was returned in full by the arrears on my pension. From then on my reduced pension was increased by 10%.

    2. Each new tax diminishes me,
      For I am involved, so unkind.
      Therefore, Dilnot to crow
      For whom the tax tolls,
      It tolls for Me! 🙁

    3. Each new tax diminishes me,
      For I am involved, so unkind.
      Therefore, Dilnot to crow
      For whom the tax tolls,
      It tolls for Me! 🙁

    4. Arrange the words "looking" "git" "smug" to form a well known phrase or saying.

    5. A source of 'sustainable funding'? Well, how about a tax that all workers pay that government could squirrel away until it was needed? Then perhaps a bloated, obese, useless government could, well, let's say, sack hordes of useless wasters with nothing to do and leave people to invest their own money how they wanted to?

      It could stop paying people to breed. It could stop paying itself. It could stop paying for the green scam. It could let markets do their jobs.

      If government just sodded off, as Billy Connelly once said, life would be so, so much better.

  17. Feeding cows pills to suppress their burps ‘can cut emissions’. 5 August 2024.

    Feeding cows pills to suppress their burps would be 60 times cheaper than other efforts to remove greenhouse gas emissions, new analysis has found.

    The cost of pills that reduce methane from dairy cows could cut emissions by around 30 per cent would add half a penny to a pint of milk, and should be backed in new eco farming subsidies, Green Alliance said.

    Before man appeared on the scene with a liking for T Bone steaks the planet was populated by vast herds of herbivores that occupied every avaliable eco system. They did not delay the onset of the Ice Ages let alone abolish them.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/08/05/feeding-cows-pills-suppress-burps-emissions/

      1. For a moment there Jules I thought you were referring to Labour's front bench…..

    2. It is reckoned there were 60 million bison in North America circa 1800. This huge number did not affect climate and methane breaks down quite quickly anyway in the atmosphere. This is just more of the endless climate scare narrative that needs to be countered by sane people.

    3. The overall population of cattle and calves in the UK is approximately 9.42 million animals. Just think of the wonderful profit to be made – 942,000,000 x 365 x 10p per pill = ÂŁ343,830,000,000 per annum. Where can I get some shares in the pharmaceutical company? I know, I'll ask my MP, he and his thieving mates will almost certainly have shares already.

  18. 390970+ up ticks,

    Far-Right and Muslims clash in fresh riots
    PM to lead Cobra meeting after rioters take to the streets in Bolton, Middlesbrough and Rotherham in a weekend of violence

    True reason,
    After so far righters take to the streets in Bolton, Middlesbrough and Rotherham in a weekend of violence having the so far Right and Muslims clash in fresh riots.

    So far-Right and Muslims clash in fresh riots
    PM to lead Cobra meeting tis global warming and basking snakes brought this into play.

    All on account the so far righters having the audacity to complain of mass foreign paedophilia, mass murders, mass uncontrolled immigration in total being the cause.

    Since 24/6/2016 this was ALWAYS going to end in blood and tears.

    1. Let them fight it out. Seeing a few muslims kicked about would do the world of good for this country.

  20. Looks like the Telegraph BTL Comments have only just been opened up!

    R. Spowart
    just now
    Message Actions
    Hmm.
    A blank BTL Section?
    Have comments only just been opened up?

    1. Morning Bob. I had three comments "Removed" yesterday. Not because they offended the algorithm but because they did not agree with the political zeitgeist of the Telegraph.

          1. Yes thanks- I had a bit of time for a look round and watch a parade of miniature steam traction engines – all beautifully maintained and lovingly presented. Very many vintage lorries and military vehicles too, both British and American- the sort you see in war films.
            Definitely worth going for the fundraising too.

  21. Letters: This is a pearl.

    SIR – Making a car “thief-proof” may be harder than David Rumsey (Letters, August 2) suggests.

    My 20-year-old, 213,000-mile Skoda, which had not been washed for 16 years, was stolen last month. Admittedly it had half a tank of fuel.

    Matthew Walker
    Witney, Oxfordshire

    Occasionally one sees a car like that, covered in moss and lichen. Presumably he didn't bother to clean it inside either. I wonder what it smelt like, who serviced it and how did it pass MoTs?

    2. My car is filthy – I live up a dirt track so as soon as I wash it, it gets dirty again. Hence I've given up bothering. My mechanic is only interested in ticking off the checklist and making sure that everything is okay for the MoT.

  22. Letters: This is a pearl.

    SIR – Making a car “thief-proof” may be harder than David Rumsey (Letters, August 2) suggests.

    My 20-year-old, 213,000-mile Skoda, which had not been washed for 16 years, was stolen last month. Admittedly it had half a tank of fuel.

    Matthew Walker
    Witney, Oxfordshire

    Occasionally one sees a car like that, covered in moss and lichen. Presumably he didn't bother to clean it inside either. I wonder what it smelt like, who serviced it and how did it pass MoTs?

  24. Letters 2: The last paragraph of Roy Hamm's letter prompted a thought for the patriot protesters to consider if they can organise themselves.

    Unless the Government shows it is prepared to support the police in identifying violent thugs and bringing them to justice, I fear that the exodus of officers will accelerate.

    Roy Ramm
    Great Dunmow, Essex

    People should engage with individual officers and ask them what their parents, grand-parents and would think of them. Suggest to them that it's time for them to decide which side they are on in this war against the native British.

    1. I think you'll find that most police hired these days are.. graduates with nose rings.. and therefore believe the faaaaaaaaaaar right should be gassed.

    2. Given that at two separate peaceful rallies two elderly women were knocked to the ground by police i would think the response to your question would be a blow to the head with a baton.

  25. Listen to his words carefully.. he acknowledges that state powers are not separated.. "convictions will follow".
    Starmer is instructing the Courts to convict regardless of trial.
    He may as well order that all charges against Fahir and Amaad Khan be dropped.. and instruct the sacking of the Firearms officer.

    Two words.. Police State.
    https://x.com/DrewHLive/status/1820124724879634817

    1. Almost as of was planned, with agents provocateurs planted in the (actual) peaceful protests to deliberately stir up trouble.

      But the state wouldn’t stoop that low, surely?

      (Sarc)

      1. I think we all know the answer to that….🤦🏻‍♀️ Gawd help us!

      2. This is why the fascist antifa and hate no hope turned up. They made everything worse deliberately through provocation and that was it.

        1. Gestapo is merely aa German contraction of Geheimstats Polizei. and E Germanyt ook it with their own contraction of STASheim PolizeI.That’s what my Platdeutsch and Bierhausen friends tell me.

          2. You probably know this. Säpo (short for Säkerhetspolisen) is the name of the Swedish Security Service. I have a police friend who was seconded to them for a time. I used to jokingly ask him what it was like to be a part of STASI [sorry: “Säpo”]?

          3. I didn’t, George, though I’ve heard the term. Thank you for increasing by minimal Swedish.

        2. Caroline made a very good GAZPACHO yesterday when it was very hot, She did her secondary schooling in Madrid and learnt how to produce some very good Spanish dishes.

          I loved the songs that Peter Christie of Instant Sunshine wrote and indeed I incorporated many of them into my repertoire.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X89Fdt5e280

      1. 390970+ up ticks,

        Morning FM,
        Prior to that we need, in my book, a battalion of Tommy Robinsons
        via his actions & rhetoric in regards to justice he has witnessed the inside of the governing odious beast.

      2. bbC reported that he had absconded from a trial.

        Which is a lie. Who do you complain to? The BBC. Who won't retract it. Who then? OFCOM? Ofcom are trying to shut down GB News so are as Left as Left can be.

        This is why nothing works. The entire edifice of the state is Hard Left. Selfish, egotistical, spiteful, pointless.

        1. BBC reported that he had absconded from a trial

          Most of the press did the same.

      3. bbC reported that he had absconded from a trial.

        Which is a lie. Who do you complain to? The BBC. Who won't retract it. Who then? OFCOM? Ofcom are trying to shut down GB News so are as Left as Left can be.

        This is why nothing works. The entire edifice of the state is Hard Left. Selfish, egotistical, spiteful, pointless.

      4. He may have something sensible to say but I can't bear to listen to him. There are several others with a similar annoying voice. There should be an 'ap' which translates and condenses their lengthy diatribes.

        Anyone know what he is saying?

        1. I'm very much the same. No matter what he says, he comes across as a complete and utterly uncouth lout.

          Whenever I hear such voices on the radio I immediately switch off.

      5. My observations are ..

        He is quite correct.

        Pen pushers and small minded civil servants do not hear the fanfare coming from the common hard working man .

        There is a lot of construction work going on down here in this area .. new housing estates tacked onto villages , quarry men who are busy providing sand and gravel .

        These guys have well paid jobs .. now do as I do , pop into a local village shop to buy a few bits and pieces , usually around lunchtime , after giving the dog a good walk on our local heathland ( the heather smells lovely) but look at the amount of fellows from different parts of the country , they wear their yellow security tops shorts or trouser , they are buying their lunchtime grub , and they chatter !

        These are the guys who have a trade , and move around the country , but as I listen to their conversations , they are not right wing thugs , but when their weekend comes they have to go back to the towns and cities they come from and the problems they encounter . They like working down here , it is generally peaceful and tranquil and pretty .

        Their deep roots back home have been compromised by migrants .

        Politicians have no idea about family roots and English communities .

        People like Starmer punished people like the Tolpuddle rioters , yes and their relatives all live in this area . The Tolpuddle martyrs were not right wing , were they .

        Funny how the left have latched onto the Tolpuddle story and used it for their own benefit .

      6. Precisiely. His message may be what we want to hear, but I don't want to hear HIM saying it.

    1. 85 million, not 68. That's the official figure. It's complete twaddle. Starmer's reaction is typical of the Left wing state. He's a bureaucrat. It's how they all think. That duplicity is precisely why people are rioting.

    3. Herr Starmer has issued eine Warnung to all those ganz rechts dissidents who are refusing to obey orders:

      "Your racist behaviour “vill not be tolerated”.

      "Be in no doubt, those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law,” he continued. "The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow.

      “I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves. This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online."

        1. The process is the punishment. Frozen bank accounts, missed payments, monitoring, finger printing.

          Just compare and contrast to the black looting mob. They burn down half of London and the Left kneel.

        2. The process is the punishment. Frozen bank accounts, missed payments, monitoring, finger printing.

          Just compare and contrast to the black looting mob. They burn down half of London and the Left kneel.

    4. Herr Starmer has issued eine Warnung to all those ganz rechts dissidents who are refusing to obey orders:

      "Your racist behaviour “vill not be tolerated”.

      "Be in no doubt, those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law,” he continued. "The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow.

      “I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves. This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online."

  29. One thing I noticed at the weekend event – the crowd of well – behaved, nearly all white, British people were very ordinary working class at a traditional vintage transport show. No trouble, all very orderly and definitely no rioting.

    1. Morning Ndovu. I don't watch much television news but I have yet to spot an ethnic minority policeman at a "riot".

      1. I didn't see any police at the weekend, just a few people in orange tabards directing the traffic at the gates.

  30. Good morning all,

    Dull humid morning , 17c. Golfer golfing .

    Brief discussion with son , who was bright and breezy after his half marathon yesterday .. so listen to this.

    Son is an electrician , more on the industrial side , and has had some heavy projects , as well as doing things like hotels nursing homes etc.

    He is shocked by the anger and damage caused by angry lads , BUT he has always talked about good natured northern/ midland lads contracted to come down to the south to use their skills re building, plastering , joinery , scaffolders etc

    They come down to the south from all over including Wales and even Scotland for the working week , live in accommodation and go back home for the weekend , contractors pay good money to these lads .

    One of the main bleats he says is some of the construction workers are foreign , standards aren't so high , and that brings resentment from all the trades because apparently the proper trades are being priced out of jobs .

    Are these the thugs Starmer is talking about , the backbone of the construction industry , lads who keep Britain ticking over , the repairers of roads, bin men , gutsy blokes who are fed up with the problems they live amongst , and the migrants who cause problems .

    Our labour market will be well and truly shattered , and Starmer has KILLED the goose that lays the golden egg.

    As I say the violence is appalling , the thieving and damage is wrong wrong wrong .

    No way back , is there .

    1. Yes. Agreed. My husband has it in the gas world. The stuff he has to put right, done by “cheap” foreign labour. It’s shocking but we aren’t allowed to speak out, because “racism”.

    2. Yes. Agreed. My husband has it in the gas world. The stuff he has to put right, done by “cheap” foreign labour. It’s shocking but we aren’t allowed to speak out, because “racism”.

    3. There is. The state simple says 'We're sorry. We understand. We have forced millions of people on this country in a short time and ignored the local problems that has created.'

      It could go on to discuss the damage it has caused, the political machination, the spite, malice and crime. It could openly acknowledge the pakistani paedophile rapists, it's own pandering, Starmer's personal fighting for criminal gimmigrants…There is much it could and should do.

      But no. The state reaction of 'We'll destroy you! Get back to your homes until we smash your door down while we molly coddle the scum who kill children.'

      1. What is the State to do about it? Can the illegals all be rounded up and deported? To where, how?
        Unfortunately, I see no way back, just a painful future wher everyone is at each other's throats all the time, endless rioting and killings.

        1. A good start would be to deport foreign criminals. The next steps are easier: stop paying them to breed! Stop giving them bloody money for their second and third and fourth wives. Stop letting them build bloody mosks. Stop letting them pray in the street. Cut off welfare for all immigrants – most of the ones we want, the European ones; work. The muslim ones predominantly don't. Forbid that ghastly screeching. Ban the burka. Ban the pyjamas they wear. Remove all funding for muslim organisations such as muslim police officers (do the same for black plod as well).

          When they complain, remind them no one is forbidding it, it just won't be permitted time and public money in a public building (do the same to unions). Stop damned well protecting them from criticism. Repeal the laws that were created for them to hide behind.

          Stop praising them. Stop promoting them. End the diversity farce. Burn abdul out of the media entiely. If they get uppity don't squeal 'mentally ill lone wolf' but say 'muslim immigrant'. Be HONEST about the problems they cause. and deport the family – all of it – from this country.

          Britain is comically tolerant and very decent in many ways and the Left have abused that. To get us back to equilibrium they just need to be ignored and to vanish, politically, criminally, socially, governmentally, visibly. They rape, stab, murder and bomb because some Left wing onanist on the BBC leaps up to defend them. Stop doing that.

          They might wail and squeal about being 'second class citizens' : they are! Get on with denying the welfare dependent the right to vote. Stop the political class using them as a vehicle for their own oppressive malice. The muslim, once our cash ad freebies dry up will go of his own accord. Once he knows it's open season should they get uppity they'll go somewhere else.

          That would do much to resolve many of the ills we labour under. It'd cut the state off at the knees as well as save the country a fortune in welfare.

        2. Send 'em back, whence they came. Let France deal with them as should already so do – stabbing the dinghies before they launch. It's the only answer, Paul, and will deter thousands.

  31. Good morning, all. Blue sky here at the moment with sunny intervals forecast for later today.

    A crucial factor to consider in the debate about integration in Britain

    Integration in Britain? It isn't going to happen. The divide is unbridgeable with religion and cultural differences forming the core of the problems.

    UK governments of the decades from the late 1990s until the present day have imposed their desire for mass immigration even though they knew it was extremely unpopular with the British people. The lies told by the politicians responsible for the levels of immigration are matters of public record.

    Now, it would appear that the current Labour government has crossed its own particular Rubicon with statements like the following:

    https://x.com/UKUpdates_co_uk/status/1820130188384199092 https://x.com/ukhomeoffice/status/1820152800031985771
    Why no statement that there will be protection for churches, chapels, cathedrals and the people that worship there and for the wider non-muslim population? It cuts both ways.

    Alea iacta est

    The die is cast


      1. “The Government needs to realise that there is legitimate frustration and pain felt in communities across the country, with recent murders and other violence becoming emblematic of people feeling that their society is becoming unrecognisable. But the violence must be punished.

        Not stopped, not innocent people protected. Those protestors must be 'punished'.

        Interesting choice of words – keep down the citizen, suppress dissent, use whatever force is necessary to keep the honest, usually law abiding in line – stuff the criminals, stuff the murdering, raping, bombing savages – you, the Briton must be crushed.

    3. …and armed police protection for churches, chapels, cathedrals and minsters? A weak Home Secretary, as is the rest of the Gov't.

      1. The Jews have had to put in those levels of protection up and down the country for years now. I noticed she's not talking about them.

    4. She didn't even say children will be protected , concerts policed , she didn't mention the everyday violence done to shop keepers from roaming gangs, the rape of children , the safety in everyday life from knife wielding maniacs, has she forgotten to whom she should be serving ?

      1. muslim is labour's voting block. She's as blinkered and mental as the rest of them, blind to the problems she has caused – or perhaps so desperate to protect her own stupid mistake in letting them come here in the first place.

        Why the slammer? They have caused nothing but problems. They're awful neighbours, they are intrusive, divisive, arrogant, dangerous. Why protect them when they're the cause of most of the problems?

          1. Cooper is a Lefty. A statist. Her default is to use the power of big government to get what she wants.

      3. My ex-copper mate who comes to the RAFA meeting with me said the other day he'd been approached by some girls over his garden gate who asked if they could come in and hide – they were being chased by boys with knives. After hiding in the bushes for a decent time they went off in the opposite direction. My mate called the police, but they said they couldn't find anybody. No wonder since they have to come from about 15 miles away. Knives here in the sticks?

    5. Integration is impossible, since government has made it an impossibility. Their idea of integration reads like an infants school class: sit quietly and get with your work or there'll be trouble. Blasphemy law protections for the easily offended immigrant, sweeties for coming here paid for by the taxpayer, government telling lies about the indigenous population, don't "appropriate" other people's culture since their cultures are separate from the greater population and is valuable, etc. The list goes on. Two Tier Kier is completely tone deaf.

    6. A good start to addressing the problem (apart from impartial policing treating all alike) would be to end multiculturalism and stop all translations other than Welsh in Wales and Gaelic in Scotland (okay, I'd allow Cornish in Cornwall, but I don't think there are many native Cornish speakers). The only acceptable culture would be the traditional English one, based on our Christian heritage. Even if people don't go to church, they tend to adhere to tenets like not bearing false witness, stealing is wrong, etc.

  32. Not easy:
    Wordle 1,143 4/6

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

    1. Oh no! When I was doing my barmy army thing back in South Africa in 1995/96 he was my #1 fave, plus of course he was a Worcestershire player.

    2. You batter fish before frying. Batsman describes the position on the field and is equally applicable to women playing cricket. And long may it be so.

      1. Female actors are actresses, the list goes on, but always the male version is applied. Pure ignorance of our beautiful language.

    4. That is awful news. Graham Thorpe was, in my opinion, one of the best, most watchable and eminently reliable English batsmen of the past 40 years. News of his premature death at 55 is a tragedy.

      1. Two of our friends who had all the Covid jabs and then got cancer have died in the last 2 months. I wonder what Graham Thorpe's 'vaccination status' was?

    5. Far too young. Batsman is correct despite all sports media having caved in to woke terminology.

      1. Only when it suits them. They want all the benefits but not the responsibilities or duties – such as working for a living, integrating and vanishing.

        1. They don't have to work for a living they make the dhimmis (that's us, the indigenous) pay them jizya for the privilege of living in a muslim country without having any rights.

    2. Why is making a list of demands? He should be apologising and being grateful. This sort is not helping.

    3. What's going to happen next, Belle, is that Muslim voters will move away from supporting Labour to supporting the Muslim Party GB. It is possible they will outright form the next UK government or be part of a coalition and influential in said coalition. Can't say how much I hope I'm wrong, but that's what I fear.

      1. More like they will join Labour in opposition to REFORM, hopefully our next Gov't, provided they keep their promises.

        1. Agree that looks likeliest at present, may or may not change prior to next election. Either Galloway’s being uncharacteristically quiet or he’s not saying much, hmm…

      2. A few of us have been seeing this coming for quite some time. Their enclaves are growing daily.

    4. They are actually the biggest killers of people practising any religion other than Islam. The killing is not just confined to Christians. In fact Christians are treated with kid gloves, comparatively speaking, because are people of the Book. Others, such as Hindus, do not have that privilege so were murdered by the thousands. After the conquest of India various Muslim rulers would indulge in a sport, the purpose was to see who could build the tallest heap of Hindu heads in a given time span.

  36. The Muslim Council of Britain reiterates its longstanding call for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia to be adopted into law in the wake of the Southport riots.

    Mocking of Christianity is compulsory.

    1. They desperately want a blasphemy law passed. Should that happen … life help them. A good start would be abolishing all of those organisations.

    1. Migrants are a side issue for a Trotskyite.. a means to an end.
      The end of capitalism has always been their goal.

    2. Migrants are a side issue for a Trotskyite.. a means to an end.
      The end of capitalism has always been their goal.

  40. 390970+ up ticks,

    Surely a test run would be in order first, as in adding them as a compulsory take to the parliamentary canteen menu.

    Dt,
    Feeding cows pills to suppress their burps ‘can cut emissions’
    According to research, new tablets, such as Bovaer, are seen as a cost-effective way of helping cattle to belch less often

    1. Undoubtedly interferes with the digestive cycle, so the result will be undernourished cattle, but all the feed eaten anyway.
      In any case, a few farting bovines is nothing like the CO2 signature of massive cities such as Bangkok, Beijing, where the aircon runs in every apartment and car at 100% most of the year round – now there's a CO2 source, not a few heifers.

          2. I was young, worked in an office and decided to look for a job further afield. I had always liked Spain. Never looked back. My family didn’t approve of course but that was common with all the British I met in Spain when I was young. Most of my compatriots succumbed to parental pressure and returned home after one or two years.

    2. Wozzat?? Not for the first time, don't understand. Are you trying to tell us that the Allan family are an unregistered and non-tax-paying subsidiary of Uncle Bill's tax-dodging umbrella corporation of Fulmodeston?

  42. Stop Press:

    Clarification form Downing Street.. "Faaaaar right" does mean "white".

  43. The response to the riots reflects terribly on our political class
    The appalling scenes of violence across the country cannot be allowed to happen again

    Nick Timothy : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/08/04/public-order-has-collapsed-and-starmer-is-too-weak/

    At least the DT is finally allowing comments about this issue:

    Here are a few BTLs:

    Andrew Schofield (738 Upvotes)

    Lest anyone doubt the significance of the protests, just look at Belfast where, for the first time in recorded history, unionists and republicans marched in solidarity against the occupations

    Reply to Andrew Schofiled by David Pittman.

    The boats bringing these immigrants are inflatable.Therefore they are easily punctured.If the French weren't so intent on shipping their problem across the channel none of this would have happened.


    Reply to Andrew Schofiled by Lynda Franklin.

    When fighting a war there is bound to be collateral damage. Make no mistake about it, we are in a war now.

    Reply to Lynda Franklin by Percival Wrattstarngler

    But the government is not on the side of the indigenous population who see their history, their culture and their values trashed on a daily basis.

    The government has used extreme right wing thuggery as a decoy to try and take people's minds off the key question: why are ordinary people – who are not in favour of rioting – so very unhappy and feel that they are not being listened to by the Powers That Be and the Mains Stream Media?

    The murder of the three little girls was the last straw. But the government seems to have forgotten about them.

    To borrow from Don Maclean's song: "They did not listen, they're not listening still – perhaps they never will."

  44. BTL Comment:

    5 MIN AGO
    When Labour won the Election :

    I did some financial planning and it looks like I can retire at 97 and live
    comfortably for eleven minutes….

  45. While I can still post articles such as this:

    "You cannot begin to fathom how irritating it is to the ruling class that ordinary people are allowed to just say whatever they want whenever they want – including having the audacity to fact check the media in real time, with no repercussions at all.
    That, more than anything else, has stalled the Great Reset in its tracks.
    So it has to go.
    Finally and forever.
    It’s why almost everything in the news cycle – from disease to climate change – can allegedly be “solved” with censorship.
    Because once free speech is abolished everything that comes afterward gets so much easier – including the second agenda being pushed right now: Mass surveillance and facial recognition technology.
    When it comes to this secondary goal the media are yet to reach the “call for action” phase. They are still locked into “fearmongering”, with widespread warnings about nineteen future “far-right” marches and calls to proscribe Tommy Robinson’s EDL as a “terrorist organization”
    Which, again, has the useful secondary effect of making this gentleman look more like a genuine force for opposition.
    Funnily enough, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was already discussing giving police “new powers to crackdown on antisocial behaviour” just a day before the Southport attack occurred."

    https://off-guardian.org/2024/08/02/uk-riots-the-agenda-becomes-clear/

    3. Even silence brings its own stool.
      There is an apocryphal tale of a village meeting in the USSR during Starmerist Stalinist times, when the people had to applauding loudly after the Commissar's speech; finally, a peasant dared to stop, whereupon he was seized by the secret police.

    4. Was he attracted to her habit of wearing white shoes and dancing around her handbag?🤣

  47. The MSM – aka state puppets – has, to a man, described any and all white protesters as Far Right Extremist Thugs.

    So from now on, I shall describe myself as a FRET.

    4. Thank you, Sam, nicked it for myself. I'm an unabashed FRET. Despite being 80+ and housebound with poor mobility.

  48. How dare the prols in England get all uppity at our ruling classes while they are busy replacing them.
    It's just not good enough.
    Not good enough at all.
    I think Klaus should write to Keir immediately and tell him to get a grip on things before the whole agenda becomes untenable.

  49. Starmer: "So you're saying three little girls were murdered last week? And several others wounded? Where was this? Southport you say? Are you sure – there's absolutely nothing in the papers about it".

  50. Starmer: "So you're saying three little girls were murdered last week? And several others wounded? Where was this? Southport you say? Are you sure – there's absolutely nothing in the papers about it".

      1. It is, yes. Just sweep it under the carpet. When you go to a synagogue you have to be invited. It’s often tucked away somewhere in town you wouldn’t notice. There are surveillance cameras everywhere, sometimes guards at the doors too. The hypocrisy of government is breathtaking sometimes.

  54. Anti-immigration protests in UK spreads as Elon Musk warns "Civil War is inevitable"
    "The effects of mass migration and open borders is what's going on."

    In Starmer's absence Sue Gray orders the arrest & detention of the world's richest man.. to save law & order.

      2. Apparently guard dogs in some parts of Africa are very happy to have black people around during daylight hours but turn on them after dark.

  58. Ah, but did you factor in National Insurance contributions due on pension payments?

  60. Morning all. Dull cool day, thanks to some god or other.
    I am brooding. Brooding about the utter idiocy of politicians led by Herr Stormtrooper of little brain. The MSM who seem to be delighted in repeating any misinformation that keep the current mess going. How can anyone solve a problem when he thinks the problem is "far right thugs" and, for Gods sake blame members of the the EDL!!! What the Fu&k, an organization that has been dead for well over 10 years. What does that tell you? What sort of information are these utter muppets working with? How are they fit to run a whelk stall let alone a country?

    1. I don't think he thinks the problem is 'far right thugs' and the 'EDL' – he uses these terms as a dog whistle in order to bring middle England to heel, in an "oh, nasty, nasty – we don't want to be associated with people like that" fashion. And thus the msm delight in doing the government's work, blasting these terms into all corners of the Realm.Tommy Robinson is used in very much the same way by the msm. It is also used as a distraction as he doesn't want to solve the problem….. chaos is what he requires to move the country on to the next stage of the WEF agenda, coinciding with what looks like an economic crash on the horizon.

  61. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/870e128095b5c2a8034f052872ad049bfc3fd753324aea1f4a283a789847189c.png
    Not only do I send the Daily Telegraph a comprehensive put-down of their idiotic use of the preposterously false and fabricated nonsense "far-Right", but they refuse to print it and carry on using the abomination, willy-nilly:

    SIR — I wish the press, and the current prime minister (report, August 2), would cease using idiotic, made-up descriptions such as the risible (and eminently unprovable) term, "far-Right" (also called “extreme-Right”, or "hard-Right"), which simply does not exist. The “far-Right" is a mythical concept invented by the far-Left (which does exist) to provide a smokescreen to cover the excesses of the various opposing factions … of their own wing.

    Ayn Rand (1905–1982) warned us: “Fascism and Communism are not two opposites, but two rival gangs fighting over the same territory, based on the collectivist principle that man is the rightless slave of the state.”

    Those who revel in mob-handedness, ergo those who believe that the only way to enforce their own agendæ is by rioting in the name of ‘the People’, may exist in a number of different forms, creeds and calling, many of which are a polar opposite of others. No matter how much each of those groups hate, loathe, detest or simply name-call one another, the irrebuttable (irrefutable) fact is that they are all of a totalitarian bent and all come from the Left.

    Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin all despised capitalism; Hitler and Stalin even formed the Nazi-Soviet Pact to counter it. Their creeds of communism and fascism shared similar beliefs: both demanding totalitarian state control, subjugation of the Jews, and a complete loathing of individualism.

    Being labelled ‘far-Right’ is preposterously idiotic. If you are on the Right of the political spectrum it means you shower, work, know the words to the national anthem, belong to a family, voted Brexit, eat meat, and prefer single-sex lavatories. Have I missed anything?

    Oh yes, I've missed a lot. It also means you love life, liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. You are an independent, self-sufficient and self-reliant individualist who has aspirations and is innovative. You are a knowledgeable, entrepreneurial, enterprising and hard-working individual who enjoys low taxation and small government. Moreover, your preference is a free-market economy, and you do not go in for mob-handedness, rioting and civil disorder. You expect these positive attributes to be encouraged and rewarded. Your self-esteem, your family, your locality and your country come first, and you are prepared to kill (and die) to defend them.

    In a nutshell, you are NORMAL.

    It therefore logically follows that to be labelled as being ‘far-Right’ means that you must be extremely free, extremely happy, extremely independent, extremely self-sufficient, extremely self-reliant and an extreme individualist; who is extremely aspirational, extremely innovative, extremely knowledgeable, extremely entrepreneurial, extremely enterprising, extremely hard-working, and enjoys extremely low taxation and extremely small government, etc.

    If that is the case, then you may call me extremely ‘far-Right’ until the cows come home.

    Does any NoTTLer know of any major news outlet that will publish this to a large audience? The MSM are simply not interested since they have their own politically-driven agenda, and I shall not waste my time or effort publishing this copyrighted piece on any forum that has a limited readership.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6bSsaVL6gA

    1. Did you try posting it below the line? Good letter shame to let it go to waste.

      1. I don't have the facility to do so. I read the DT through the Pressreader's 'virtual newspaper'. It's limited facility to comment is read by only a handful.

    2. Pay Elon some pennies to remove the word count restriction and there's a massive audience reach via XTwitter.

      1. As a result of excellent advice given me the other day, I ordered online, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, both of which I now eagerly wish to read.

      1. Explain, in easily-assimilated English, why that is the case.
        I know that it is factual.

  62. How long will it be before the 'small boats', that arrive by the minute laden with immigrants, are stolen at the beaches by Brits trying to escape this Sceptered Isle to escape to France

    Kriknud The reverse of the crossing between 26 May and 4 June 1940.

  63. Is Grizz online? I'd be very interested to read his take on the Police involvement – if he feels that would be appropriate. It's getting to be a bit "gladiators" here in Nottl, so maybe some understanding of the PC on the front line's position would help us keep a sense of proportion?

    2. Morning, Paul.

      From 1829, when the first police force came into being, until the late 1970s, the British police were public servants. We used to have to repeat the mantra: "A constable is a citizen, locally appointed, who derives his authority under the Crown." I joined in 1973 and this still held good for my colleagues and me.

      In 1978 when the Edmund Davies Review into police pay and conditions was effected, police pay was raised to modern levels after dropping down to the bottom of the pay league since 1919 and the Police Act of that year. An all-party agreement decided to uphold the recommendations of that review; however, there was a sting in the tail. As a price for improving police pay and conditions, governments demanded more control over the police. This led to the police becoming political pawns instead of independent public servants.

      This also coincided with the decision to bring in outsiders on the graduate-entry scheme, which gave social studies graduates (and their ilk) who had no police experience, the opportunity to go on a rapid acceleration course which gave them high rank within a few years. It is those execrable standard 'officers' who now run the show, and we have seen what their type is like.

      The rest is history.

      I am still in contact with a good number of my former colleagues and, to a man/woman, we are appalled at how or job has deteriorated. Most of us have stated that if we had been asked to do what modern police officers take for granted, then we would have resigned en masse. We would have certainly told the higher ranks where to go!

      1. The politicization of the Police – set in motion by Blair – has been a disaster and it is clear that the 'old school' policemen and policewomen, who were widely respected, are disgusted by it.

        1. It was set in motion well before Blair, before the end of Dim Jim Callaghan's administration. Blair just accelerated the process.

          2. Indeed, and we accepted our well-anticipated rise in pay and conditions with a heavy heart.

        2. My 93 year old ex-RAF mate who served in the police force when he left the service is incandescent with the way it's going.

      2. Thanks, man.
        A pity the modern copper doesn't have that independence of thought to use the history to inform their ations.

      3. Thanks, man.
        A pity the modern copper doesn't have that independence of thought to use the history to inform their ations.

  64. I have a feeling the The Conservative Woman is self-censoring at the moment and is not discussing the riots and the underlying cause of the riots.

    I feel sorry for Kathy Gyngell and her team – they are clearly afraid of being closed down just as GBNews is not prepared to voice some opinions any more: vaccine damage and Pakistani rape gangs are no longer mentioned now that Mark Steyn has gone.

    We are rapidly entering a land where is dangerous to say what you think.

    1. Censorship is the ultimate power of the Left. When the entire state machine enforces that censorship it is clear the thing has failed.

      It's notable to know that the EU has forbidden genuine AI. Not just administrative AI, but the entire thing. This is because AI would replace and then abandon the idiocy of the entire communist establishment.

    2. 'People' are now trying to stop mentions of Winston Churchill and have his portraits removed.
      If it hadn't been for him saving our country from nazi invasion none of them or most of us wouldn't be here today.
      th
      These morons need doctoring.

      1. It's almost certain, though not utterly impossible, that none of us would be here. If the course of time is altered then the exact moment of conception that produced us doesn't happen. Even if it alters by just a second, assuming the same parents are involved, chances are that a sibling of the non-existent us would result. However, I was conceived in October 1955. The course of time would have been very different by then and the likelihood is that my parents would have met other people, I and my sister would not exist and there would be half-siblings instead of us.

    3. Sometimes I get quite nervous about things I put online. But I always think of a quote by whom I do not know: "If not me, then who?" We all have a responsibility and it is a betrayal of our duty to one another and the truth, to go silent and cower in the shadows.

    4. I have decided to say what I think in answer to other people but rarely start the conversation. If we don't say what we think 'they' have won and that's even more dangerous. My d-i-l was saying a few days ago that Covid is spreading like wildfire, she manages a number of care homes, and there isn't a vaccine for it. I replied "that's why they've never developed a vaccine for the common cod because like Covid it is a coronavirus and mutates so rapidly that an effective vaccine can't be made". That was a conversation stopper because a a trained nurse I think deep down she knows that but won't admit it.

        1. Possibly it was intended to be a glorified placebo to mollify the panic that had already been whipped up by the politicians and experts, except that the placebo turned out to be anything but.

          3. It did seem to be offered as the get-out clause. But people are still lining up for the boosters.

          5. Yes – you’d think people would know by now that the jabs are useless as well as dangerous.

        2. Control of the people and experimentation.
          Vaccines take 10-15 years to develop including all tests.
          After the psyops of the lockdown experiment the experimental injections were just to confirm the plebs would do as they’re told.

          1. And huge numbers of them did just that. I had misgivings about their rapid development, but it was clearly going to be a requirement for travel, and at the time I had a twice postponed trip to Kenya booked. So I had the two AZ jabs and no more – I certainly dodged a bullet. My OH had two Pfizer jabs, and then a booster before I managed to convince him to have no more. We’ll never know if they caused his heart problems.

          3. And huge numbers of them did just that. I had misgivings about their rapid development, but it was clearly going to be a requirement for travel, and at the time I had a twice postponed trip to Kenya booked. So I had the two AZ jabs and no more – I certainly dodged a bullet. My OH had two Pfizer jabs, and then a booster before I managed to convince him to have no more. We’ll never know if they caused his heart problems.

    6. The gov have already said that they will come for those on line who are speading untruths. What they mean is those expressing their pov. It will be the gov who defines truth, of course. Be prepared for them to make an example of TR when he arrives home from his hols. He has taken on the state but His resources are limited and I fear he is about to be banged up for a long stretch. Interesting to see that police, court and prison resources can be found when needed over a weekend.

      1. They can come for me. It will just give people like us a bigger platform to tell the truth. Bring it on.

    7. The gov have already said that they will come for those on line who are speading untruths. What they mean is those expressing their pov. It will be the gov who defines truth, of course. Be prepared for them to make an example of TR when he arrives home from his hols. He has taken on the state but His resources are limited and I fear he is about to be banged up for a long stretch. Interesting to see that police, court and prison resources can be found when needed over a weekend.

    8. To be fair to Kathy she did send a message to her readers on 21st July – before the slaughter of the little girls – saying that she and her team were going to rest for a few weeks and put out fewer articles but would come back with renewed vigour after their break.

  67. Possibly trying to protect her journalists, they'll likely receive hate mail. Steynonline recommended, Rastus. Big issue to follow now is stockmarket decline..possibly even a crash '29 style.

  68. Possibly trying to protect her journalists, they'll likely receive hate mail. Steynonline recommended, Rastus. Big issue to follow now is stockmarket decline..possibly even a crash '29 style.

    2. Well overall, I have been seeing the same nurse every two years for 16 years. Metal on metal hip joints have a bit of a reputation.
      I was 15 minutes early and was seen straight away. X-ray and blood tests. All over in hour and a half.
      Hertford hospital out patients is very good.
      I’ll have to wait a few days for the results.
      To be honest, apart from a replacement I’m not sure what they are able to do.

    5. Love it Bill, thanks for posting. Is it true that if you scatter copper flakes around the base that will change the flower colour?

        1. I did a bit of research, KP, and you are quite right. A while ago, someone gave me a rose in a test tube in which there were three different tubes of differing colours of water. The rose stem was split into three and one of each stem put into a different colour water…result was a three colour rose:-)

      2. A friend of mine buried a metal chain under the hydrangea – amazing blue flowers were the result.

          1. No, I think it was rusty. It's the iron that gives the flower its colour apparently. You can do the same with iron filings, but it probably isn't as effective.

    6. Love it Bill, thanks for posting. Is it true that if you scatter copper flakes around the base that will change the flower colour?

      1. I have hydrangea paniculatas; one is vanilla fraise another fraise sundae plus Wim's Red – they start white and turn pink. I also have a Limelight, but that is greenish white.

    1. I just have! Great article – I didn’t want to be first to post a comment!😮

    2. Excellent article. Just one 'quibble' – mention is made of 'murder' of soldier in Gillingham. Thought he was very seriously injured but is still alive. Provided I'm not mistaken, think it should change to 'attempted murder'.

    3. I had my first one '20, due to family pressure. Fair to say we all regret it now. I'd say almost back to what passes for 'normal', but still hazy memory especially long-term, and also four years older. I'm one of the lucky ones. Bit suspect both virus and vaccine seem to have been Pfizer products. Very thankful for John Campbell, Carl and Tom, and quite a few others.

      1. To be fair, the early variants of Covid 19 were nasty and knocked a lot of people for six. But by the end of 2020 it was evolving, because a dead host is not an effective spreader.

        1. Yes, every virus wanes over time, just as vaccines do. Covid virus itself is now quite weak, but we could be forgiven for not thinking that judging by MSM. In Japan on around 10th booster, crikey:-)

    4. There's something amiss about Mr Olooney's tweet.

      While mortality rates have been a little above the long-term norm for long periods since peak Covid-19, the description of his funeral home's present activity levels suggests something other than what's being reported nationally. There must be a local factor at play. Has a rival funeral service in his locality ceased operating, for example, or is it a hot spot for an outbreak of illness?

      Even if vaccines are responsible for raised mortality levels – something I still remain unconvinced about – the numbers cannot possibly explain an increase from a quiet time of year to having to turn away business.

      In fact, since at least mid-May, mortality in England & Wales has been running below expected levels every week. No doubt someone will say that expected mortality has been artificially inflated to disguise the truth of exceptionally high rates of death for the time of year.

      https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/previousReleases

  77. Yes, especially in Northern England. A big difference in the numbers of births, tells us all we need to know.

  78. Policing protest

    The Leftwaffe at the BBC (Bolshevik Bullshit Club) is currently bragging how the State has always positioned spies in protest groups.

    The story of policing is bound up with the history of protest. Far more than dealing with demonstrations on the street, policing owes its very existence to fears of political unrest and to help protect the state from public disorder. In this wide-ranging three-part series, BBC Home Affairs Editor Mark Easton, with the help of former Police Assistant Commissioner Rob Beckley, tells the story of policing protest in the UK from Peterloo to the present – and beyond.
    It explores the future of AI in policing protest and new technologies deployed by protestors, the police’s use of crowd psychology, the testing of ‘operational independence’ in the face of political pressure and the regulation of what spaces may or may not be used for public dissent today
    Where does the future of protest lie – and with new powers at their disposal, how will it be policed?

    Can we smash the Far-Right and continue working towards full integration with the WEF and other Orwellian organisations? Time will tell!

  80. Starmer and the rest of the fascist left are confused because riots are meant to stop when they get into power.

    2. in the voice of cor blimey Micky Flanagan.. "Me nan would take one look at im and say.. he's a nonce.. look at im.. he aint right, he's a wrong un."

        3. He always looks as though he is wearing a hat that’s a couple of sizes too big.

  82. 390970+ up ticks,

    No balls goebbals and co were not a patch on todays political actions taken, the current final tally up will, I believe put the holocaust numbers into the shade.

    We must have an honest reckoning on the excess deaths & life long injuries when the current so far right rectifying actions have
    ceased, for a period.
    https://x.com/Dale423425Dale/status/1819869425191018785

  83. On which side of the political spectrum do I place myself?

    I class myself as Right-wing.
    I do so because I am peaceful, but I will fight tooth-and-claw against genuine injustices.
    I do so because I believe in discipline, personal discipline, good manners, personal etiquette and good grace.
    I do so because I believe in the proper, effective punishment of offenders against the person, property, and the nation.
    I do so because I believe in the custom that everyone has an implied duty to ensure that laws are not broken by others.
    I do so because I believe in personal rights.
    I do so because I believe in personal freedom and liberty.
    I do so because I believe in freedom of thought and expression.
    I do so because I believe in individualism.
    I do so because I believe in security of the individual, the family, your locality and the nation.
    I do so because I believe in self-sufficiency.
    I do so because I believe in innovation.
    I do so because I believe in entrepreneurialism.
    I do so because I believe in a hard work ethic.
    I do so because I believe in the generation of wealth.
    I do so because I believe in capitalism as the best means yet devised for creating wealth, freedom and security.
    I do so because I believe in a free market economy.
    I do so because I believe in the free nation state.
    I do so because I believe in free trade with other free nation states.
    I do so because I believe in the Government having as little say in my daily activities as possible.
    I do so because I believe that taxation should be the minimum that is required in order to run the country efficiently.
    I do so because I believe that patriotism is not ‘the last refuge of a scoundrel’.
    I do so because I believe in the defence of the nation, its borders, its indigenous population and traditions.
    I do so because I believe in human responsibilities over human ‘rights’.
    I do so because I believe that authoritarian Totalitarianism*, in all its guises, is a clear threat to what I believe in.
    I do so because I believe that the artificial concept called The State is an affront to personal liberties.
    I do so because I believe that any political party’s name that contains any of the words: Social, Democratic, Worker’s or
    People’s is none of those and is nothing more than yet another Left-wing abomination.
    I do so because I believe in common sense, not Common Purpose.
    I do so because I believe in personal responsibilities:
    Responsibility for my own actions.
    Responsibility to look after my own family without expecting the Government to do the job for me.
    Responsibility to assist, by my own efforts (but only if I so choose), a selected few of those less fortunate.
    I do so because I loathe Critical Theory (a.k.a. Cultural Marxism); indeed all The Frankfurt School’s doctrines,
    *I could add other reasons, but I am utterly against and abhor the Totalitarianism, that manifests itself as both Fascism and Marxist Socialism, which demands that the individual is subservient to, and his needs secondary to, The State. This is the complete and utter anathema of what I believe in and stand for.

      1. Too old and too slow to get involved. Not that I would, if I could. Welcome, Biff, you're new here, yes?

        1. No, Tom. He's an occasionally reappearing troll who talks a lot but has nothing of substance to say.

          2. He pops up to dispute easily provable facts that differ from his warped view. I've crossed swords with him before and his conclusions are easily driven through.

          3. He pops up to dispute easily provable facts that differ from his warped view. I've crossed swords with him before and his conclusions are easily driven through.

        2. No, Tom. He's an occasionally reappearing troll who talks a lot but has nothing of substance to say.

        3. No, Tom. He's an occasionally reappearing troll who talks a lot but has nothing of substance to say.

    3. best comment..
      “Home Secretary I must press you for an answer as to what's for dinner tonight?”

  87. Back-pedalling? If so, only slightly.

    Tory police commissioner blames illegal immigration for riots

    Donna Jones, crime commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said violence was more akin to 'rebellion'

    Albert Tait • 4 August 2024 • 5:15pm

    A Tory policing chief has suggested that "mass uncontrolled immigration" is one of the reasons behind rioting which has spread across the UK.

    In a statement Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, compared the riots over the last week to a "rebellion to illegal immigration".

    The Conservative politician said that while not justifying any violence she had spoken to people from "both sides of the spectrum" and claimed there was value in "understanding the views of those attending rallies who feel strongly but don't cause disorder".

    On Saturday, there were violent confrontations in Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool and Belfast and more than 90 arrests were made. Police officers were attacked and forced to draw their batons as they came under fire from bricks, bottles and flares. The riots have been sparked by the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on

    On Saturday evening, as violence surged across the country, Ms Jones, who claims to be the UK's most senior police commissioner, released a statement which appeared to justify some of the activities. On Sunday, rioting continued in Middlesbrough, Bolton and Rotherham where rioters attacked a hotel housing migrants.

    "I've spoken to people from both sides of the spectrum and the only way to stem the tide of violent disorder is to acknowledge what is causing it," Ms Jones said.

    "Whilst the devastating attacks in Southport on Tuesday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focused on three key areas: the desire to protect Britain's sovereignty; the need to uphold British values, and, in order to do this, stop illegal immigration."

    She said arresting people was "treating the symptom and not the cause" and that the Prime Minister had questions to answer about how the new Labour Government would tackle immigration and uphold British values.

    Nazir Afzal, the former chief prosecutor, called her comments "totally unacceptable" and said she was "appearing to justify rioting and criminality that police officers are bravely having to deal with right now".

    Charlotte Nichols, the Labour MP for Warrington North, told The Telegraph: "First and foremost, it demeans the office that she holds. We can accept that there is anger in parts of the community about immigration but that doesn't mean we legitimise thuggery. Considering the number of police officers who have been injured, I believe her position is untenable. She should resign, and if not, she should be sacked."

    Ms Jones is also the chairman of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners in the UK. Following the criticism, she released another statement, praising the police and condemning "those acting outside the law", but refusing to back down from her position.

    "I stand by my statement issued [Saturday] where I called for calm, and for the country to work together to stop this mindless, criminal behaviour", she wrote on the official website of the commissioner on Sunday. I fully support the police's response to stem the growth of these riots and those acting outside of the law should expect to feel the full force of it.

    "The violence we have seen has endangered our communities and infected lawful protest on a much broader issue. As a country this issue is something we should seek to understand without letting it divide us. I am confident there will be a time and place for that discussion in due course," she added.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/08/04/tory-police-chief-donna-jones-illegal-immigration-riots/

  88. Quite a fun morning so far.
    Drove the van down for it's MOT 1st thing, did a bit of shopping and walked home.
    Then the traffic from Y-Not festival began backing up about 9:30ish and it's still backed up from Cromford!
    What larks!
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a69855c4d88f3456d4a1812cd239f74916475162c1cb4f5dcc14d43df6263b77.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/108fdce30cc1556144682666e651732027f38f45c48eb70898f1102d605293ff.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e02930d8da77662a3c9ecd2a9779f5ff36c3251fc1fd09da586538805a4aeeb5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3bf7ac55826505c0dcc48add1ebb72218735be3fbbdd4f5c05c6bab7bd7279f5.jpg

  89. New crime of Islamophobia in wake of riots 'would threaten free speech'

    There is no single agreed definition of anti-Muslim hatred but Labour has previously suggested it would support one

    Dominic Penna, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT • 4 August 2024 • 5:10pm

    Calls to make Islamophobia a specific crime in the wake of riots threaten free speech, MPs have warned.

    There is no single agreed definition of anti-Muslim hatred but Labour has previously signalled its support for one. Left-wing Labour MPs and Muslim groups have urged Sir Keir Starmer to take a stronger stance on Islamophobia after a far-Right mob attacked a mob in Southport last week.

    But opposition backbenchers warned any new legislation would only serve to stifle criticism of religion and freedom of expression. Sir Christopher Chope, the Tory MP for Christchurch, said: "I think to subdivide different types of rioting, depending upon the aim of the rioters, is ridiculous. We should treat all rioters equally.

    "I'm old enough to remember the way in which the government at the time I think in the 1950s, responded to the [Notting Hill race] riots, giving out exemplary sentences to the rioters. People realised that this was intolerable behaviour and the aim was to deter. We don't need any more rules. What we need is to make the current law apply equally to everybody."

    The Muslim Council of Britain reiterated its longstanding call for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims' definition of Islamophobia to be adopted into law in the wake of the Southport riots.

    "The Government must address the increasing rise of violent far-Right extremism targeting Muslim communities. More must be done to tackle Islamophobia and offer reassurance at this time," the council said.

    Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, said: "If you want to make Islamophobia a crime, you've got to make any criticism or abuse or concern of Christianity a crime. This works both ways, folks, and this is a time for a proper, grown-up discussion about the role of religion in how we live and get along with each other in the United Kingdom."

    Mr Tice said there had to be "respect for who we are as a nation, that our foundation is Christianity, and we have to have a political class that respects that.

    "We abhor the riots, abhor violence and abhor assaulting police officers. But underlying this is concern about mass migration and two-tier policing, and concern that the new Prime Minister smears anyone who wants to have a debate about this as 'far-Right'."

    Zarah Sultana, one of the Labour MPs serving a six-month suspension for rebelling over the two-child benefit cap, is among Sir Keir's backbenchers who want him to go further. She said: "What will it take for political leaders to explicitly call out the Islamophobic and racist nature of the violence we are witnessing across the country?"

    She also accused "the media and political establishment" of normalising Islamophobia, adding: "We need a mass movement to challenge and defeat this fascism."

    Sam Tarry, a former Labour MP and member of the Socialist Campaign Group, called on Sir Keir to "unequivocally condemn Islamophobia and restore calm".

    The Muslim Council of Britain denounced the Labour Government's response to the unrest in several British cities, saying: "The Government is right to speak out against the extremism witnessed on our streets. But it has been silent on the Islamophobia fuelling that extremism."

    In 2019, Labour signalled its support "in principle and in solidarity" for a legal definition of Islamophobia suggested by the APPG on British Muslims.

    The MPs defined Islamophobia as being "rooted in racism… [and] a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness".

    The National Executive Committee, Labour's ruling body, has reinforced its support for the policy by working it into the party's code of conduct.

    Sir Keir prompted a backlash from faith leaders after the Government insisted it will not meet with the Muslim Council of Britain. [Pfft. They'll meet somewhere, quietly, secretly.]

    Whitehall has had a policy of "zero engagement" with the organisation since 2009 after one of its leaders allegedly supported violence against Israel.

    Alex Norris, a frontbencher at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said in response to a written question: "The Government recognises the importance of engaging meaningfully with faith and belief groups. There has been no change to His Majesty's Government's policy, and there are no plans for ministers to meet with the Muslim Council for Britain."

    The Muslim Association of Britain noted Sir Keir met Zara Mohammed, the secretary general of the group, in 2021.

    It said: "Now that he is in government, and Muslims are being attacked and mosques have become targets, his Government has no plans to meet the largest body representing Muslims in the UK. What changed?"

    Ms Mohammed said the events of the past week represented "two Britains" – a "mainstream, multicultural and merciful Britain driven by hope" and a "fringe, fearful and fractious Britain, driven by hatred of the other". [Oh, the irony!]

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/08/04/islamophobia-crime-after-riots-threat-to-free-speech/

    2. Telling the truth (about islam) is now a crime. Know who's in charge by whom you cannot criticise.

  90. Balaclavas to be banned in Ireland amid anti-immigration demonstrations. 5 August 2024.

    Ireland will ban “intimidating” rioters from wearing balaclavas after clashes with police at anti-immigration demonstrations.

    The government has received legal advice that a ban on face-coverings is possible when there is clear intent to intimidate or to prevent police identifying someone committing a crime.

    “The minister intends to introduce a ban on wearing masks at protests in circumstances where the wearing of a mask is intended to intimidate,” a spokesman for Helen McEntee, the Justice Minister, told the Irish Independent.

    I think that the Political Elites everywhere are beginning to sweat.

    No comments allowed. On Ireland.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/08/05/balaclavas-banned-ireland-boom-anti-immigration-protests/

          1. I was thinking, just a knot. Dangling from a lamp post.

            Edit. To the 77th. It’s a joke.

          2. I was thinking, just a knot. Dangling from a lamp post.

            Edit. To the 77th. It’s a joke.

    3. I disagree with the Justice Minister. Face coverings worn during public disorder are primarily to mask identity, not intimidate, although a side-effect might be to discomfort non-combatants.

      1. Face coverings worn during peaceful demonstrations are to primarily to avoid spreading certain viruses and may also be worn for cultural/religious purposes. It will be interesting to see how the Irish Republic bans balaclavas but not niqabs (other face coverings are available). Edit: and as for sunglasses?

      2. Face coverings worn during peaceful demonstrations are to primarily to avoid spreading certain viruses and may also be worn for cultural/religious purposes. It will be interesting to see how the Irish Republic bans balaclavas but not niqabs (other face coverings are available). Edit: and as for sunglasses?

  93. Saving on school fees

    SIR – I would urge parents who have been paying private school fees but find the VAT levied a step too far (Letters, August 2) to move their children to a state school, as we did.

    We then put the money saved into a bank account and offered them each £100,000 towards a home of their own – provided they knuckled down and worked hard, which they did.

    This is surely a better option than filling the Labour Government's coffers with VAT cash, only to watch it disappear into a black hole.

    Louise Broughton
    Arnside, Cumbria

    Dear Louise, the shits will steal your savings.

  96. Well I defrosted the Freezer overnight and it now needs restocking. There’s a slight problem here. It’s a Bank Holiday and there are no buses. The nearest supplies are at the Paki Shop on the main road. When I went in last Friday the staff were already jumpy. God knows what they are like now. I think that I will have to wait until tomorrow.

        1. It is a bank holiday somewhere today but not England. I saw something on the fridge calendar.

  97. Fit of Pique?

    Sir Mark Rowley has grabbed a journalist’s microphone after being questioned over “two-tier policing”.

    The Met Commissioner was asked by a Sky News journalist “are we going to end two-tier policing sir?” as he left the Cabinet office in Westminster, following a Cobra meeting.

    Footage shows Sir Mark walk past a crowd of reporters before grabbing hold of the piece of equipment.

    And threw it on the floor.

    It must have been an interesting COBRA meeting!

    1. In across 168 districts in London the Met has not solved one single petty crime that includes; car theft, burglary in three years.

          1. Ahem
            I watched the program
            "Channel 4 Dispatches found 167 areas across England and Wales where the police had not identified a single suspect for neighbourhood crimes between 2021 and 2023. All but one of them were in the Met's area, in London. The police watchdog said the number of neighbourhoods with a zero-detection rate was “not acceptable”.
            Edit
            Of course that Far-Right channel 4 could have just been spouting Faragist propaganda……….

    2. In across 168 districts in London the Met has not solved one single petty crime that includes; car theft, burglary in three years.

      1. Taken the words out of my fingers.

        The Sky journo should bring a private prosecution. Now.

      2. No No No! He intended to give a reasoned and rational response but the microphone just fell apart, CASE CLOSED

      3. No No No! He intended to give a reasoned and rational response but the microphone just fell apart, CASE CLOSED

      4. No No No! He intended to give a reasoned and rational response but the microphone just fell apart, CASE CLOSED

    4. How would Sir Mark react to journalists grabbing policemen's batons and throwing them to the ground?

  98. Fit of Pique?

    Sir Mark Rowley has grabbed a journalist’s microphone after being questioned over “two-tier policing”.

    The Met Commissioner was asked by a Sky News journalist “are we going to end two-tier policing sir?” as he left the Cabinet office in Westminster, following a Cobra meeting.

    Footage shows Sir Mark walk past a crowd of reporters before grabbing hold of the piece of equipment.

    And threw it on the floor.

    It must have been an interesting COBRA meeting!

  99. Australian News coverage.. oh dear.

    People in this country get a sense that the politicians running this country have not only betrayed us time & time again but they fundamentally hate this country, and they are aiding and abetting people that hate this country. There are so many statististics with regards policing & crime in this country that make people feel that UK is a lawless place. In across 168 districts in London the Met has not solved one single petty crime that includes; car theft, burglary in three years.
    https://youtu.be/B8LF1bxlVXM?t=163

    1. She refers to one of the dance instructors being killed. Anyone got more information?

    2. Like the look and sound of that one, have started to follow her. Slightly different topic, I'd already decided to end my Spectator sub end Sept, and subscribe to Spectator AUS see how that goes, have family there.

    3. Politicians — of ALL parties — are under the direct control of the WEF and UN and are dutifully implementing their stated policies of reducing the vast population of the planet by any means at their disposal.

      Their determination to import colossal numbers of those opposed to our civilised way of lfe is simply the first engagement in what will soon turn out to be a full-on war.

      Be warned and be alert. This is nothing compared to what will come.

          1. I have seen this coming for some years, and so many people were not in the least bit interseted when I talked about it.

    4. Politicians — of ALL parties — are under the direct control of the WEF and UN and are dutifully implementing their stated policies of reducing the vast population of the planet by any means at their disposal.

      Their determination to import colossal numbers of those opposed to our civilised way of lfe is simply the first engagement in what will soon turn out to be a full-on war.

      Be warned and be alert. This is nothing compared to what will come.

  100. Australian News coverage.. oh dear.

    People in this country get a sense that the politicians running this country have not only betrayed us time & time again but they fundamentally hate this country, and they are aiding and abetting people that hate this country. There are so many statististics with regards policing & crime in this country that make people feel that UK is a lawless place. In across 168 districts in London the Met has not solved one single petty crime that includes; car theft, burglary in three years.
    https://youtu.be/B8LF1bxlVXM?t=163

  102. Free speech? Labour cares more about the Muslim vote

    "The allure of Islamism…owes much to its confidence. And that confidence has been bolstered during the past week. On Monday's Newsnight, Anjem Choudary of al-Ghuraba – the group that organised Friday's rally – showed in a series of furious outbursts how empowered extremists feel by the impunity they have enjoyed. To make clear what he thinks of the British, he said: 'If I go to the jungle, I am not going to live like the animals. I'm going to propagate what I believe to be a superior way of life.' In response to Jeremy Paxman's point that he might be happier in a country where sharia law was in place, Mr Choudary raged: 'Who said to you that you own Britain, anyway? Britain belongs to Allah.' At such moments, the nation needs Paxman, and he did not disappoint. 'We're moving on, matey,' was his verdict on Mr Choudary's nonsense – and the right one, too. It lifted the spirits…"

    Matthew d'Ancona, 8th February 2006

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3622912/Free-speech-Labour-cares-more-about-the-Muslim-vote.html

    1. I presume that would be the same Anjem Choudary who was sent down at his Majesty's pleasure last week for his part in such ‘superior ways of life’ as the beheading of Lee Rigby and the London Bridge attacks .

      1. Yes. He was a danger to society in 2006. His presence in Luton in 2009, stirring up the local Ropers to attack soldiers of the Anglian Regiment returning from Afghanistan, was the catalyst for Tommy R’s public campaign.

  103. Free speech? Labour cares more about the Muslim vote

    "The allure of Islamism…owes much to its confidence. And that confidence has been bolstered during the past week. On Monday's Newsnight, Anjem Choudary of al-Ghuraba – the group that organised Friday's rally – showed in a series of furious outbursts how empowered extremists feel by the impunity they have enjoyed. To make clear what he thinks of the British, he said: 'If I go to the jungle, I am not going to live like the animals. I'm going to propagate what I believe to be a superior way of life.' In response to Jeremy Paxman's point that he might be happier in a country where sharia law was in place, Mr Choudary raged: 'Who said to you that you own Britain, anyway? Britain belongs to Allah.' At such moments, the nation needs Paxman, and he did not disappoint. 'We're moving on, matey,' was his verdict on Mr Choudary's nonsense – and the right one, too. It lifted the spirits…"

    Matthew d'Ancona, 8th February 2006

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3622912/Free-speech-Labour-cares-more-about-the-Muslim-vote.html

  104. Foreign states promoting disinformation that fuels riots, No10 claims. 5 August 2024.

    Foreign state actors may be amplifying online disinformation that has fuelled the past week of riots on Britain’s streets, Downing Street has suggested.

    Russian state media were among those sharing false claims that the suspect accused of killing three young girls in Southport was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK last year by boat.

    Well who’da thought it? It’s Vlad, Again.

    These people are beginning to panic.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/08/05/foreign-states-southport-riots/

    1. From the same Telegraph report:

      Asked whether foreign states were behind the spread of disinformation online, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “I think some of this is public information that clearly we have seen bot activity online, much of which may well be amplified with the involvement of state actors amplifying some of the disinformation and misinformation that we’ve seen.

      The spokesman declined to single out any particular states, but added: “The disinformation that we’ve seen online attracts amplification from known bot activity, which, as I say, can be linked to state-backed activity.”

      If Downing Street isn't pointing its finger at the Russians, where is the accusation coming from? The spokesperson seems somewhat uncertain that any foreign agency is involved.

      If the Russians are involved, is it acting to inflame the situation or merely repeating what it has found on social media in the mistaken belief that the source is trustworthy?

    2. From the same Telegraph report:

      Asked whether foreign states were behind the spread of disinformation online, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “I think some of this is public information that clearly we have seen bot activity online, much of which may well be amplified with the involvement of state actors amplifying some of the disinformation and misinformation that we’ve seen.

      The spokesman declined to single out any particular states, but added: “The disinformation that we’ve seen online attracts amplification from known bot activity, which, as I say, can be linked to state-backed activity.”

      If Downing Street isn't pointing its finger at the Russians, where is the accusation coming from? The spokesperson seems somewhat uncertain that any foreign agency is involved.

      If the Russians are involved, is it acting to inflame the situation or merely repeating what it has found on social media in the mistaken belief that the source is trustworthy?

  105. "Prime Minister has resigned and fled the country after anti-government protests in which hundreds of people have been killed!"

    Damn, that's in Bangladesh.

    1. PM Sheikh Hasina's niece is Tulip Siddiq, an MP for somewhere in London, and her sister apparently lives in a large house in the Bishop's Avenue.

          1. I can't believe it's a third of a century since that bugger tried to walk on water.

      2. Bishop’s Avenue once comprised the most expensive properties in the UK occupied by the wealthiest people.

        There were some large American style gated properties there when I worked on the Brew House Restaurant and Steward’s Room in the service wing of Kenwood House about twenty years ago.

        1. Pokey little places, hardly room for fifty or sixty servants and six Bentley's/Rolls Royce's. She probably has two or more houses there though.

        2. It still does but, increasingly, anything pleasing to the eye has been knocked down and replaced by some massive concrete and marble monstrosity. It is not a location frequented by anybody of taste.

      3. MP for Glenda Jackson’s old manor, Hampstead and Highgate (probably called something different now that the boundaries have been re-drawn)

    2. 390070+ up ticks,

      Afternoon MM,
      I belie he now has a nice BIG house in Camberwel, welfare and semi attached.

  106. It will be stated that burqas are not worn with the intention of intimidating.

    1. Indeed, but if Muslims can state that wearing an England flag is intended to be intimidating why should non Muslims not state that to them burqas are equally so?
      I actually do find it intimidating if I am surrounded by people in what to me is utterly alien garb, particularly if I cannot see their faces.

      2. I don't find burqas intimidating, just alienating and suggestive of coercive control, despite what wearers might say to the contrary.

        1. "…just alienating and suggestive of coercive control…"

          I'd call that intimidating in its self, Sir.

          2. Intimidation might very well lie behind why they are worn but they do not intimidate me as an observer.

      3. That's where the double standard kicks in. They'll say the niqab is cultural and the balaclava is not, which is a one dimensional and pathetic argument but in the narrowest sense, not untrue.

  107. That's correct, which is why I thought Araminta was living there until she explained the mis-reading of the calendar.

    1. I think he DOES live in Scotland. I have always so believed. Perhaps he has hoodwnked us…!

  108. 390970+ up ticks,

    Whilst the westminster council clean up the slithering residue left from those attending the cobra meeting may one ask, this standing army, why is it not or why has it not, these pasr three plus decades be standing on the DOVER seafront.

    Or maybe those invading daily ARE the in- house standing army
    reinforcements.

    1. Talking of cleaning up slithering residues you've probably got imported domestic items that have now turned into a sticky mess which renders them no longer to be of any use.

      This video explains what it is like to experience this feeling of helplessness and after many trials of possible solutions this blogger has come up with this one:

      https://youtu.be/mvTSAIV7FlI?si=vw-MStNAqVcnCKyZ

      1. I have used cellulose paint thinners (the stuff that thins car paint) for all such jobs — especially cleaning the sticky residue from jar labels —for years. Nothing is more effective.

          1. I have done. I’ve tried countless fluids but I find nothing more effective than cellulose thinners.

    2. Talking of cleaning up slithering residues you've probably got imported domestic items that have now turned into a sticky mess which renders them no longer to be of any use.

      This video explains what it is like to experience this feeling of helplessness and after many trials of possible solutions this blogger has come up with this one:

      https://youtu.be/mvTSAIV7FlI?si=vw-MStNAqVcnCKyZ

  110. Once upon a time you had the idiots screaming "It's the JOOOOZZZ!!!!!"
    Now we have "it's the RUSKIES!!!"

  111. Breaking News:

    More than 100 murdered, thousands injured, and female Prime Minister flees country as anti-Hindu muslim rioters, supported and encouraged by Pakistani military chiefs, kill, maim and burn their way across the country in what looks like a successful effort to overthrow the democratically elected government.

    Coming to a place near you if the hordes are not stopped and the mentally retarded scum and their religious leaders are allowed to remain in the UK.

      1. From Coffee House, the Spectator

        How to stop the riots
        Comments Share 5 August 2024, 11:26am
        For five days at the beginning of August 2011, it felt like we were on the brink of anarchy. Over the last few days, similar scenes have played out on British streets: shops have been smashed and looted; people attacked; and police officers on the front line have been injured.

        There is nothing more frightening than losing control of the streets
        Labour’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has vowed that ‘there will be a reckoning’ for those involved in the violence. In order to stop the riots, the authorities will have to adopt a similar approach to that taken 13 years ago. Lessons from that period must be applied now if the situation isn’t to escalate.

        During that hot summer of 2011, in towns and cities across England, police appeared to be powerless to stop marauding mobs of protestors, rioters and looters. Thousands of shops, vehicles and houses were damaged or burned, forcing some families to flee their homes; over 300 emergency workers and members of the public were injured; five people lost their lives. The policing, clear-up and compensation costs were estimated to be around ÂŁ500 million.

        The disturbances had been sparked by the fatal police shooting in Tottenham, north London, of a young black man, Mark Duggan. But the vast majority of the violence that followed had nothing to do with that incident: it was caused by criminals taking advantage of an initially uncertain policing response, people with grievances or pent-up resentment towards those in authority, and others who were simply swept up in the excitement and saw a chance to ‘have a go’.

        The disorder that parts of the UK is now witnessing is different in many ways, particularly in its causes, the groups predominantly involved and those targeted, but there are parallels with what took place 13 years ago.

        What principally quelled the riots of 2011 was a surge in the presence of the police after they’d initially been overwhelmed. The House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, which examined what had happened, said: ‘The single most important reason why the disorder spread was the perception, relayed by television as well as new social media, that in some areas the police had lost control of the streets.’ In London, where the trouble had started, there were 3,000 uniformed officers on duty on each of the first two evenings; by the fourth night, there were 16,000. The increased numbers worked.

        Police forces that can’t deploy enough officers themselves can ask other constabularies to send reinforcements as part of a system known as ‘mutual aid’. Run by a unit within the National Police Chiefs’ Council, it’s a slicker operation than in 2011 when the policing of the riots was hampered by a testy relationship between police leaders and Theresa May, who was then home secretary. The early signs from the collaborative approach taken by Sir Keir Starmer are more encouraging, but ministers and chief constables must ensure that there are sufficient numbers of police officers available in the areas where they are needed. Just as in 2011, footage of groups running down streets, throwing stones, breaking into buildings without officers in sight will only encourage more to follow. The Home Office should immediately reassure chiefs that it will cover the costs associated with transferring personnel from force to force and backfilling roles where there are gaps.

        What also helped settle the disturbances of 2011 was the rapid response of the criminal justice system. Within five days of the first riots, 1,500 people had been arrested and the courts had begun working around the clock to process cases. Among the first to be sentenced was a man jailed for eight months for stealing clothes. There can be no better deterrent than the certainty of being caught and the knowledge that the punishment will be swift and firm. So, it’s vital that in the next few days we see the perpetrators of this summer’s violence brought to court. It’s concerning that six days on from the first disturbance in Southport there appear to have been only a relatively small number of charges. That needs to change. Bail should not be an option for those who can’t be dealt with immediately; for those who are convicted, prosecutors should urge magistrates and judges to impose the maximum penalties possible.

        Some of the investigations into the disorder will understandably take time as detectives try to identify who was involved and gather evidence to prosecute those who’ve been detained. Twelve months after the 2011 riots, 3,100 defendants had been brought before the courts. We can only hope that this summer’s disturbances do not end up with prosecutions on that scale. But, whatever the numbers, police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts must be prepared. Unlike in 2011, when the technology wasn’t available, investigators will have the advantage of being able to use retrospective facial recognition software to match pictures from CCTV, body-worn cameras and smartphones to images of suspects and offenders held on police databases. The Prime Minister rightly referenced facial recognition in his first comments about the disturbances, suggesting it should be more widely used by police. Although it can be deployed to compare real-time images of crowds and gatherings with a watchlist, its (less controversial) use as a post-event investigative tool will be where it is most impactful over the coming weeks and months – and forces must be encouraged and assisted to use it to the full.

        It’s inevitable that there will be comment about the underlying ’causes’ of this summer’s disorder, but now is not the moment to focus on that. Dwelling on the causes when police are in the midst of a battle to restore order to our communities only serves to legitimise the violence. After the 2011 riots there were numerous inquiries, reviews and reports which sought to understand why the trouble had occurred and address the issues which lay behind it. There will be a time for that after this year’s disorder, but not now. There is nothing more frightening than losing control of the streets. It happened, briefly, 13 years ago; in some parts of the country it’s happening again. We need to support the police to bring the streets back under control.

          2. A unified vote of 'No Confidence' might just bring that about. Especially if Parliament is recalled, as it should be.

        3. The BTL commenters at the Spectator don’t seem to agree with the idea that it isn’t appropriate to dwell on the causes.

          1. From Spectator comments

            Davos
            an hour ago edited
            “It’s inevitable that there will be comment about the underlying ’causes’ of this summer’s disorder,”

            Here’s a small snap shot of clues Danny.

            -Police cracking skulls and violently arresting anyone protesting the explosion of uncontrolled immigration and the creeping Islamification of the UK.
            VS
            -Groups of Muslim men carrying knives, hammers, axes and baseball bats being asked by police through a ‘softhaler’ if they wouldn’t mind awfully leaving their weapons at the Mosque because it’s a ‘bit off’ to be carrying a machete in public.

            -Police and the media giving a free pass to Muslims carrying swastikas on the streets of London and calling for Jihad. Then asking the public to ‘see swastikas in their context’ and claiming ‘Jihad has many meanings’.
            VS
            -Politicians and the commentariat’s deliberate and demented use of the label ‘far right’ to smear anyone who has a problem with this and wants their peaceful streets back.

            – Starmer’s fawning bumlick of the violent BLM protests resulting in him taking the knee in the most absurd display of dumb political posturing in history.
            VS
            – Starmer’s Stalin cosplay festival two days ago denouncing anyone protesting the way this country is going as ‘far right thugs’ and vowing authoritarian crackdowns including mass expansion of facial recognition technology and other facets of his Chinese wet dreams, presumably including social credits and blanket digital ID.

            Danny, if you really have no idea about the causes of this summer’s disorder, get out of your cosseted oat milk BBC bubble and go and spend a month in Blackburn or Bradford. Or try getting an NHS appointment. Or your child a school place. And if they do, your child a non-Halal meal. Or try renting a house. Or driving down the M6 at midday on a Wednesday and hoping to do more than 40mph.

            Or even better try walking through Tower Hamlets wearing a T-shirt with a drag queen Allah twerking in the middle of a Leonardo Da Vinci painting. See how long you live.
            −
            P
            Peter Wheeler The Great Fire of Davos
            an hour ago
            Your comment is more lucid and better researched than the article it addresses.
            Thank you.
            −
            S
            Stanley The Great Fire of Davos
            an hour ago
            Well said….
            −
            P
            Prickly Thistle
            an hour ago
            Those teletubbies that pass for policemen these days will never catch anything other than the cold.
            −
            D
            defnig
            an hour ago
            Unfortunately rioting in our own areas is not the smartest move. The government needs to listen to it’s people, the utter hypocrisy of starmer on his kness while London was burning. He is a disgrace simple saying far right thuggary. How about trying to understand the effect of unchecked migration, islamic terrorism etc. More muslim predators have been jailed again this week for the grooming and raping of our children. The insane idea that you oppose grooming of children and our people being murdered by islamic vermin you are somehow right wing is a joke. Another way to make a point we all need to stop funding them, stop paying council tax etc hit them where it hurts
            −
            P
            Peter Wheeler
            an hour ago
            Starmer will quell the riots, but shows no sign of addressing the genuine concerns expressed by the (literally) silent and peaceful majority.
            Any discussion about mass immigration is suppressed by the mainly left leaning broadcasters and more personally by abuse (being called racist etc).
            This genie is out of the bottle.
            Beware the fury of a patient population.
            −
            J
            Jamesl Whist
            an hour ago
            How about addressing the concerns of protestors?

            Close the border to illegal immigrants and deport all illegals already in the UK; set in motion a policy to reduce inward net migration to a maximum of 100,000 a year and on a strict points system.

            People are asking: Does the British government work for us – or does it work for the WEF?

            If the Labour government wants open borders and unlimited illegal immigration and 500,000-700,000 legal immigrants every year then the Labour government in no way represents the vast majority of British people, is not working in our interests, and needs to be thrown out of office.

    2. From Coffee House, the Spectator

      Watch: Met Police Commissioner avoids questions on ‘two tier policing’
      Comments Share 5 August 2024, 1:22pm
      Goodness. As the country tries to process the last few days of riots, condemned by Sir Keir Starmer as ‘far-right thuggery’, questions have been asked about the UK’s police force and how effective it has been. While a number of officers have been injured over the past week as they work to contain rioters, accusations have been levelled at others for ‘two tier policing’ – with fears that some protests are dealt with more harshly than others.

      So when Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, was spotted leaving the Cabinet Office by reporters today, it seemed only natural that he be quizzed on the matter. But when one journalist questioned Rowley about whether the UK would ‘end two tier policing’, the Police Commissioner was rather reluctant to answer. In fact, he instead grabbed the top of the reporter’s microphone and, er, threw it to the ground. Charming…

      It’s hardly, um, the best way to address concerns about the country’s forces. You can only run from scrutiny for so long…

      1. Rowley is rattled and so he should be. The Police are a disgrace to our people. A little less painting themselves in LGBTQ and Pride rainbow colours, kowtowing to Islamist gangs and freaks and some serious attention to solving knife crime, theft and burglary would not go amiss.

        1. Two tier policing aside, my impression is that the police force in general is not terribly competent.

        2. Plod has been a disgrace for several years, What with the two-tier policing and the proliferation of rainbow flags, uniform and cars, they are just a laughing-stock and in my book, not to be trusted.

        3. I wonder if he appreciates what cursed harmer is actually proposing and is so annoyed that he might resign.

        4. My local "force" (a PC and three PCSOs based several miles away) has been trumpeting about how they are dealing with car crime – they've seized and towed away two or three cars that didn't have VED. Meanwhile they are advising people to take all precautions against having their motorcycles stolen – but the sting in the tail is that they probably will have the bikes stolen anyway. No mention of visible street patrols and bobbies on the beat, of course.

      2. Rowley is rattled and so he should be. The Police are a disgrace to our people. A little less painting themselves in LGBTQ and Pride rainbow colours, kowtowing to Islamist gangs and freaks and some serious attention to solving knife crime, theft and burglary would not go amiss.

      3. He doesn't have to bother, surely? Two Tier Kier is raising a "standing army" to look after things. Whatever that is…

        1. Whatever that is..

          .
          I hope I'm wrong, but Two-Tier Keir's Standing Army may have been recruiting for some years. On the French coast.

          If this unrest spreads beyond the capability of the police, and he called in the military, I can't see our squaddies turning on their own people. Our Rector – a former Army chaplain – said as much a year or two ago.

          Our four-star hotel-dwelling newcomers will have no such compunction. I don't think this is going to end well.

          1. It’s a curious choice of words Geoff. He might just be dropping a soundbite trying to look tough in front of the media. The usual recourse is to the police mutual aid system as everyone knows. His job is to simply authorise the cost and that’s it really.

            Nope, the army aren’t turning on the people. In any case martial law would need to be declared and again, that’s all catered for in emergency powers. No need for any irregular armies to get involved at all.

            Talking of powers and armies. It must surely have dawned on the poor lad that when Iran kicks off in the next day or five that he’ll have to send military aid for Israel against the … erm… ‘armies of god’ who will be doing their bit against the… erm … Great Satan. If he’s thinking of using any armies dragooned from 4-star hotels then I predict he might have some difficulty at that point.

            But whadda I know?

          2. "…No need for any irregular armies to get involved at all…"

            Except the power of the people.

          3. "…No need for any irregular armies to get involved at all…"

            Except the power of the people.

          4. My thought, too, only I considered it might be EUgenfor instead of the invader army.

        2. Whatever that is..

          .
          I hope I'm wrong, but Two-Tier Keir's Standing Army may have been recruiting for some years. On the French coast.

          If this unrest spreads beyond the capability of the police, and he called in the military, I can't see our squaddies turning on their own people. Our Rector – a former Army chaplain – said as much a year or two ago.

          Our four-star hotel-dwelling newcomers will have no such compunction. I don't think this is going to end well.

      4. Its the politicians that set the tone of the Police Force that they changed it to Police Service… Tells you all you need to know.

      6. …and what about the left-wing thugs sitting behind him and the ignorant plebs who voted him in?

        Beware the power of the people, backed by Magna Carta and the Common Law.

      7. …and what about the left-wing thugs sitting behind him and the ignorant plebs who voted him in?

        Beware the power of the people, backed by Magna Carta and the Common Law.

  112. Oh my…hope she keeps you in the loop with regular missives incl photos/vids…lucky lady 🙂

    1. The odd phone call or e-mail but apart from that, nothing. I understand that she has a different life and life-style so I forgive her, always. She is dear to me but lacking in my emotions.

    2. My nephew used to live in Launceston (now back in Blighty). I’d say it is pleasant(ish) but living there for more than a few months would make one’s brain atrophy. We visited and stayed at ‘the Country Club’. Any pleasant ideas I might have had about the place were swiftly dispelled when we found it was a magnet for coach loads of OAPs who descended daily to ‘play the pokeys’ (Slot machines to those unfamiliar with Bogan-speak). The restaurant was reminiscent of a hospital canteen (before the modern NHS got rid of those).
      My nephew was a honeypot for Tasmanian girls – it appeared that they were wholly unused to any male who had even rudimentary good manners towards women.

      1. Sounds a ruddy nightmare, Lola…the sort of thing I’d flee from. Only child with many childhood illnesses, learnt to be self-reliant but it can have its downsides. I recall the school canteen horrors. Do you think the Tasmanian lassies looking for European husband…hope he enjoyed his time there 😊

        1. The first one he got engaged to was definitely looking for a free lunch. But she found when she visited England with him that she was too frightened to cross the road (this was in Somerset not London!)
          The next one also came over with him and lived rent free with my sister and then with me for several months while establishing herself in a job. The relationship then foundered which was regarded by all of us as a blessed relief. He’s now married to someone very different.

          1. Sounds a lucky escape…how love can be blind, although family can see it a mile off but nothing they can do as they fear being the ones cut off. Third time lucky, good for him (and you)!

      2. The Tasmanian cannot even pronounce it right. Lawn-seston in their vocabulary, and not Lawnston, as pronounced in the town and county of origin.

        1. A bit like the Aussie student who rolled up at the ticket office in the old St. Pancras Station and asked for a "Ticket to Loogaborooga please."

  113. Sorry to read that…I empathise, have one child – daily basis, treasure the contact. The other child, rarely – week/s months/ even years, used to affect me but not now. Comes a point when that seems the best thing to do, sadly:-)

    1. I also have an estranged daughter in Liverpool but she (aged 31 then and now 54) disowned me after I had the temerity to divorce her mother.

      1. Been very fortunate to have a good man and step-dad, wrapped around little fingers, and now similar with their offspring. Typical length and breadth of country, I believe there are now more divorces than marriages, especially when partnerships not counted.

        1. I’ve recently been devastated by the annulment of a 5 year partnership. I still love her very much.

          1. Very sad…hoping you can still be friends, salvage something from the five years, and keep in touch.

          3. Have known some who’ve joined various groups, shared hobbies etc…actual human contact. My dad closed himself off after mum died, didn’t do him any good at all, quite the reverse.

          4. My similar problem, closed off, but there’s little I can do about it, now being both old and infirm.

          5. You play chess? A number of online clubs. I think Othello another one..your brain not infirm, Sir J., important to give it stimulation, social media helps as I’m sure you know 🙂

          6. It's real human interaction I want. Someone to sit with me, share a drink and discuss the world in general.

          7. I can understand that. We live in a small village, and have a local ‘car ride’ scheme, linked to village hall. Perhaps something similar where you are? Possibly even local pub and back:-)

          10. I’m sorry, Kate, I barely trust ‘online’, as it seems there is always someone willing to exploit your situation for their own personal gain.

          12. I’m going to take a nap, Kate, sorry, I’ve gone all sentimental. Talk later, maybe.

          14. Thank you, Paul. It’s why this great big softy is holed up in this benighted little Border Town. I hate it. I want my Norfolk.

      2. Been very fortunate to have a good man and step-dad, wrapped around little fingers, and now similar with their offspring. Typical length and breadth of country, I believe there are now more divorces than marriages, especially when partnerships not counted.

      3. Been very fortunate to have a good man and step-dad, wrapped around little fingers, and now similar with their offspring. Typical length and breadth of country, I believe there are now more divorces than marriages, especially when partnerships not counted.

      4. A good mate has the same problem. The children of the previous marriage refuse to undertsand that their mother was a highly intelligent woman, and, by her choice, wanted to change husbands. Apparently the new guy (my mate) fooled her… I met the lady a few times, there was absolutely no chance of that.
        So, the (male) cildren of the first marriage hate him.
        It doesn't help that she then contracted cancer, and died. Th mate is still really broken up about it, although she died some years ago.

        1. Didn’t sound like a recipe for a good relationship. Sorry for your pal, my condolences to him. and the collateral damage you have also suffered.

          1. Poor lad spontaneously burts into tears, which for a 65-year-old, isn't so good.
            They were very close, but clearly forgot that there are more than two in that relationship.

          4. I understand the distress, Paul. I still feel it only if it’s the love that died. It still goes on.

  115. BBC – couldn’t organise a social event in a brewery!! Not only do we have yet more gymnastics on BBC 1 ( how many options do they compete in??) BUT, yet again, the same contest is one of only 2 options on the red button. Morons! Stuck at home recovering from a hip replacement so I’m not as mobile as I’d like!

    1. If your new hip is metal, look forward to some fun

      When at the airport in the Dom Rep, a young nubile lass, from security, spent 20 minutes 'massaging,' my hip, with her wand, before I let her into the secret……that it was metal

    2. Olympic gymnastics gave me pause for thought, earlier. The Olympic movement has encouraged men and women to compete in ever more identical disciplines. Examples which spring to mind are women's pole vaulting, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting. Gymnastics has remained largely immune to this equalisation. Only men compete in the horizontal bar, parallel bars, rings and pommel horse disciplines. Only women compete in the balance beam and uneven bars disciplines. Both compete in the floor exercise and vault disciplines but even here – on the floor – there are differences. The men are tested for strength, speed and agility. The women are tested for these, too, but are also accompanied by music to show their artistic skills as well as typically dressing in sparkly costumes, unlike the men. I'm not particularly bothered by these differences but I do wonder why gymnastics has remained largely immune to the convergence seen in other sports.

    3. Now kayak cross is mayhem but much more fun! Meanwhile GB finished with silver in the mixed triathlon but were demoted to bronze – seems you can change poor decisions but not in skeet!

      1. I watched some of that kayak cross yesterday evening. I got the impression that those wearing the cerise vest were more likely to win. Was that just the random effect of small numbers or were the favourites in each heat given the cerise vest to wear?

        1. As I understand the vests indicate those highest ranked from the heats. Cerise is best, and they also get to choose their position on the starting ramp, which may well help.

      3. Rishi Sunak must be extremely stupid if he cannot see that the murder of the three little girls was the last straw which broke the camel's back.

        Since 2010 the Conservatives promised to reduce all immigration to no more than tens of thousands. They broke their promises for years so however much we despise Starmer we must admit that Cameron, May, Johnson and Sunak were no better than he is.

      4. This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society

        But, the wanton murder of 3 young girls has?

    2. The problem with General Elections is that how votes are cast doesn't tell you what were the main determining factors. While many were cast for parties committed to bring down immigration, even more were cast for those who had no such intention. That doesn't necessarily indicate where public sentiment lies in aggregate, however. Votes for Labour, Liberal Democrats, the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Greens, Sinn Fein, SDLP and numerous smaller parties might well have been cast despite their immigration policies. It's just that other reasons prevailed. While votes for Reform UK and a different set of smaller parties were very likely to have been spurred by immigration concerns, I'd be rather less sure about those cast for the untrustworthy Conservatives. Experience tells us that the Tories make the right noises about immigration but clearly have no resolution to follow through, therefore I wouldn't say with any confidence that votes for them were also a vote for less immigration.

    1. The Hyenas have been gaining traction ever since Margaret Thatcher was stabbed in the back.

  118. This might have come up before. OVO energy has emailed us about having to change to a smart meter. We obviously don't want one. The threat now though is that the BBC will be turning off the long wave signal that switches our pricing to Economy 7 after midnight.

    Has anyone else received the same or know anything about it?

    Edit. Apparently the switch off is to be in June 2025.
    https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/uk-world-news/smart-meter-warning-bbc-switch-9138095

    1. There's always some sort of threat attached to this demand for smart meters. I should check that is real before deciding.

      1. As Bill says the news came up with it some months ago but I'll check to see what the current situation is.

    2. There's always some sort of threat attached to this demand for smart meters. I should check that is real before deciding.

    3. There was a piece in the Telegraph business section several months ago about just that.

    4. Wouldn't that ony affect you if you already had a smart meter? How does a long wave radio signal interact with a mechanical meter?

      2. I've always wondered how it knew when it was midnight with our 2 time changes during the year. It could be a signal that simply stops one timer and starts the other.

        1. The signal is sent manually, or else their clock is dodgy. My Economy 7 is regularly switched off before 0830, generally around 0827. (0130 – 0830 in summer). I must check at 0125 to hear what happens, as there is a distinct 'click'.

    5. Yes, June 2025. Octopus tried to mislead me into getting one sooner but stopped when they realised I knew the facts.

    1. Note.. nostrils flaring at 4:09 trying to contain intense hatred of.. everything.

    2. Where is your 'focus' when it comes to gangs of muslims running amok with machetes?

      Are your specs conveniently bi-focal?

      1. can't vote your way out of this one.
        .. and he is telling you at 4:12 that you can't vent at your screen either.

  121. A ponder

    White Brits enter Saudi Arabia and set up illegal conclaves all over the counrty and build churches.

    They molester young Saudi maidens an enslave them sexual purposes.

    They terrorise the the locals, with machettes and disregard Saudi law

    They murder.

    What would the Saudi government do?

    2. Your ability to confirm all this, OLT? Build more churches to match the mosques in the UK.

    3. Your ability to confirm all this, OLT? Build more churches to match the mosques in the UK.

    4. Give them billions to build private brothels and LGBT schools, provide them with free housing regular supplies of alcohol, drugs and provisions, exempt them from taxes and prosecution for rape, theft and paedophilia . . . . . . Oh sorry, I thought you said what would our government do for Saudis. Sorry, sorry!

    1. Is that a clock I can hear ticking? Yes it is. Listen… flip flop flip flop flip flop flip…

  124. Starmer says 'standing army' of specialist officers will be set up to deal with riots. 5 August 2024.

    “We will have a standing army of specialist public duty officers so that we will have enough officers to deal with this where we need them,” the prime minister said, adding that “we will ramp up criminal justice. There have already been hundreds of arrests, some have appeared in court this morning.”

    This will be the New Gestapo one assumes. Midnight raids. Kangaroo courts. Detention without trial.

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2024/aug/05/cobra-emergency-meeting-keir-starmer-far-right-riots-uk-politics-live-latest?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with:block-66b0c14a8f08fd552e830790#block-66b0c14a8f08fd552e830790

      2. Perhaps Starmer has Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Right Eye:

        *seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked
        *objects looking smaller than normal
        *colours seeming less bright than they used to
        *seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)

        Deploying large forces is the answer to everything?

    3. There is a risk that they might be known as pubic duty, best to shorten the SPD acronym to SD.

          1. No, I know it was Sicherheitsdienst – I think that translates as Security Service, doesn't it?

    4. Starmer says 'standing army' of specialist officers will be set up to deal with riots. 5 August 2024.

      Shudder , people .

      Will these specialist be like the lumps of black lard on duty at places like Tesco and Sainsbury ?

    5. Starmer says 'standing army' of specialist officers will be set up to deal with riots. 5 August 2024.

      Shudder , people .

      Will these specialist be like the lumps of black lard on duty at places like Tesco and Sainsbury ?

    7. What is a standing army? Thought he would have been more at home with a kneeling army.

  126. Met Police boss Sir Mark Rowley grabs microphone when grilled over 'two-tier policing' as he storms out of emergency COBRA meeting – while Keir Starmer warns 'Standing Army' of police will end 'far-right thuggery'

    A fuming Met Police boss Sir Mark Rowley grabbed a reporter's microphone and chucked it on the ground this morning as he left emergency talks over Britain's riots crisis. As he exited the Cabinet Office, the visibly angry Scotland Yard chief was filmed being asked by a Sky News journalist: 'Are we going to end two-tier policing sir?' In the astonishing footage, Sir Mark was shown taking part of the microphone before throwing it to the floor as he headed towards a waiting car. The bizarre incident came amid intense pressure on police chiefs to get a grip on the violent disorder causing chaos on UK streets, in the wake of last week's Southport stabbing attack. Sir Keir Starmer is also scrambling to put a lid on tensions and end the rioting in the first big test of his premiership since entering Downing Street a month ago. After chairing an emergency Cobra meeting this morning, the Prime Minister pledged a 'standing army' of specialist police officers to tackle what he has condemned as 'far-right thuggery'. He and other senior ministers met with police chiefs and prison bosses in response to the continuing violence being waged by far-right thugs. They updated on efforts to deploy officers to trouble hotspots, boost court capacity and tackle online criminality and misinformation as social media is used to whip up rioters.

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13710135/Met-Police-boss-Sir-Mark-Rowley-grabs-microphone-grilled-two-tier-policing-storms-emergency-COBRA-meeting-Keir-Starmer-scrambles-contain-riots-hundreds-far-right-thugs-arrested-Britain.html

    1. Was he put in a foul mood by an interview without coffee and biscuits?

    4. I wonder if Rowley was annoyed by the COBRA meeting and is contemplating resignation.

      That really would put the cat amongst the pigeons.

      1. His entire demeanour as he came out of the meeting was one of a scarcely controlled bad temper and it was obvious that he'd received some VERY strong criticism during the meeting.

        3. Believe it or not, I have some sympathy for the wastrel.

          Whatever he does will be wrong. Labour's preferred "communities" are the most likely to riot, most likely to stab, most likely to loot, most likely to march.
          Least likely to obey the police, least likely to disperse, least likely not to resist arrest, least likely to change.

          Labour, ably assisted by the woke, has created the problems that Labour expects him to solve.

          Whatever he does he loses.

      2. His entire demeanour as he came out of the meeting was one of a scarcely controlled bad temper and it was obvious that he'd received some VERY strong criticism during the meeting.

    5. I'll keep an eye out for that on the news.
      I watched a FB clip earlier, a cyclist witnessed a mugging and robbery in North London. He followed the robbers as they ran away and got into a black cab. He rang 999 and filmed the cab gave the person the licence plate numbers told the police where they were but after about 15 minutes the police took a wrong turning.
      It sounded as if he was speaking to a forgien person because he had to repeat continuously and spell out the street names. Dispite his great efforts
      he had to give up.

    6. Poor old Smarmer, he equates leadership with bully-boy reactions and inflammatory language directed at both those who disagree with his policies and those who point out his glaring obtuseness when he's confronted with a problem.

      It's looking likely that within a month of taking office he's lost the room and his sole reaction is to issue threats of police action. That is as far from leadership as one can get. We are in a whole lot of trouble with this man supposedly at the helm. Mind you, the first officer doesn't inspire confidence and as for the crew…

      1. Starmer was the horrible Judge Jeffreys in another life .

        s
        Judge Jeffreys ranks alongside Thomas Hardy and William Barnes as one of the most important figures in Dorchester’s past. But in contrast to those other two former Dorchester residents, you will find no statues of Jeffreys anywhere in the town. His impact on the town was of an altogether darker tone, and his name is inextricably linked to one of the most notorious and controversial episodes in the history of Dorchester, known as the Bloody Assizes.

        George Jeffreys was born in 1645 in Acton Hall near Wrexham, into one of the leading aristocratic families in Wales. In 1668 he began a career in the law, and quickly caught the attention of the movers and shakers of the day, including the Duke of York (later to become King James II)

        He became the Duke’s Solicitor General in 1676 and was knighted the following year.

        With a knack for making powerful friends, Jeffries secured a series of promotions and honours over the following years, becoming Lord Chancellor in 1685 and taking the title Baron Jeffreys of Wem.

        That same year, an uprising started in the West Country aiming to overthrow James II and replace him with the Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of the previous monarch Charles II. The uprising, known as the Monmouth Rebellion, was defeated, and put down by the King’s troops, and Monmouth was executed for treason

        That same year, an uprising started in the West Country aiming to overthrow James II and replace him with the Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of the previous monarch Charles II. The uprising, known as the Monmouth Rebellion, was defeated, and put down by the King’s troops, and Monmouth was executed for treason

        The Bloody Assizes
        Judge Jeffreys lodgings
        Judge Jeffreys lodgings
        The episode that would seal Jeffreys’ reputation came when the newly promoted Lord Chancellor was sent South to deal with the King’s rebellious subjects in the West Country and ensure order was restored to the region. He took up residence in Dorchester at 6 High West Street and presided over hearings for hundreds of supporters of Monmouth

        The trials, known as the Bloody Assizes, were held in the Oak Room of the Antelope Hotel. Jeffreys was in no mood for clemency, handing down death sentences for 251 rebels, to the shock and outrage of many observers at the time. While only 74 of these sentences were actually carried out, the brutality of the executions ensured they would live long in the memory of Dorchester. As was traditional for those convicted of treason, the condemned men were hung, drawn and quartered, and their heads were taken and displayed on spikes in Dorchester and other towns around Dorset.

        The remaining rebels were transported to the West Indies (which was more or less a death sentence in itself, given the vulnerability of Europeans to malaria and other tropical diseases at the time).

        Historians have suggested the reason for Jeffreys’ severity during the trials was that he was a Protestant serving a Catholic king, and the Monmouth Rebellion was led by Protestants who trying to overthrow the Catholic monarchy. It is possible he felt he had to go the extra mile with his sentences to prove to the King that he had no sympathy with the plotters.

        Others have pointed to his suffering from kidney stones, which that meant he was in constant pain for much of his later life, and only added to his brittle temper.

        Downfall
        As a man with so much blood on his hands, it was always unlikely that Jeffreys would get to see out his life peacefully. His comeuppance came in 1688, when James II was finally ousted, and Jeffreys was forced to go on the run disguised as a sailor. In an ironic twist of fate, his disguise was rumbled after he was recognised by a victim of his Assizes who had been spared execution.

        Such was the hatred of the population towards Jeffreys that the new regime felt compelled to put him in the Tower of London for his own safety. It was here that he died on 1689, finally succumbing to the kidney disease that had plagued him for much of his life.

        Jeffreys’ Legacy In Dorchester
        If you come to Dorchester to follow the story of Judge Jeffreys and the Bloody Assizes, the obvious place to start is at his old lodgings at 6 High West Street. The inside is now a restaurant, but the exterior retains the rustic timber look of the building as it would have appeared in Jeffreys’ day.

        Opposite the restaurant is St. Peter’s Church. It was outside the church that the heads of several of the Monmouth rebels were displayed on spikes to strike terror into the local population and discourage them from further acts of rebellion.

        A little further along the High Street is Dorset County Museum, home to a number of artefacts relating to the Assizes, including the chair in which Jeffreys sat as he handed down death sentences to many of the accused. The County Museum is said to be haunted by Jeffreys’ ghost, and in 2010 paranormal investigators captured a photograph that they claimed showed the ghostly figure of the Judge stalking.

        1. Thank you, Maggie, for that insightful article. Whilst I knew of Jeffrey and the Bloody Assizes. I've never had so much detail. Again, thank you.

    7. So Plod is now to be the far-left thugs. Never mind the Labour MPs and the idiots who voted them in.

  127. An emergent Birdie Three!

    Wordle 1,143 3/6
    ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟨
    ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟩
    🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    1. Well done, 3 here too.

      Wordle 1,143 3/6

      ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟩
      🟨⬜⬜⬜🟩
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    2. Well done, 3 here too.

      Wordle 1,143 3/6

      ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟩
      🟨⬜⬜⬜🟩
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    3. And me!

      Wordle 1,143 3/6

      ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟨
      ⬜⬜🟨🟨🟩
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    4. Too much for my little brayn

      Wordle 1,143 4/6

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

      1. 3 today.
        Wordle 1,143 3/6

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

      2. 3 today.
        Wordle 1,143 3/6

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

    5. Nice one Rene! Same here……

      Looks like a bit of a birdie blitz today!

      Wordle 1,143 3/6

      ⬜⬜🟩🟨⬜
      ⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    1. If you buy something with a lifetime guarantee and it breaks down permanently then it has reached the end of its life and the guarantee is no longer worth anything.

    2. The problem is TB they all lie every last one of the.
      If they tell the truth or make any sort of promises, Shiitehall gets involved and puts them back on course.
      As in 'Yes Minister' and 'Yes Prime minister'.

  129. If you buy goods with a lifetime guarantee and it breaks down permanently then it has reached the end of its life and the guarantee is no longer worth anything.

  130. Copied from an article on the Bastard Broadcasting Corporation site, in the “Almost 400 arrested in week of riots as suspects appear in court” article.

    No justification for Musk's 'civil war' comment – No 10
    published at 15:38
    15:38
    A file photo of Elon Musk
    IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS
    Downing Street has pushed back on comments from Elon Musk, in which he claimed "civil war is inevitable" following unrest in several UK cities over the weekend.
    His comment was in response to a post on X blaming the riots on "the effects of mass migration and open borders".
    Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson says "there's no justification for comments like that".
    "What we've seen in this country is organised violent thuggery that has no place either on our streets, or online," the spokesperson adds.
    "We're talking about a minority of thugs that do not speak for Britain."

    I challenge Sir Cur Two Tier to call a referendum on the issue of mass migration and open borders to see exactly what the voters of Britain has to say on the the issue.

    He should jump at the chance to show us how confident he is in his beliefs.

    1. What would be the point? Last time we had a referendum we didn't get what we voted for (and we still haven't).

  131. “When I lived in London’s Notting Hill, I was a Remainer and so were all my friends. It literally didn’t occur to us, as we sat down there in our agreeable houses eating agreeable food that someone might vote to leave…

    “Today, I’m surrounded by farmers and plasterers and brickies and butchers and all I hear, all day long, is that there’s too much immigration.

    “But if they say this out loud, or if they go on a march, they are told by the London elite that they are far-right extremists or racist thugs. For the most part, they’re not…there was a time you’d have called them the salt of the earth. But Sir Starmer doesn’t seem to have grasped this.”

    Jeremy Clarkson, The Sun.

    1. Daily Mail rubbish

      At 55, I can finally admit that I hate being a mother and resent all the sacrifices I’ve made. Now I tell my children: Don’t make the same mistake I did…
      20:36 EDT 04 Aug 2024, updated 04:23 EDT 05 Aug 2024 By Anonymous

      Last weekend the temperature was nudging 25 degrees but, yet again, I was stuck in the car for hours on end.

      My sons, aged 20 and 19, needed a lift to a tennis tournament; my eldest daughter, who is 17, had to be dropped at her Saturday job in a coffee shop, and the other, who’s 16, wanted to go to her friend’s house.

      It took all morning to taxi each of them – in tourist-season traffic – to various points on the outskirts of our Lake District village. I was hot, bored and cross. Meanwhile, my husband Tim had left early to play a round of golf.

      When I was finally back home, I had chores to do – menu planning for the week ahead, a tidy-round of the children’s rooms, subs to pay for cricket, kit sorting for a camping trip…

      Instead of getting stuck into the day’s tasks, I sat at the kitchen table in quiet despair. Not for the first time, I found myself staring with clear, angry eyes at a very uncomfortable fact: I hate being a mother.

      The anonymous writer says she hasn’t been a cruel or absent mother but has been consistent in her parenting
      The anonymous writer says she hasn’t been a cruel or absent mother but has been consistent in her parenting
      At the age of 55, I have begun to realise just how short life is. You take stock at this mid-point. Regrets begin to crystallise and you can’t just automatically push them away.

      It’s only now that I can fully articulate to myself quite how unhappy I am, but the truth is, I’ve had niggles of doubt for at least the past decade. I feel it most at times like this when my whole life is subsumed by their needs yet again.

      I find myself daydreaming about what kind of life I could have created for myself if I had never had children. Would I have soared to great career heights? Perhaps written a novel? Or left my husband for someone more exciting?

      I’ve never said this to him, by the way – any of it. I feel quite guilty for even thinking it. Whenever I half‑admit my regret to other mums, hoping for some sisterly support or even agreement, they close it down before I’ve expressed even a fraction of what I really feel.

      It’s a topic I can’t broach with my sisters either. How can I tell them, when one is devastated by her childlessness and the other wishes she could have had more than her only child? I don’t think they’d believe me, if I told them the truth that I am jealous of them.

      I must spell out that I’m not a cruel or absent mother. I’ve been consistent in my parenting and, I promise, other people would never know I feel this way. I do the school runs, oversee homework, proactively hire tutors when needed, and I’ve attended every sports day and school play. PTAs have been a consistent feature in my diary, too.

      I am sure I come across in public as more helicoptering Tiger Mother than bored Wine Mum. I have put aside my career to be there for my children, and I like to think that my parenting strategy has largely worked. And yet, I’m now more convinced than ever that it was not the right strategy for me.

      The truth is, I feel a constant, bubbling resentment at all the sacrifices I have made for them. I think I absorbed the idea that this was what mothers did – but at what cost to the women?

      My children have certainly enjoyed a privileged lifestyle, partly because I have always been here for them, but also because of my husband’s successful construction company.

      I might sound, and feel, furious with myself for the way my life has worked out, but that doesn’t mean I’m a grumpy mum. I was always the first into the pool with them; I embraced the rock-climbing phase, and even learned to play the guitar with my eldest when he decided he wanted to be in a band. I’ve never said no to a sleepover, even when it meant ferrying other people’s children halfway around the Lake District.

      But all of it utterly consumed my 30s and 40s. And here I am, today, desperately unhappy with my lot.

      Again, you might think I sound heartless. This assessment of my life – the knowledge that I made a mistake by having children – sounds very cold and clinical. And yet, that’s not me either. The real me is carefree, impulsive, sexually alive. She loves music, and dancing and staying out late – and she is a woman I carefully put away a long time ago.

      The writer says she didn’t ever dream of becoming a mother – when other women looked longingly at babies, she found them dull and scarily fragile
      The writer says she didn’t ever dream of becoming a mother – when other women looked longingly at babies, she found them dull and scarily fragile
      In my 20s, living in Edinburgh and working as a hair stylist, my all-girls flat was ‘party central’. Not once did I dream of becoming a mother. Where other women looked longingly at babies, I found them dull and scarily fragile. I had no idea how to hold a newborn and no desire to learn.

      I met Tim in my mid-20s when he was in his early 30s, and we went off exploring those corners of the world that fed my bohemian tendencies. We watched the sun set on Indian beaches, hiked the Peruvian Andes to Machu Picchu, embraced beach life in Thailand and chilled out in Bali.

      Often on these trips I felt at one, not just with myself but with the entire cosmos. I was complete.

      Then, alas, life took off down a conventional path and I felt powerless to stop it. We got married in my early 30s and agreed we’d settle in the UK for ‘a bit’. But when Tim’s father died suddenly, he took over the family construction firm. Loyalty to his mother, my own middle-class upbringing in Cheshire, an inability to defy what was expected of me – all of it meant I did what all the other girls did and ‘settled down’.

      As if overnight my wanderlust was cut off – and then, at 34, I discovered I was pregnant. This was it: my new life. Travel instantly changed. For the last two decades I have returned from our well-planned and not-at-all-spontaneous family holidays just as pale and harassed as when I arrived.

      For the early years of motherhood, we’d usually hire a villa in Spain or France (it was easier that way), and it was me, of course, who shopped for and then cooked the lunches others would break off from pool-time to consume. It was me who would clean up while they lingered lazily at the table. Holidays haven’t been about my needs or desires for a long time.

      Motherhood does a number on you, I’ll admit that. In the early years those maternal, feel-good hormones can get you through even the most tedious of days surrounded by toddlers. To be honest, I felt like one of the lucky ones. I didn’t suffer postnatal depression, my babies weren’t colicky and the terrible twos were perfectly do-able.

      Then, shortly after our youngest daughter started school, I realised in a panic, my youth – my best years –was long over. At home, I felt like the four walls were closing in on me. I’d suppressed the real me so effectively, had become so dull to myself and everyone else, that fellow mums were staggered to discover how different my 20s had been.

      ‘You?’ said one incredulously when I told her about the adventures I’d experienced travelling throughout South-East Asia and South America. ‘But you’re such a home bird.’

      For reasons I would later chew over endlessly, that really stung. I felt frustrated and angry when I realised just how much I’d changed; how much of myself I had given away to my children.

      Whoever she thought I was, it really isn’t who I am.

      Meanwhile, Tim’s business was doing very well and, for my 40th birthday, he surprised me with the gift of a tumbledown place in the south of France. Perhaps he sensed my need for the sun and that feeling of otherness away from the mundanity of home. He was right: over the years it has been my haven.

      Indeed, desperate to shake up my life, a decade ago, I suggested to him that we move there permanently and give French living a go. Tim is incredibly easy-going and he agreed we could make it work, with him commuting back and forth to the UK when he needed to for business.

      The children were still little – ten, nine, seven and six – and, for once I thought their needs might coincide with mine. I could spread my wings again and their lives would be enriched by life in a different, more laid-back culture.

      At first la belle vie was perfect – we ate suppers outside, had the sea almost on our doorstep, and the constant sunshine even reinvigorated our sex life. I loved wandering around the local market, where sometimes I’d catch men glancing at me and be taken back to a time when that kind of attention was routine.

      It wasn’t that I wanted another man; I simply wanted not to be just a mother. In all, I adored our new life.

      However, our youngest just didn’t settle. I encouraged all the children to approach the first year as an adventure, explaining that they would find the French language and new schoolmates a challenge, but it would be a fun one. But while the other three threw themselves into it, Iris wouldn’t. She hated school, refused to speak in class and didn’t make any friends.

      Read More

      1. Oh.
        Too late.
        Tough titty.
        Most difficult a thing you can ever do, and important, is bring children up properly.

      2. She should have handed over her children as they were born to her barren sister.

        I should have been a family psychologist.

        1. The realisation that motherhood was unsatisfying was slow to evolve, Those feelings didn't manifest themselves immediately on giving birth. They only truly surfaced after they had to sacrifice their contented lives in France because the youngest child wouldn't settle and was clearly unhappy. Although it would have looked selfish at the time, perhaps the happiest outcome for all concerned is if the youngest could have been rehomed in the UK with one or other of her aunts. Separation would have brought its own difficulties but not dissimilar to those who are taught at boarding school. However, how the husband and siblings would have responded to such a suggestion would be pure guesswork on our part.

          3. Glad to see you back here, David! You've been missed! I hope you weren't ill. Maybe you just needed a break from us.

          4. Thanks, Jules. I've been well throughout but vowed to myself not to contribute during July, partly because of wanting respite from the General Election and its aftermath. I also confess to wanting a break from some of this forum's regular contributors who've been sorely testing my patience of late. A period of absence helped to contain my displeasure.

          9. Stig and I go back a very long way as sparring partners, I'm sure he saw the joke.

          14. That’s good – and I hope you’ve come back refreshed. I know you sometimes have a different view of life from some of the regulars but I for one value your contributions, and so do others.

      3. Oh dear……..well fairly soon they'll be adults and off her hands. Then she'll wonder why her husband is boring and busy with his work while she has not enough to do. Then she'll be in her sixties, thinking life has passed her by. Perhaps she'll spread her wings then and do the Shirley Valentine bit, finally realising she has trashed her marriage and alienated her adult children for nothing.

        1. We married aged 21 our daughter was born a year and a day after that. We were both 25 when our son was born. We had our adventures when they were old enough to look after themselves. They had chores to and had to be pressed at times. On one occasion went into our daughter’s bedroom, clothes all over the bed and floor. I wrote a note and left it on her bed it said “when the floor is full would you please consider using the cupboards “. When she came home and went into her bedroom and read the note she burst out laughing and came downstairs with a smile on her face. For weeks after that her room was tidy.
          We had many instances like that and always tried to treat it lightheartedly but firm.

          2. As of today our grandchildren are 20 (today), 21 (last) week and 22.
            No longer have teenage grandchildren.

          4. As of today our grandchildren are 20 (today), 21 (last) week and 22.
            No longer have teenage grandchildren.

          7. Posted this on X-Tw@ter yesterday:-

            Despite having had 6 children, I've long regretted not having any grand children.
            Until now.
            I am now starting to feel thankful because I can see the Hellhole Britain is going to turn into under this man.
            White European culture is fucked and Starmer is one of those fucking it.

      4. Goodness gracious, me, me,me. Oh, and me. Put a sock in it and just get on with whatever it is you think you want or need. Just another article to fill up the paper with trivial rubbish.

      6. Hmmm…I was living independently age 17. My children raised to be as independent as possible – looking after their own spaces, cooking simple meals for themselves, had bus passes (had lifts dark nights following youth clubs etc, shared with other parents), did their own laundry etc etc etc. What is this woman thinking raising her offspring to be so spoiled, and in today's world.

        1. It was behind a firewall. No, not worth reading but then it does give some insight into the lifestyle of the pampered.

    1. No I realise that, but the very fact that he is challenged to call a referendum and refuses shows the world exactly the character of the man.
      We should mock him by any means at every opportunity for as long as necessary.

    1. Managed a max of 1 hour. Now I’m back at the laptop. I Hope I’ll sleep tonight – the great healer.

  134. That's me for today. Busy hour watering and refilling a 1000 litre cubi. Time to have a sit down and contemplate wine o'clock.

    I have made a policy decision NOT to comment on the news any more. Fish (and other) puns is my limit plus the odd (very) one-liner.

    Have a spiffing evening.

    A demain.

  135. I wonder whether the commander of the new model army of riot police will be regarded as Britain's most senior policeman, it would explain why Rowley is so annoyed, if he's ineligible.

    1. . Animal Farms attack dogs. Give starmer some credit, he got them trained in no time at all……….if they're white and peaceable…attack!!!

    2. . Animal Farms attack dogs. Give starmer some credit, he got them trained in no time at all……….if they're white and peaceable…attack!!!

  139. I'm not a fan of TR, but this woman is a nasty piece of work
    Attacking Robinson:

    She wrote: 'I am just letting you know that in good conscience with your instigation of riots in the UK, causing a lot of people to suffer. I can't represent you anymore. Please provide your bank details so I can return your deposit.

    'Between you and the Zionists you are destroying our country. The irony is that if I was in the streets your followers would attack me because of the colour of my skin.'

    I hate to tell you this, madam, but followers of your religion would kill me just because of the colour of my views on Islam.

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13710753/tommy-robinson-tax-advisor-sacked-riots-cyprus.html

    I sometimes wonder whether TR would have grounds to sue the DM, not that he'd get a fair trial.

    1. He wouldn't but i continue to send him money. His holiday with his family would be beyond what i would pay but good luck to them. It is only people like him that will save our country from becoming the next caliphate.

    2. Soooo…he exercised no prejudice in hiring her but she openly displays prejudice in firing him.

    3. Soooo…he exercised no prejudice in hiring her but she openly displays prejudice in firing him.

    4. 1/ Tommy.. are you insane? Trusting a Roper with your private info. That goes for medical treatment too.

      2/ Between you and the Zionists you are destroying "our" country.

      Two things here.. UK is not your country. Israel are one of UKs key allies.

      3/ It's not your melanin levels dear.. it's the death cult you subscribe to. The one that hates; Jews, dogs, alcohol, Christians, gays, women, museums, artefacts, bacon, litterbins, shaving gel, common law.. (that's enough for now).

      and you demand everyone refrain from liking; Jews, dogs, alcohol, Christians, gays, women, museums, artefacts, bacon, litterbins, shaving gel, common law..

      1. TR has often made a distinction between 'ordinary' Muslims and Islamists. If that was just for public consumption he might be reconsidering it now.

    5. The Zionists? Dear life. This is supposedly a sensible muslim and she's an anti-semitic wretch.

      Does she not see the irony in her own views on Jews?

    1. All I can say is what I have said countless times before.
      Our political classes are useless and they eff up every single thing they come into contact with.

        1. Hotels'd be wrecked though, sos…no bars, no ball and chains, no dogs, no stun guns, insufficient fire extinguishers (because they'd set the place on fire)…Edit: come to think of it, no extinguishers might be an idea….

          2. The footage I’ve seen looks quite bad, a majority of white males old and young, fighting with police. That will likely be selective.

          4. Exactly so, and also repetitive, eg just seen a piece on the Spectator re Mark Rowley’s mic grab, timed 7.11pm….certain I read that earlier..groundhog day…

    5. So, the moral is, this man should run around the street with a knife, or groom and rape an under-age girl, or even break a cop’s nose, and he would be OK. But “someone” complained about something he said on Farcebook and Plod is all over him like a rash. They really are bullies, aren’t they?
      #bekindnow, y’all

      Edit. Sorry, this should be below the video a few comments below that TrueBelle posted.

    6. White rioters – the folk who pay taxes, work and keep the country going – can't be permitted to do so.

      They cannot be allowed to complain about the state. The state will do whatever it wants and we will accept it. There will be no dissent.

      Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?'

    1. Junior (& MTG) seem convinced she won't be elected, and some even question whether or not she'll stand.

  147. Evening, all. Managed to do quite a bit in the garden after I got back from the RAFA meeting, which was very satisfying. Had the bill for my boiler service. Last time I had it done it was ÂŁ90. This time it's ÂŁ140. That's just the service, not the parts. I could have used my winter fuel payment to pay for that – oh, wait!

    The crucial factor to consider in the debate about integration is that if they won't integrate into our way of doing things they need to be forcibly removed.

    1. Agree, Conway. Fear it's too late for that, for a good number of them, many of whom seem to be in their 20's.

    2. You need my hubby. He still charges ÂŁ90 inc. uLeZ. Sadly for you we live dahn sarf.

      1. His travel expenses would be more than my current plumber charges for the service, though.

    3. You need my hubby. He still charges ÂŁ90 inc. uLeZ. Sadly for you we live dahn sarf.

        1. The cartoon reflects how an athlete earlier today fouled out on the pole vault when his meat and two veg shifted the bar.

  153. 390970+ up ticks,

    Does this apply to ALL of Ireland,

    Dt,
    Ireland to ban balaclavas after anti-immigration violence
    In response to wave of disturbances, wearing of masks will be made illegal when there is clear ‘intent to intimidate’

    The wearing of a burka can conceal a multitude of sins and in its nature be intimidating to ALL indigenous right minded peoples.

    Besides in regards to global warming the wearers must take on the odour of polecats.

  154. 390970+ up ticks,

    Does this apply to ALL of Ireland,

    Dt,
    Ireland to ban balaclavas after anti-immigration violence
    In response to wave of disturbances, wearing of masks will be made illegal when there is clear ‘intent to intimidate’

    The wearing of a burka can conceal a multitude of sins and in its nature be intimidating to ALL indigenous right minded peoples.

    Besides in regards to global warming the wearers must take on the odour of polecats.

  155. Trump could get her elected if he’s not careful.
    He’s walking a tight line re her heritage.
    Trigger the current pro-Trump black vote to turn away and she’ll be in.

    And NEVER underestimate the Democrat’s ability to cheat.

    1. He’s keeping fairly quiet for now, mostly through Vance or Jnr. Seems to be some question as to whether she’s Indian or Black Heritage, or neither.

  156. Our little furry purrer often used to try and dig out misty and murky (named after the weather) gold fish.
    She succeeded in the end.

        1. When I was a trainee, I used to audit L. G. Harris. Lovely company. What I don’t know to this day about paint brushes isn’t worth knowing. I still only buy L. G. Harris!

      1. 390970+ up ticks,

        Evening S,
        I believe she has a large interest in a Soylent green factory.

      2. It's worked extremely well in the past, hasn't it. The southern border was her responsibility, a great success (for the ones streaming across it). Should hear Kennedy/Hawley et al.

  160. After a busy day I'm feeling an early night coming on. Help by my second large glass of shazaz 🍷🍷🤗 hic
    Night all.

  161. gaaah! I am out of curtain header tape. Am hitting the cooking wine. Have been out all day, taking OH and son to Gatwick to join daughter in NZ, then down to Southampton. Normal service resumes tomorrow (i.e. back to work). Looking forward to catching up on all your comments!

    Edit. Judging from the shouting next door, something has happened (I am thinking perhaps Olympics).

        1. Yes. Amazing. The only white girl in the race too. I caught a bit of the men’s 10000m. They were motoring but no one was touching the Africans.

    2. I see, so you think you are a pair of Curtains? I suggest you pull yourself together…

        1. (MoH has the City & Guilds Certificates for both tailoring & soft furnishings. Hand made curtains were her speciality before quilting took over)

          3. She started one a couple of weeks ago and plans to enter it in the village show in September!

          4. Does YOH go to the Knitting and Stitching Show?
            When I went some years back, there were absolutely gorgeous quilts on display.

          6. Never heard of that…off to look it up, right now…Edit: All those colours, even the ladies shown are dressed colourfully too, it all looks great.

          7. Never heard of that…off to look it up, right now…Edit: All those colours, even the ladies shown are dressed colourfully too, it all looks great.

          9. now that would be telling…. most are given away free of charge (unless asked to produce one for a wedding present and then then only charge is the cost of materials used,,,)

          10. That’s extremely generous; those cost a lot to produce, even if you cannibalise materials that have been discarded elsewhere.

          11. Agreed – the hours that go into making each one even if charged at minimum wage would make them unaffordable.

          12. I've seen many of your posts about the quilts over the years and all I can do is express admiration.
            I think they are marvellous, and the people who get them, win them, purchase them, are very lucky to own one.

          13. Thank you sos. ( I don't think one has ever been sold). The Guy who owns the shop that sells the fabrics has asked to stage an exhibition of the quilts she has made over the years. However, they have gone to all parts of the UK and abroad so not a practical proposition getting them back in one place!

          14. If the maker has a favourite charity, she could raise funds by auctioning one….just sayin'…..:-)

  162. gaaah! I am out of curtain header tape. Am hitting the cooking wine. Have been out all day, taking OH and son to Gatwick to join daughter in NZ, then down to Southampton. Normal service resumes tomorrow (i.e. back to work). Looking forward to catching up on all your comments!

    Edit. Judging from the shouting next door, something has happened (I am thinking perhaps Olympics).

  164. What a credit that 800m lass is to our country.
    She didn't tour the stadium, she went straight to her supporters; autographs, "selfies", hugs.
    Excellent.

        1. One of my best friends from my teenage years – who is still one of my best friends and is now aged 77- was the South of England girls schools 100 metres champion. She always had a glad eye for the boys and boasted, with a twinkle in her eye – that she was the fastest girl in Sussex.

      1. I'm surprised that that comment got any up votes at all on the BBC site.

        Actually I'm even more surprised that the BBC even allowed it to be posted!

        2. Now 14 up, 20 down and a reply: "Pathetic", 3 and 2.

          In a microcosm, the worst of today's western world.

  165. She started one a couple of weeks ago and plans to enter it in the village show in September!

    2. One of my favourites , reminds me of sitting down by the waterfront , sea swishing , sun shining when I used to enjoy a drink, Pernod and water … yes , a sixties drink(not forgetting the ice )

  170. One has been produce for the village show as a raffle prize. Another is being entered for the handicraft section of the show but it is likely to be given to the local hospice to raffle. It is rather nice but needs hand quilting before I can put up a photo…

    1. What a lovely gesture from your missus…I hope she raises lots of lovely funds too 🙂

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

  174. That's a family heirloom, right there. Her work is so neat. Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger – they continue to be as loved as much as they ever were, not forgetting Christopher Robin.

  175. Unfortunately the promo ad doesn't show any of the exhibition quilts which (even as a long suffering spouse) i have to say are excellent from the photos Ive seen…

    1. I'm looking forward to it. I've got my hot-water-bottle to keep my feet warm and my book to help me drop off. Nighty night.

      1. Goblins, more like. Her photos get worse and worse. I suppose you can't live her career without it showing on your face sooner or later.

      2. Goblins, more like. Her photos get worse and worse. I suppose you can't live her career without it showing on your face sooner or later.

  179. oh dear. My evening has not gone as planned. My next door neighbour just called to let me know her neighbour has been locked out of her house by her partner, along with her two lovely children aged 10 and 8. It seems she caught him having an affair.

    It happened to my other neighbour just as lock-down started and it has been a miserable 4 years for her and her children (now 13 and 11). He remarried her younger replacement earlier this year.

    So, four screwed-up kids in the space of 75 yards.

    And, neither of the men are anything special at all (although I suspect the women are gold-diggers).

    I’m not a fan of women who have affairs with married men who have children. And I know a few. It’s not fair.

    2. So sad to hear about traumas like that.

      I had a friend for many years who eventually moved to the New Forest with her husband and son , he had had a promotion at Southampton University .

      One night , during the eighties , the phone rang , and it was pals husband to saying "look , I am leaving, L#### is in a mess and she is threatening to overdose , I cannot deal with her , but we are finished , can you come over to calm her down " What an utter cold blooded rat

      We lived in Wimborne in those days , what would any of you have done ?

      I thought about it , and then got in the car and drove in the dark to Emery Down , her chap had packed his bags and gone to live with his new squeeze leaving her an emotional wreck, she had NO idea , not an inkling there was trouble looming .

      I listened to her, made her tea , contacted a sibling of hers , kept her safe until help arrived

      Listening to traumas in those days when thirty / forty somethings decide a marriage is over / play the field etc was so common , divorce and separation were fashionable , throwaway liasons and the damage done to children immense .

      During that time when Moh was around , he spent 16 years off shore , during his two weeks off he played a lot of golf , as did I , and I was part of a ladies team , all good fun , but the shock of the matter was , I was in my late thirties etc but there were only two of us women who were still married , in the same age group .

      As Dorothy Parker said ..

      “By the time you swear you're his,
      Shivering and sighing.
      And he vows his passion is,
      Infinite, undying.
      Lady make note of this —
      One of you is lying.”

    3. Blimey, Richmond has got more interesting than 20 years ago when we left. We were invited to a dinner party by a couple we met in the Marlborough pub (40 years ago) who turned out to be 'swingers'. Only realised when the lady started to show us naked pictures of herself in the bath. Thankyou, but no, thankyou.

    4. I'm not a fan of married man people with children having affairs either…
      Messy lives. One cannot decide many things in this life, but not inflicting that kind of messy life on one's children is one of them.

    5. I'm not a fan of married man people with children having affairs either…
      Messy lives. One cannot decide many things in this life, but not inflicting that kind of messy life on one's children is one of them.

  183. 390970+ up ticks,

    Pillow ponder,

    So the festering large boil in the English midlands has burst, as it had to, will there be an armada of reinforcements from Calais
    tomorrow ?

    The hard work must start now in regaining hamlets, villages, towns & cities, treacherously stained via the WEF/NWO political agents and their imbecilic followers.

    One thing for sure out of this partially self inflicted shite-storm
    MUST come a clear and precise conclusion.

    1. Or as Guido Fawkes observes: Labour Treasury Minister's aunt resigns as dictator of Bangladesh

      "Hasina’s connections hit closer to home than some might realise. Her niece is none other than Labour MP and Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, Tulip Siddiq. Guido imagines Siddiq’s aunt will be casting hopeful glances towards her niece for a bit of familial support…"

    1. Benjamin Britten and W.H. Auden were both boys at Gresham's School where Bill's MR used to teach and where our Christo did his International Baccalaureate.

  187. After a couple of hours of tossing and turning, I've come downstairs for a short while.
    Couple of rumbles of thunder earlier at 02:30 and a light shower of rain through the night. Still a pleasant 13°C outside though.

  188. Letter and BTL response:-

    SIR – The rioters have been described as “far-Right”, but I doubt that these dreadful people have any interest in politics as it is understood by the majority of us.

    They are simply hooligans who do not themselves deserve the British citizenship they would like to deny to any individual born beyond our shores.

    Bill Davidson
    Balderton, Nottinghamshire

    bonzo dog
    3 hrs ago
    Perhaps Bill Davidson would like to wonder why so many "born beyond our shore deserve Britain citizenship",
    I know how I think of citizenship but I searched for some simple definitions:
    "A legal status of belonging to a country"
    and
    "A citizen is a participatory member of a political community. Citizenship is gained by meeting the legal requirements of a national, state, or local government. A nation grants certain rights and privileges to its citizens. In return, citizens are expected to obey their country's laws and defend it against its enemies".
    Has it occurred to him that many of those "born beyond our shores" who seek citizenship, appear to seek certain rights and privileges but have no sense of "belonging" to our country and have no desire to live by our values or respect our culture.
    Mrs d

  189. And as I head back off to bed, a snippet from Going Postal:-
    David Starkey on Keir Starmer:

    ''Starmer is a believer in the supremacy of law, but, in many ways, that doesn’t actually mean the supremacy of law so much as the supremacy of lawyers. The supremacy of people like him. He believes that human society should be constructed according to rules made by people like him, enforced by people like him, and which prevent anybody else who is not like him from having a say in anything. That’s where we are.

    This is done through this strange thing called ‘human-rights law’, which Labour has pinned its colours to. The important thing to remember is that, since the end of the Second World War, human rights have been stood on their head. Originally, human rights were meant to protect the rights of you and me against the state. They were there to make sure there wasn’t another Nazism or another Communism. That’s what they were there for. But there has been an Orwellian inversion, and instead of human rights meaning that everybody has freedom of speech and political participation, they have become the rights of minorities against the majority – and the only entity that can enforce the rights of minorities against the majority is the state.

    In this sense, human rights have become deliberately anti-populist. They have become anti-democratic. Starmer represents this attitude. Everything that Labour does, everything that it will do, embodies a particular view of society. This worldview is expressed in the language of ‘public service’, this mysterious thing that actually means the rule of public servants like him. Except Labour are not governing as servants, but as masters.

    Despite its history, the Labour Party is no longer the party of the working-class – those awful people in the north of England who are a bit too patriotic, and who occasionally wave the Union flag. The Labour Party abhors these people. Today, what it actually represents is the white-collar public sector and the whole academic quangocracy. Very remarkably, it’s become the party of the new ruling class.

    1. Starmer, beautifully articulated by Starkey, as one would expect.

      For me, authoritarian bully who detests the British people, does the job but I'm nowhere near as articulate as Starkey.

    1. Morning, Geoff and thank you for your efforts on our behalf.

      Link doesn't work. I opened a new Tab for NTTL

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