Wednesday 1 January: Labour’s attack on private schools plunges children’s lives into turmoil

Posted on by Geoff Graham

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728 thoughts on “Wednesday 1 January: Labour’s attack on private schools plunges children’s lives into turmoil”

      2. Back from DGRI. Not a happy experience. Good morrow gentlefolk, especially Geoff and thanks for his wonderful work on this site

    2. Good morning Geoff.
      I was wondering where you'd got to!

      And a Happy New Year to you too.

      1. Didn’t wait up, Bob. Currently have diabetes-related vision issues. I hope that the laser session last Friday has stopped the bleeding. If so, things should clear. I believ that that procss has lready begun.

        Failing which, I’ll buy a dog…

      1. Yes, I get a message from my chum in New Zealand early in the morning, too. Rather a reminder of the inexorable march of time.

  3. Good morning Geoff and all NoTTLers. It's a New Year at last. I hope the Empire Strikes Back against this shambolic Government. Last night I joined Reform.

    On 22nd September 2024 I volunteered to take on Tom Hunn's (AKA NoToNanny, Sir Jasper) mantle of Today's Tales while I believed he was in a dark place. I've been posting daily for 99 days now and I do hope he's feeling better after leaving Hospital in Moffat. Like Farming (and Geoff), it's an every day job.

    If any NoTTLer wants to carry on, be aware that if you buy even three or four books of jokes, they all seem to completely plagiarise one another. Moreover, most of their contents are either too feeble or too vile to publish to a sensitive audience like NoTTLers, so the supply of good ones is soon exhausted.

    I won't give examples, but if any readers heard the alleged "jokes" about the Herald of Free Enterprise Ferry tragedy on 6th March 1987 they will know what I mean. There's humour and there's disgusting!

    EDIT: I've just found a fresh, rather lightweight Joke Book from which to pinch.

    I have plagiarised 16 entries and decided that NoTTLers will need something to cheer themselves up in 2025 on a Monday morning with the dire News that's going to be coming at us from this Government.

    So I plan to start weekly every Monday with a Monday Chuckle, to see how it goes until 14th April, that's week 16. Hopefully some other NoTTLer may take over.

    So here's the first Chuckle for 2025 (OK, I know, it's Wednesday):

    "I heard that your mother-in-law passed away. My condolences, my friend."
    "Thank you."
    "How did she die?"
    "She was visiting us, and we wanted to make fried potatoes. I sent her to the cellar to get some potatoes, and she fell down the stairs and died."
    "Oh my, what did you do then?"
    "Macaroni and cheese."

  4. Good morning Geoff and all NoTTLers. It's a New Year at last. I hope the Empire Strikes Back against this shambolic Government. Last night I joined Reform.

    On 22nd September 2024 I volunteered to take on Tom Hunn's (AKA NoToNanny, Sir Jasper) mantle of Today's Tales while I believed he was in a dark place. I've been posting daily for 99 days now and I do hope he's feeling better after leaving Hospital in Moffat. Like Farming (and Geoff), it's an every day job.

    If any NoTTLer wants to carry on, be aware that if you buy even three or four books of jokes, they all seem to completely plagiarise one another. Moreover, most of their contents are either too feeble or too vile to publish to a sensitive audience like NoTTLers, so the supply of good ones is soon exhausted.

    I won't give examples, but if any readers heard the alleged "jokes" about the Herald of Free Enterprise Ferry tragedy on 6th March 1987 they will know what I mean. There's humour and there's disgusting!

    EDIT: I've just found a fresh, rather lightweight Joke Book from which to pinch.

    I have plagiarised 16 entries and decided that NoTTLers will need something to cheer themselves up in 2025 on a Monday morning with the dire News that's going to be coming at us from this Government.

    So I plan to start weekly every Monday with a Monday Chuckle, to see how it goes until 14th April, that's week 16. Hopefully some other NoTTLer may take over.

    So here's the first Chuckle for 2025 (OK, I know, it's Wednesday):

    "I heard that your mother-in-law passed away. My condolences, my friend."
    "Thank you."
    "How did she die?"
    "She was visiting us, and we wanted to make fried potatoes. I sent her to the cellar to get some potatoes, and she fell down the stairs and died."
    "Oh my, what did you do then?"
    "Macaroni and cheese."

    4. One hypothesis in the 1970s-1980s was that many humourous tales were created/enhanced by inmates in prisons, who had plenty of time on their hands.
      New jokes crossed the Atlantic via forex traders; before the New York markets opened, dealers etc in the City would be on standby with the phonelines open, and both parties enjoyed a laugh.

      1. Talking of intercontinental phone lines, before the war Croydon Control Tower had a line connected direct to Templehof. After the outbreak of hostilities, one of the people in the tower picked up the phone and quickly put it down again when he was greeted in German. They disconnected the line.

    5. One hypothesis in the 1970s-1980s was that many humourous tales were created/enhanced by inmates in prisons, who had plenty of time on their hands.
      New jokes crossed the Atlantic via forex traders; before the New York markets opened, dealers etc in the City would be on standby with the phonelines open, and both parties enjoyed a laugh.

  5. Happy New Year All. 10C windy but not as strong as forecast 60mph gusts forecast. Nearer to 30mph actual.

    1. Though he has promised to improve and win hearts & minds of the people..

      Keir Starmer enrages tourists by 'jumping to front of 3-hour queue for holiday ride'
      "There were lots of Brits and everyone was typically patient and well mannered until we had finally got right to the front when the queue was halted.

      1. I thought this was one of your ironic takes, but I see it's true. The man has not got a clue.

    2. I despite them all. It's not just Two Tier Kier, either. He just exacerbates it all because he's a demented Lefty who locks up those he hates. This rot started in 1997 when Blair forced millions upon millions f foreigners on us, year after year. The Tories did nothing to stop this and kept lying, as if government could only do one thing at a time.

      When we could finally say no in 2016 the state weaponised this to ensure the flood got even worse, and poured millions of utter vermin on to us.

      We could refuse them. The state encourages the influx. It's simple spite.

      1. the state weaponised this to ensure the flood got even worse..

        and rewarded those in charge..
        Deborah Chittenden, lately Director, Strategic Illegal Migration Operations, Home Office. For Public Service. Hannah Lucy Cockroft OBE, DL – For services to
        "bringing an end to capitalism, Western culture & the sovereign state of the United Kingdom.
        (She/Her)
        Director of Strategy and Transformation at Home Office

        And retreats to the safety of the leafy St Simons Avenue, Putney.. and smugly tells us on social media..
        "Amazing to see such great work recognised on such a big stage – wholly well deserved. Well done team"

    3. I made a comment on that:-

      Look at him.
      Yes, I know, he was being heckled and people were angry, but he made no attempt to engage with the local people.
      He knew this attack was going to bite him in the arse.

    4. ALLEGED murderer. Never comment on an impending trial unless you want to cause trouble.

  8. A happy and healthy New Year to one and all.
    May your days be joyful and your nights as you prefer them.
    And may you greet many more New Years too.

  9. Morning, all Y'all, and Happy New Year!
    Now back at home in Norway. Snowed last night, about 8", and the plough has just been by.
    Collect the cats from the cat hotel is the first order of the day, after coffee, that is.

  10. Happy and Prosperous New Year to All,

    Well that was a pretty stormy night at Castle McPhee. Wind easing during the day and temperatures going down from 11℃ to 4℃ by this evening.

    Woke early this morning and found this podcast. Bret Weinstein sat down with Senator Ron Johnson. They pick apart the plandemic and move on to the corruption of the Military/Industrial Complex, the corruption of the Medical/Pharma/Industrial complex, the BigAg/Big Food complex the general corruption of science/medicine, and the "peer review" system. The conclusion: Government corrupts and Absolute Government corrupts absolutely.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpTBZQiI3Mc&t=2973s

  11. Millions of households in Great Britain face higher energy bills as price cap rises. 1 January 2024.

    Nine million homes will face higher energy bills from Wednesday as Britain braces for freezing temperatures and snow warnings for the new year period.

    The average energy bill for households across England, Scotland and Wales will rise by 1.2% from New Year’s Day to £1,738 a year for a typical household after the energy regulator raised its cap on gas and electricity charges.

    This is just one of the processes (the rest increased taxes mostly) designed to reduce most of us to poverty over the next five years. It will affect the Nottler generation most of all.

    https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jan/01/energy-bills-gas-electricity-cap-rise-ofgem-great-britain

  13. Not so very surprising, what with VAT, NI contributions and other tax and price rises. Also, an opportunity to bring in a bit more money, with government taking the blame.
    Private school fees rise by more than Labour predicted
    Government underestimates impact of flagship policy on parents, with sums rising by up to 20pc
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/private-school-fees-rise-by-more-than-labour-predicted/
    Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial move to apply 20 per cent VAT to private school fees was designed to boost the state sector, with the tax increase set to fund measures including more teachers.

    In an impact assessment in October, the Treasury claimed fees would only rise by 10 per cent on average as a result, arguing that many of the country’s 2,600 independent schools would not pass on the full cost to parents.

    But a Telegraph analysis of fee changes from 964 private schools in England, Scotland and Wales suggests this claim was wrong.

    Around half of those schools are increasing fees by 15 per cent or more, while a fifth – including Eton, which educated Prince William – are hiking fees by the full 20 per cent. The average fee increase was found to be 14 per cent.

      1. Yup; just been to collect the cats, who are delighted to be back in their own house, and to see their servants again.
        😉

    2. They'll have to. You're not just covering the costs of the additional tax but the processing and management of thoes taxes. For our taxes we have to account for the waste the products we sell create, so that's separating the cardboard from the plastic wrapping. Imagine a world where you can't just throw away shink wrap but have to weigh it to please the state.

      On top of that is the moronic DIE drivel, the ESG enforcement our accountants have to pay -= it's all passed on down the line to our customers and that is why doing business in the UK is so expensive.

      We have a software company that do some work for us on occassion. They charge us £500 per week of work. They charge the council and other public sector bodies over £1500 a week. Why? Because of the overheads, administration and time wasting those groups create. No company is interested in your environmental faffing. Councils thouh demand such accounting on paper and that's hundreds of pages, none of it ever read. It's pure, simple waste.

    3. If the state thinks that many teachers in private schools will continue to teach in state schools when the schools they teach in close then they are in for a rude awakening.

      I taught for some years in independent schools – I am not at all sure that I would have wanted to have taught in a state school and I am sure that not many state schools would have wanted me – or people such as myself : we would have been permanently off message.

      1. A friend qualified as a teacher. After a (short) while in a comprehensive school he found an admin job elsewhere, flourished, re-trained and then started his own business.

      2. A friend qualified as a teacher. After a (short) while in a comprehensive school he found an admin job elsewhere, flourished, re-trained and then started his own business.

      3. They've got another think coming if they expect retired teachers to fill the gap, too. I'll run a mile, even with my dodgy knees, rather than go back in the classroom. It was bad when I retired, it's a lot worse (and more diverse, even here in the sticks) now.

  14. 399598+up ticks,

    Happy New Year Each,

    Lest we forget which has been the trend for decade upon decade
    as living breathing supporter / voters, we have done our best to
    finalise, take down, and mortally wound Great Britain,

    to say WE have shit in our own nest BIG TIME, will be an unbeatable understatement of 2025

    The whole nation is a showcase displaying the evilness of mass insanity using children as display objects in many CASES.

    https://x.com/jon19841984/status/1874153227253670178

    2. The pandemic was notable for it's lack of information. We were told 'get the vaccine' with no consideration for it's efficacy. We were told it protected others – when it blatantly can't. We were told it prevented us getting the virus, when it can't.

      We were not told the truth. Is that because the population is thick? Whose fault is that, then? Big govenrment has reduced itself to spin and soundbite regardless of the facts. Perhaps it'd be more practical to argue that the state has demanded a population that blindly obeys because one that thinks is dangerous to it's hegemony.

      1. Project fear went on for well over a year and we were the only ones at our club who refused to wear masks and have the experimental injections. I was asked by one member if I would ave one for the benefit of the community. I asked how that would work but didn’t have an answer. We take vitamin D 3 and have done so for 5 years and in that time we have both had 2 or 3 colds.
        Many in the club discuss when and where they’re going to have their 99th booster and some say XYZ and go on to say they won’t be able to play for the next 20 days as the job always makes them so I’ll. You couldn’t make it up.

      2. 399598+ up ticks,

        Morning W,

        We were not told the truth. Is that because the population is thick? Whose fault is that, then?

        IMHO to a very large extent, the voter supporters, for the past four decades, again, again,and again
        voting and expecting a different ending to a political, cast in concrete set piece.

  15. Good morning, chums. And thanks, Geoff, for this year's first NoTTLe page.

    Wordle 1,292 4/6

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

    1. Good morning Elsie and all
      I didn't get wordle this morning!. :-(( Made six perfectly good and valid incorrect guesses!

    2. Good morning everyone and Happy New Year .

      My goodness , you should all listen to this blow, it is a very fierce gale , drizzle , no downpours yet , still 12c.

      Older son has just left the house in his car , with his running kit etc to take part in a long organised race in Broadstone , nr Poole .

      Moh and I are shocked it wasn't cancelled because hundreds of runners from all over Dorset will be driving to the event .

      The 39th Junction Broadstone Quarter Marathon will be going ahead on 1st January 2025 despite weather warnings. If there is any change to this plan, a message will be posted here. All entrants will be emailed and a post will be put on the Broadstone Quarter Marathon Facebook page.

      Resilience is key, so the best of luck to him .

    3. Happy new year Ndovu, yes, a bit dark and gloomy, but that's just my mood!

      I started as I mean to go on, by putting some washing in.

    4. Light over here – the snow came and made everything bright, white and reflective.

  17. Blood pressure alert.

    I am idly thinking of establishing a Charity and am doing some research. I have come across the following document, issued by the Charity Commission, which provides “model charitable objectives” (e.g. advancement of education; advancement of religion; animal charities etc). This is for “social inclusion” and the part that is winding me up is at the top of page 8.
    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7ec3d5ed915d74e33f2471/socinc.pdf

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a6f9d70bbbbe5ded1fcbc1fee9ba96a3c1dfa2302bf63009fa2ee93be6bb5885.jpg
    “in particular, members of the Muslim community”

    They (our wonderful “elites”) really do hate us, don’t they?

    1. Doing this for people who appear to have no desire to integrate and who expect everyone to change to meet their demands.

      1. Grrrrr it’s really pissed me off. And i haven’t even started on the Charity Commission’s model charitable objectives for “equality and diversity”, “promotion of human rights”, “racial harmony”, “recycling”, “refugees/those seeking asylum” or “sustainable development”.

    2. What it does is point at the muslim and make it clear that they don't integrate, don't disappear, don't contribute and stubborn persist in demonstrating their difference to the prevailing culture.

      The state then glorifies this and makes it the onus of others, rather than the muslim to integrate.

    4. Good Morning ,

      I just cannot believe that a culture that has destroyed their own homelands , contributed nothing to our own country , but is now continually feeding off the generosity and sanctuary that a white Christian country has given them .

      1. It's always struck me as odd that the muslim, so eager to flee 'conflict' as an asylum seeker or nutjob bomber, err, refugee – comes as far as it's possible then sets about not integrating, not adopting the norms and values of the locality but persists in continuing their stone age practices in this country.

        They're a disease.

      2. It's easy to believe when you know that islam means submission and the intention is to make everyone else submit to it. Generosity is seen as weakness, like compassion. Tolerance is to be used to further the cause while remaining totally intolerant themselves. Money paid is their due for allowing non-muslims to live in what they consider to be a muslim country, even if it isn't.

    6. Our Hedgehog charity had to include public benefit but I don't think we had to worry too much about social inclusion when we were drawing up our documents. It's all carp isn't it!

        1. I believe Kate will be a better controller of William. Camilla has no control at all, which is a pity because she was the first to show Charlie what his gear stick was for and he was eternally grateful to her. I believe Charlie continued to 'associate' with Camilla even after his enforced marriage to Diana. He was a libidinous liar.

          1. Agree re Kate, William depends on her a great deal imo. She’s not fully well – hope she gets the all clear soon. Ah yes the married Camilla. Seems like Charles was persuaded to take one for the team – a very unhappy marriage, resulting in a shocking accident – I don’t think Harry’s ever come to terms with it.

    8. An uphill task to say the least. Recommend chucking more tax payer dosh at it, that's sure to help, a priority.

    9. Since muslims see us kuffars as "lower than cattle" and are instructed never to befriend us but to behead us, I see that aspiration as a useless endeavour. The writer (if he/she/it isn't actually muslim, which wouldn't surprise me) should take the time to read the koran.

  18. Yo Good Moaning and a Happy New Year to all Nottlers, their families and friends

    May the wrath of God descend on Starmer and Co

    As an aside, It is Persistently Precipitating in C d S.

    1. Happy New Year OLT,

      We must all collectively pray for some deliverance against the wrath of this appalling political leadership , and that they will all pray for forgiveness for what they have done to all of us .

      May this government of spiteful ignorant politicians be damned to the mouth of hell .

  19. Happy New Year Folks,

    Blustery day here, no new years day walk
    Fireworks didn't really kick off until about 12.15am this morning,
    Weather must have been too bad before.

    2. Was like the blasted Somme here. Mongo slept through them, Oscar barked, Lucy trembled and had an accident. The neighbour's bike alarm went off continually. It was a cacophany of noise and disruption.

      1. They're way too strong now in terms of noise. If you play music loudly does that improve things for them, even a little?

      1. Rained hard here, too. Path was flooded this morning. Didn't stop a brief burst of pyrotechnics at midnight, though. The rain hadn't got into its stride then.

        1. Hear you, Conway. Fireworks started here around ten minutes go. Must have taken out another bank loan. Snow on the way, weekend. Joyous.

          1. We have a snow warning as well. If it’s as accurate as the warning for New Year’s Day we’ll be fine.

  21. 'Morning All
    Happy New Year to all
    MegaMedley
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f62719b8c8ffa113be26a97c3812f29ea89292e4feabb854ec7b14437e26e528.png
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dcf32c1741bf193c314709b082e1a3d4a3bc78ad38407f1bab475e3d75b05900.jpg
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    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/086b5c27e3c8840513213945779cbc465b37af6a836818f0d47ae3242e9bda85.png
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a2dcf5e94051644cd0469b75733c14f41ad6360189d4f701c9fb46d7327bb0d7.jpg
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    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ea97adab5c3f992723f117f0b74f4f07fd6859897469ad910594fe53444773ff.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/544818f5e1c212da4f0d749ddd7f17916c53f91a99b55f9e5a025c86d54a58db.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9c4010c278319e4e00c2638a7459217f2d905a0196b75c717b41688d22c3c6fe.jpg

    2. Thank you so much, Rik – actually raised a smile from husband re wife sketch. Mix of humour and thought-provoking. Much appreciated, hoping for lots more this year.

    3. "Kids are so dumb they believe that some guy with a beard will give them stuff for free."

      English translation: "Children are so stupid, they believe that a bearded man will hand out desirable items free of charge."

      Either that or baby goats are both mute and gullible!

    1. Providing our own blackcap can hold position horizontally in the wind and cling on while it's flung around, then it can use our feeder as it wishes.

  23. Letters to the Editor
    Labour’s attack on private schools plunges children’s lives into turmoil

    Letters to the Editor 01 January 2025 12:01am GMT

    SIR – You are quite right to describe the introduction of VAT on school fees as “an act of class warfare” (Leading Article, December 30).

    The impact will be severe, chaotic and highly disruptive to the lives and education of many children, something that will please no one but the Labour front bench, whose policy of vindictive social engineering it is. It has been rushed through and implemented halfway through the school year to cause maximum turmoil.

    Not only will it fail to raise the amount that the Government claims, it may also cost the taxpayer money, given the difficulties it will create for an already overstretched state sector.

    Between them, the Chancellor and the Education Secretary have embraced a destructive and ill-thought-out policy and put ideology before responsibility or good judgment.

    Mark Mortimer
    Perth

    1. "Between them, the Chancellor and the Education Secretary have embraced a destructive and ill-thought-out policy and put ideology before responsibility or good judgment." Labour has always done that. Why should they change the habits of a lifetime?

  26. Part 2
    https://m3.gab.com/media_attachments/47/9e/00/479e00aa61c8aac62e89d5b7b0783699.jpeg?width=568
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e40680389427e4beee278240542797ee7b4e91711e1bb6f6a79142008ec9ac3f.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3f82eab8306da48eed98d70d57b0a3d06b9b7377bdf050bcc4df6c3df4b60d9e.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d806fc02efbb8a8be6bd623faa83149635b6188bfbfc6c6d219cd2988214b5be.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bff7730eabbf9a247b9a174f6f57a916275c5b8dcd1a6e071625950ec552ec54.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2ce2e10cd3d3be9a97d571d2fde77784e822bc07c3735ee4fe9ca1a9f9fb4e74.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0d98e50634fc79f591f104d463c7d3ffddcb2ecad9763fac988da876979ee7ee.jpg
    http://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/81da64c43718febde561bc3a2a3e915a44e8952b6eba94e58eec2a66755c45fc.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d82559596156d28a1a00b93c5d7e58ed1de50d352f44da9a62100abc6f137cee.jpg
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bf2792ad04715433d18c3fddeb735a55d9e9562858b8b7cf69cf1ad842d3c9f9.png
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b3a4825afb73270ae17af7f5a660d3d291edafed6b70a1568366a66ca5f9b439.jpg

    1. Rik, I have to pinch the first one of this set (the mediaeval architecture – in Africa!).

  27. With reference to VAT on private schooling , what is the betting that Starmer and Co ensured that none of his his cabinet had children of school age, "going private"

    1. Oh good-oh. I am reassured that the good Tisroc, may he live forever, allows me to look after hedgehogs.

    3. This is a thing? scraping the barrel now…moved on from Net Zero crap…Equality for Hedgehogs…click here…

  30. Happy New Year!

    Nice to see the world is staying as per for 2025. Only two phishing messages thus far. One from a royal chap in Nigeria who says he's going to give me a big reward if I'll allow him to put millions of pounds into my bank account on a temporary basis while he sorts his entry visa out.

    The other one was a New Year's messenger who promised to put more money in my pocket. Not a pick pocket, but more a give pocket, or something.

    Starmer, Nigerian princes and all the rest must truly think we're as venal as they are.

  31. Happy New Year!

    Nice to see the world is staying as per for 2025. Only two phishing messages thus far. One from a royal chap in Nigeria who says he's going to give me a big reward if I'll allow him to put millions of pounds into my bank account on a temporary basis while he sorts his entry visa out.

    The other one was a New Year's messenger who promised to put more money in my pocket. Not a pick pocket, but more a give pocket, or something.

    Starmer, Nigerian princes and all the rest must truly think we're as venal as they are.

  32. I kept a collection of those on a previous computer to see if there was a pattern…

  34. A slightly delayed good morning and Happy New Year to all.
    Got up over an hour ago and have been a bit distracted!
    A rather damp, dull and miserable morning after a bit of a stormy night. 6.1°C outside when I checked the temperature, which is also the minimum for the past day. Maximum actually got up to 10.9°C

    1. For sale, one bridge, two nice tower bits. Middle bit goes up and down. Only £10,000,000.

    2. I hate to be the one to break this to you, but Starmer and co are merely getting warmed up.

  36. Happy New Year to all.

    Overcast, again, and windy.

    Puts that old habit of cleaning the front step into perspective!.

    https://x.com/HowThingsWork_/status/1874021812054684093
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5c74e7541dfbdc70c79d10f203ff7c6d765ce353d918ffff6404cd0a0ff8f7b6.png

    Coming soon to a city, town etc. near you and then we'll really be up that particular creek.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b4c68bfaf9e72826e9415825babc5541f5c1535a7047b1491961244864b17098.png

    1. That's true. Remember the Katherine Tate sketch…'yes mummy, you're quite right, mummy'..my kids used to say it to me, quite sarcastically…

    2. As a 'lawyer' didn't he assist in the defence of the 7/7 London bombers, when 56 people were murdered ?

  40. Going by all the negative posts on Lefty FB groups, Reform really has the mainstream party's rattled and in a blind panic.
    The latest one this morning is having a go at Nigel for they say, accepting an EU pension in three years time when he is 63.
    Getting a bit ahead of themselves, I think, while assuming that the EU will still exist in three years time.
    In my opinion he has earned his pension for the stunning work he did there, as I note he is our only MEP to make a memorable pertinent speech to the EU Parliament in all those years we were chained to it that anyone can remember.
    Looking forward to 2025
    I bet Labour & Conservative supporters aren't so much.

    1. Perhaps they might have a go at the Act of Parliament ensuring Starmer's pension remains intact, instead. Or was their point that instead of relying upon the EU Nigel ought to be granted the same treatment?

    3. If I were Nigel Farage, I would take great pleasure in taking anything I could get from the EU. He is entitled to it (by the EU's own rules), so I see nothing wrong in collecting it.

      1. It'll be our money anyway (I strongly suspect the government is sending part of the VAT take to Brussels still).

  41. Whyfor do you have likkle picture of a naked man, facing away from you, bending down to touch his toes

  43. Ah but come on! We imperialists and colonialists stole all their valuable materials so that was all that they had left for building homes. They have shown great initiative…

  47. Good idea. I’m sure there is. Every new year the PM insists things can only get better. Yes, I see a pattern 🤣

    1. #Me Too. I'm glad I gave it a miss. If I hadn't given my TV away, I might have thrown something at the screen.

      1. Beat me to it, Paul. Perhaps they could try nagging enemies to death. Play em a video of Starmer banging on etc..

  50. Why is the left-hand sign in English and not the usual 35-odd languages prevalent in the NHS? We should be told.

  52. Morning all 🙂😊
    A very Good and Happy New Year to you all.
    After a lovely evening with our neighbours, We didn't get to bed until 3 am.
    Grey very windy and raining sofar.
    Labour don't have to over emphasis, we already know that they are nasty and viscously vindictive.
    The push to get rid of them must continue.

    1. Thanks Tom, '25 will be very important indeed – a case of choosing your side. I'm already trying to get family (and others) to decide. Thanks again for FSB, always a good read – bless you, too 🙂

    1. I usually get a shortened version of his substack (no payment), gives you an idea of his take on things – one of the good guys.

    3. That just made me more miserable. Those sunlit uplands we were promised are many years away.

    1. We will be seeing you in all the old familiar places ..

      Happy New Year Bill .

      I hope you rest up a while and come back soon , refreshed and less anxious xx

    3. I feel that way without health issues. Try tickertok, plenty to keep the heart going there, ahem. If all else fails, pet a cat..

    5. Take it easy.
      The weather's on your side. Only a lunatic would go out in this, so you can flop with a clear conscience.

    1. He was chewing gum to disguise the gurning which happens when you take too much amphetamine.

    2. A pretty mediocre show – we gave up and went to bed, sadly after Geldof's first appearance and after the woman who sang while lying on the floor! Waste of decent zzzzzs time!

  60. "You there, I forget your name, open this door and then I will require my paws warming up on your lap."

  61. Here we go again ….New Orleans this time: From the BBC

    "Witnesses told a reporter at CBS News that: A vehicle drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street at a high speed, before the driver then reportedly got out and began firing a weapon. Police then returned fire Multiple people were on the ground with injuries, the eyewitness says"

  62. GOTT NYTT ÅR to all NoTTLers …

    … the old and the not-so-old; the thin and the not-so-thin; the astute and the not-so-astute; the intelligent and the not-so-intelligent; the jolly and the not-so-jolly; not forgetting the curmudgeonly and the not-so-curmudgeonly; and of all the 978 sexes (🤣). Have I left anyone out?

    Happy New Year.😘

      1. OK, Misfits too, especially refugees from The Spectator, the New Statesman, and the Morning Star (among other publications).
        Not forgetting, your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

        Happy New Year to them all.

  64. I notice that the old TDS, Trump Derangement Syndrome has gone very quiet lately on social and mainstream media, funny that.
    People are even being quite nice about him all of a sudden.
    Pity now they have merely switched to FDS and RDS
    But that is the Left for you.

  65. Nigel Farage recorded his New Year message in Blenheim Palace. Did Reform buy a location filming licence and/or is the Duke of Marlborough a supporter? Probably the former and agreed at a price the estate management are happy with but it would be nice if the latter were also true and the duke clearly doesn’t mind associating the Churchill name with the Reform brand.

      1. You'd think his wardrobe would hold a jacket and tie.
        Or had he been allowed back to Stoma Towers and left them there?

    2. Update: 10 dead, 2 police officers shot and they're calling it a terrorist attack.

  68. The European Union purchased a blender for a school without electricity and funded a “conflict prevention” radio station which only played music as part of a €5 billion (£4.1 billion) trust fund for Africa.

    A report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) highlighted dozens of similar projects that were deemed to be a waste of taxpayers’ money, including from Britain.

    Its 66-page report also raised fears that criminal gangs and people smugglers had benefited from billions of euros being spent by Brussels on the African continent in the hope of curbing illegal migration to the bloc.

    The European Union Emergency Trust Fund was set up by the European Commission in 2015 at the height of the migration crisis, in which millions illegally entered the bloc.

    In recent years it has pumped almost €5 billion into projects to promote “stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced people in Africa”.

    On a visit to one of the EU-funded projects, auditors found “a school with no access to electricity received a blender to complement training in food preparation and conservation”.

    A report said the blender donation was an example of ‘activities that were no longer sustainable’ Credit: European Court of Auditors
    The ECA’s report said this was an example of “activities that were no longer sustainable, difficult to implement or with no direct connection to the most urgent aspects of the migration crisis”.

    It also revealed that EU cash had been used to finance the Al Shabbi seafront in the Libyan city of Benghazi and a Roman theatre in Sabratha.

    The Commission does keep track of the success of its overseas projects, but does not have any measure of if they helped to curb illegal migration.

    Officials believe by spending money in Africa they can create more jobs in order to make it less likely that people attempt to flee to Europe.

    But the auditors wrote: “The Commission is still unable to identify and report on the most efficient and effective approaches to reducing irregular migration and forced displacements in Africa.”

    Among the projects were a craft workshop, which was flagged as completed, but when auditors visited it was still under construction.

    Frank Furedi, executive director of MCC Brussels, a conservative think tank, said: “The EU has turned wasting taxpayers’ money into an art form.

    “When it comes to wastefulness its €5bn EU Trust Fund for Africa is in a class of its own.”

    In Ethiopia, EU funds were used to open a model poultry processing farm, with solar-powered chicken shed and on-site slaughter house.

    ‘Promote youth expression’
    “At the time of our visit, the beneficiary explained it was not economically viable to operate the business. The premises were empty,” the auditors wrote in their report.

    In the Sahel, a radio station to “promote youth expression” was set up using the African trust fund, but it was only found to play music, despite being approved by eurocrats with the objective of “improved governance and conflict prevention”.

    The auditors said it was “difficult to establish a link” with the project’s stated aims.

    Some of the projects under the Brussels-led scheme were funded to directly tackle irregular migration.

    A Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre for Libya remains unused, according to EU auditors
    A maritime rescue co-ordination centre for Libya remains unused, according to EU auditors Credit: ECA
    In December 2021, the Commission completed the delivery of equipment to a new maritime rescue co-ordination centre for Libya to monitor would-be asylum seekers attempting to cross to Europe.

    The facility, built from containers, in Tripoli remains locked up and unused, according to the auditors.

    One man in Gambia was said to have received a grant to set up a poultry business despite having no experience
    A man in Gambia was said to have received a grant to set up a poultry business despite having no experience Credit: ECA
    There were also numerous examples of fraud found by the auditors.

    One man in Gambia was said to have received training, chickens, equipment and a grant to set up a poultry business in 2018.

    Four years later in 2022, he applied for and received the same support after “he confirmed orally that he had had no previous activity”.

    When the auditors paid him a visit in 2023, the unnamed man had sold his animals and the two EU-funded businesses were no longer in operation.

    The EU’s Africa trust fund is set to be phased out in 2025 and will be replaced with a much bigger budget from the bloc’s foreign aid and development fund.

    EU's foolish Africa projects
    Youth radio
    EU funds were used for the creation of a radio station to promote "youth expression" in the Sahel. It was hoped that the scheme would address “improved governance and conflict prevention” in the African country. But when EU auditors examined the project more closely, they discovered it simply played music on repeat.

    Electric blender
    EU auditors discovered that a blender was purchased for an African school using cash from Brussels. It was part of a project to promote healthy eating. But on closer inspection the school it was provided to had no electricity.

    Soap and toothpaste
    One EU project was discovered to have provided both soap and toothpaste to refugees in Africa. EU auditors looking into the humanitarian scheme, however, discovered the recipients of the donations had no access to running water to use the hygiene products.

    Unused poultry farm
    In Ethiopia, EU funds were used to open a solar-powered poultry processing farm and on-site slaughter house. But auditors found it was not "economically viable to operate the business. The premises were empty".

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/30/eu-buys-blender-for-african-school-without-electricity/

    Cer Amic
    1 day ago
    I am reminded of a BBC report I heard years ago.

    If I remember correctly the UK paid £80 million to make roofing supports to help villages in Afghanistan.

    After many consultants took their cut the wooden roof supports were made and transported to the villages.

    Unfortunately the wooden roofing was too heavy to be supported by the walls.

    No problem, the roofing was chopped up and used for fire wood.

    1. The Tanganyika groundnut scheme, or East Africa groundnut scheme, was a failed attempt by the British government to cultivate tracts of its African trust territory Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania) with peanuts.

      Launched in the aftermath of World War II in 1946 by the Labour Party administration of prime minister Clement Attlee,[1] the goal was to produce urgently needed oilseeds on a projected 3 million acres (5,000 sq miles, or over 12,000 km2, an area almost as big as Yorkshire), in order to increase margarine supplies in Britain and increase the profits from the British Empire.

      The scheme's proponents, including Minister of Food John Strachey, had overlooked warnings that the environment and rainfall were unsuitable, communications were inadequate, and the project was being pursued with excessive haste. The disastrous project management, initially by the United Africa Company, and subsequently by the government-run Overseas Food Corporation, led the scheme to be popularly seen as a symbol of government incompetence and failure in late colonial Africa.[2][3]

      Despite the enormous effort and spending £36 million (equivalent to over £1 billion in 2020), the project failed abjectly and was finally abandoned in 1951.[4] It was described in 1953 as "the worst fiasco in recent British colonial history."[1]

    2. When I attended All Saints church in Fulham, they were part of a London Diocese scheme to support churches in Angola. A large amount of money was donated and a group of people from St Augustine’s, Viana, came to visit. They went on a shopping spree and splashed all our money on techno-toys that were useless as they had no reliable power supply in Viana. When I was critical, I was told that I was wrong because buying computers helped these people feel they’d come up in the world.

    4. This is what happens when people spend someone else's money. There's no consideration of use or value.

      Give Gates his due, he at least makes sure there's a point to the aid his foundation provides.

  69. Happy New Year to you all. I retired from the bar before midnight so I missed the celebrations, but my throat is continuing to improve. I shall attempt to make up for it tonight.
    Fairly pleased with this result:
    Wordle 1,292 4/6
    ⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜
    ⬜⬜🟨🟨⬜
    ⬜🟨⬜🟩🟩
    🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

      1. I was taking 'médicament' along with a Christmas beer called 'Noel' and chatting with the locals. The medicine I take is really Jägermeister, 56 herbs, fruits, roots, and spices and 61% proof, but all the bars I frequent know what I want when I order some 'médicament'.

      2. I was taking 'médicament' along with a Christmas beer called 'Noel' and chatting with the locals. The medicine I take is really Jägermeister, 56 herbs, fruits, roots, and spices and 61% proof, but all the bars I frequent know what I want when I order some 'médicament'.

    1. That specific use of the 'car' was also " a particularly irritating modern habit."

      1. Considering how many lethal animals there are in pakistan why couldn't one of them got to him?

    2. I've never understood people who like pugs or even dachhounds – or small dogs generally. A dog has a role as worker or guardian. Carrying a bischon frise about is just pointless. What can it do? What role has it?

      When I take my three to pull logs (Lucy more watches but she pulls little bits) we work together to pull really heavy logs. When Mongo would water train he'd swim out and pull people to shore. That's his job.

      Others are farm workers.

      Don't get me wrong, I don't look down on folk with small dogs – a dear friend has a dachhound, but I'll never forget the expression on Oscar's face when they first met. He looked from dog to me, to dog as if 'WTF is that!'

      1. I like dachs – they have lovely, intelligent faces, even if their legs are a bit short.

        1. My Uncle Dick called his Dachshund Trueman because he had four short legs ad swung his balls both ways!

        2. Oh they're lovely dogs, I just don#t get why folk like them. I suppose they're designed to be ratters?

      2. Harry is an excellent foot warmer. He is sitting on my feet under the desk right now. Farting.

        Dolly is a typical blonde.

        When i go out to the shed it makes me laugh as each one is sitting looking at me side by side through a window waiting for me to come back.

      3. I've noticed that big dogs can be wary of Spartie.
        Maybe I should change his name to Napoleon.

        1. Dolly was being chased by a big dog in the park. She turned on a sixpence and he went crashing into the undergrowth.

          1. Mongo'd crash anyway. He sort of rolls forward rather than running. I'm not suggesting bigger dogs are better or that they should attack smaller ones. I just don't understand the appeal.

        2. A lot depends on training and socialisation. All mine are confident lumps and don't have a problem with anyone, but they do tend to be quite passive.

          1. I always feel sorry for dogs that are OUT FOR A WALK …….
            They try hard to socialise with others, but are dragged along by people who are TAKING THE DOG FOR A WALK.
            On the other hand, there are owners slaves who pootle along and let their dogs enjoy their freedom. Along of sniffing a running around takes place; and scrounging for treats.
            "Look into my eyes" ………

            https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bd27017d8de44a86a914444bbe6b1c5fc5f1770725cf967c03510d22ae02965b.jpg

      4. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers – you don't get a nastier animal than brock when confronted underground.

      1. :-). I feel wearily down beat. Despite having organised or attended many bashes, I have never particularly enjoyed New Year.

        1. It's so dark it's only the light from the laptop screen that enables me to see the keyboard. I might have to put the light on.
          Gloom & doom all round…….

        2. I’m fairly similar. We did see the new year in and went to bed around 2 this a.m. but thoughts of what lie ahead are not particularly bright or cheerful. We have a move to a bungalow coming up and it will need a lot of work and disruption to have it how we want it.

          On the other hand I just read Matt Goodwin’s new year message listing reasons for optimism. It was quite uplifting so here’s hoping he’s right. But we seem to be relying on President Trump to point the western world in the right direction and it’s not going to happen overnight.

          https://disq.us/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattgoodwin.org%2Fp%2Fhappy-new-year-reasons-for-optimism%3A89Uf532H9yNminM5dinotK8HRXo&cuid=5852343

          1. Yes, I read that as well.
            There was an article (in the Spekkie?) about Britain becoming the 51st state.
            Trump has already suggested – half-jokingly – that the Canadians might want to join the USA.
            I don't care if we become the 51st or 52nd; after these past 20+ years it seems like a good idea.

          2. Agree with you. Far better than officially rejoining the EU at much greater expense. Not that we ever left in the first place!

          6. I’m a vodka fan too, Tom. Usually tonic. Cheers….how are you doing, have you a care plan/carer? X

          8. Had to smile, Tom – but it’s not funny, not at all. Don’t you have neighbours/friends/relatives to plead your case, or even a social worker?

          9. Despite it being a RAFA Home it’s full of ex-Army wives, all talking over each other. Not my bag at all. I need a lady to rescue me.

  73. Best Wishes for a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

    "Sir Keir Starmer oversaw almost a third more migrants crossing the Channel in small boats last year, new Home Office statistics have revealed."
    Now that the Knife Mayor has been upgraded to Knight Mayor, all the islamists will want a gong.

    1. I know a few Muslims, don't always attend mosque…they don't want to see any more, either. Bit like the Poles were re Brexit – don't want them comin' over 'ere might take my job. Things going to change EU in '25, Germany fed up to back teeth 'we can do this'…response 'sure we can, but we're not gonna, no more', Alice Weidel.

  74. Listening to to the official statement, the New Orleans police are the same as our lot. They’re effing liars. Not terrorism…blah, blah, blah.

    2. In their defence it may not be. Americaland has far more guns than we doand a lot more nutters. Terrorism is a political act. This lot might just have wanted to kill people.

    3. Fun Fact: Hungary is still a place where you can pleasantly stroll into a concert hall or theatre without any security checks, hand over your coat to the attendant then enjoy the rest of the evening. Perhaps, meander through the park and back home without incident.
      Without molestation.
      Without being graped.
      Without being mugged.

      Hungary’s allies must face the reality of what is transpiring in the country.
      There must be, says The Guardian, “a reckoning for Hungary’s allies and partners. We too have to recognise that what we used to dismiss with an eyeroll requires us to look at it directly, and respond to it unflinchingly.”

      1. Never felt safer than when i was there. You can tell by the carefree open and sunny faces you pass in the street. Nothing like what we have here.

    4. Just back from a pub and a nice light lunch. Checked the New Orleans atrocity and it would appear that the local law enforcement and the Feds are at odds on this. Mayor states it's a terrorist attack – body armour worn, bombs/EIDs on the truck – the FBI taking the opposite view i.e. nothing to see here terrorism-wise.

  76. About 01:30 today, yes.
    In the end, it was just long & drawn-out, not very difficult.
    Good to be back in own bed, though.

  78. Back from DGRI. Not a happy experience. Good morrow gentlefolk, especially Geoff and thanks for his wonderful work on this site

      1. Terrible struggle to log on. DGRI probably effed up all internet! Happy New vear to you and yours,

      2. Terrible struggle to log on. DGRI probably effed up all internet! Happy New vear to you and yours,

      1. Telegraph View
        Lying about migration
        Is it any wonder that so many voters no longer take seriously the promises and pledges that are made in this area

        Telegraph View 01 January 2025 6:00am GMT

        When eight central European countries joined the EU in 2004, expectations of a “migrant invasion” were officially largely discounted. Not only did the Home Office predict an upper limit of 13,000 per annum arriving to work in the UK, but most academic studies concluded that there would be no mass movement of labour.

        They were wrong. More than one million Poles and other nationals from the old Warsaw Pact nations came to Britain principally because ours was the only major economy to open its doors immediately after enlargement. Germany, France and other “old EU” countries restricted access to the labour market in place for seven years.

        Perhaps this could be brushed off as the failure of well-intentioned ministers fully to appreciate what might happen. But as Cabinet papers from the time show, Tony Blair was warned that this would see the UK become a magnet for central European labour.

        The then foreign secretary Jack Straw pointed out that Britain was alone among the bigger EU members in offering a “concession”, while deputy prime minister John Prescott was “extremely concerned” about the impact on social housing.

        They were overruled by the prime minister and home secretary David Blunkett, arguing that migrant workers were needed to boost the economy. But they feared the public would resist.

        The Labour government went out of its way to deny what everyone was saying would occur if the UK alone were to ignore the moratorium. Yet it now transpires it was a deliberate policy.

        Essentially, the country was lied to, however it is dressed up now. Is it any wonder that so many voters no longer take seriously the promises and pledges that are made in this area.

        2. "Is it any wonder that so many voters no longer take seriously the promises and pledges that are made in this area"

          In all areas. They have been gaslighting us for years.

          Plague be upon their houses.

        3. Just like Heath and the "Common Market". He had been warned of the direction of travel but he went on TV to deny everything.

        1. Empathise. My experience, usually receive something the previous bed occupant ordered. Just great if they're vegan.

          1. I was right miffed when they booted me out a day early.
            I had just ordered cottage pie for my lunch; the one dish CGH does really well.

          2. When i was last in i chose the 'chicken dinner'. When it arrived it was some chicken with gravy and nothing else. Not exactly what i consider a 'dinner'.

          3. They decided to discharge me (RSH) after I'd ordered my lunch. I had to vacate the bed, but the meal was served in the rest room.

        2. That was the one complaint Mrs Bee had – the food was uninspiring. For the first part of her treatment she had been transferred up to Edinburgh Western where the food was better (but I had a 175 mile round trip for visiting).

      1. Sorry BB2 DGri nurses are the coldest in a COLD climate! No heart.Except for Susan. I could fall in love with her!

    5. Happy new year, Tom. Hope they looked after you well. One of my nephews spent much of Christmas in York Hospital where apparently the food was good. Hopefully your experience was the same (but without the heart failure, obvs).

    7. Years ago they fed my wife scotch when she wax in the Dumfries Infirmary, I hope that you received the same in return.
      P.S. she was just a few days old at the time but fair is fair.

      1. No chance in DGRI (Dumfries & Gallowa Royal Infirmary). Cold house with equally cold staff.

  79. Why would they assume that we would assume that it is terrorism?

    It's because it is terrorism.

    I think their definition of terrorism is that the perp must belong to a recognised terrorist group.

    If they go freelance it must be mental health issues.

    Muslims around the world have been repeatedly told to kill the infidel. That is exactly what they are doing in increasing numbers.

    China has the right answer to this.

    2. The Chinese treat their Muslims appallingly.
      However, being nice to them doesn't seemed to have helped us much.

      1. They contain them and make them work.

        We put them up in luxurious accommodations and give them everything they want. Including assigned GP's who make 'home ' visits.

        Giving an Arab/muslim £50 he will tell you it isn't enough.

  80. A happy new year to all, though there is not much cheer in the Bee household. I can only say that every day that Mrs Bee is here means one fewer I will have to endure without her.

    1. Really sorry to hear that. We have just lost a much loved family member. It never gets easier.

      1. Mrs Bee’s sister lost her husband 18 months ago and she says she is a raw now as if it happened yesterday. It’s a dificult time for her too.

    2. Thank you, Sir.
      I take it from your message you've had bad news regarding your wife's illness.
      My sympathy to both of you.

      1. She had responded to the course of chemo through the summer but not to the oral medication thereafter. It was hoped the oral would help and further chemo would be available in the new year.

        We have a family relative who is a doctor who has said that ovarian cancer is one of the silent ones with few symptoms until it is far on.

        1. I am so sorry to hear that.
          Ovarian cancer is a really sneaky disease. Earlier symptoms can be mistaken for many other, less serious illnesses.

        3. I am so sorry to hear that. Kadi's former owner died of ovarian cancer. Another victim of the NHS lack of care. I wish you better success.

    2. Certainly deliberate. NRK has the driver jumping out of the car after running into the crowd and then shooting people with a pistol. Not the usual actions after an accident.

      1. “Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it.”
        ― Terry Pratchett

  86. What i found annoying though was they were allowed to claim child benefit for their children in Poland.

    2. All foreigners are allowed to claim Child Benefit for children in their home country.

      Is there any other country in the world that does this?

  87. "A man has been stabbed after being attacked with a “machete” on Oxford Street, in London, in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
    The 25-year-old man is in hospital after witnesses said he was attacked during a fight involving knives."

    "At least 10 people have been killed and 30 more injured after a vehicle was driven into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in central New Orleans in the early hours of the morning.
    The driver then got out of the vehicle and started firing a weapon and police returned fire, a CBS news reporter said."

    Never mind the cost: feel the enrichment.

  88. Another wonderful excerpt from one of Margaret Thatcher's speeches. (Copy and pasted from Mark Smith's excellent research for his article in Free Speech Backlash)

    13 May 1978 Speech to Scottish Conservative Party Conference ("Onwards to Victory").

    Patriotism is the fourth pillar of national greatness. Take it away, and greatness decays; national freedom, even national survival will be placed in jeopardy. Patriotism links the individual with the nation, not only with its present but with its past and with its future, with our forebears and those yet to be—as Burke put it.

    Patriotism means that we cherish a nation's history and feel concern for its future long after we ourselves have gone. It means that we will be prepared to make any sacrifices for the sake of our country and the things for which it stands. Such feelings have given us a national character which others recognised and respected.

    When people said, “That's not British”, we all knew what they meant. Patriotism underlies the spirit of service, civic courage and the other civic virtues, the extra effort and self-denying ordinances, the voluntary services, the things we don't have to do but choose to do. No less vital, pride in our nation's past is an essential ingredient in the inspiration to overcome present difficulties and dangers.

    Without pride in our past, we should have no hope for the future. That is why the sustained effort by socialists to portray our history as dark and discreditable is so damaging. To denigrate our past achievements strikes at the very root of our future advance. It undermines our belief in ourselves. They present our past as misery and injustice at home and oppression abroad.

    They never stop to think why people the world over admired and imitated Britain. They never stop to think what we have given to the world. Parliamentary democracy; Liberty under the Law; an Empire and Commonwealth; a wealth of literature; free trade unions.

    Scientific discovery and invention owe more to Britain than to any other country; the list of great names is almost endless from Newton to Darwin. Our political thinkers—Burke, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Adam Smith—altered the course of world society, not just British.

    Each generation's contribution must be judged by comparing what it inherited from its forebears with what it bequeathed to its children. We shall be judged similarly. We must not be found wanting.

    1. You only need to look at how Trudesu labeled Canada as a post nation state then spent years downplaying or outright destroying pride in our past to see how valid Thatchers point was.

    1. If trudeau can negotiate his way through troubled waters and play for time it will be October 20th.

  92. The rot started with Major, decay set in with Blair but since the arrival of Cameron and May it has been nothing short of putrefication.

    1. Blair did the most damage in my view. His deliberate massive expansion of state power and making those quangos he created utterly untouchable while keeping department funding high, the appalling laws he introduced and the absolute obscenity of massive uncontrolled gimmigration make the Labour horror by far the worst.

  93. 399598+ up ticks,

    An observation,

    What was once black and white and red all over no longer has the ring of truth about it being a newspap , the colour sequence has changed slightly and should read, "what is black and blue and red all over" should be applied to politico's of the lab/lib/con coalition party persuasion.

    https://x.com/gopher_marc/status/1873992857658577027

    2. "..then it became.. well it began a long, slow, slide into what I call a leftist propaganda.."

      Same same story for every single UK institution.. from the state broadcaster to Ofcom, British library, every museum, National Trust, College of Policing, RSPCA, RNLI, judiciary, academia, Jaguar, NHS, civil service, HoL, ASA.. every professional body bar the Military & The Monarchy said David Starkey.
      Well he's been captured too.

      Funny thing.. the wet Tories & Kemi Badenoch still don't understand this.

      1. Don't exclude the military! Has he been on any RAF bases recently? We all know about Charlie.

    4. This is why I don't give wikipedia any money. When they hold out the begging bowl I remind them that their article on the Nazis and fascism refers to both as 'Right wing' when they are clearly very Left wing philosophies.

  94. I know many on here do not care about the USA's MEEJAH and I will agree that Greg Gutfield does come across as a bit of a loudmouth, but in this X-Tw@ter Post, I think he hits the nail on the head:-

    GregGutfeld
    @greggutfeld
    the most destructive movement of the last ten years wasn't just wokism. it was the media's lockstep anti-trumpism. think about all the horrible decisions related to the biggest calamities we faced. they were excused or denied by the media, because of their irrational opposition to trump. the biggest examples:
    -Crime. if you admitted that progressive policies energized criminality and cost many innocent lives – that would put you on the side of Trump. So you can't do that, decides the media. so theft and violence became routine. recidivism exploded.
    -immigration. if you admitted that unfettered illegal immigration stressed all our country's systems, as well as introducing more violent crime – that would put you on the side of trump. you can't do that – decides the media. So it kept going, and people died.
    -Covid. if you admitted that Covid came from China, likely a lab leak – then you were on the side of Trump. So you can' do that either – that would be racist, said the media. instead we embraced absurd notions about bat soup.
    -Biden. if you admitted he was unfit for office, and reported on it honestly – you were siding with trump. So you cant do that – in fact – you must say that Joe is better than ever, and those who disagree are cruel, ending up with a rudderless country sinking in chaos.

    Looking back – its obvious. A mass delusion driven by bitterness, ego and an emotional infantilism brought this country to the brink.

    So when the media starts hitting the panic button, laugh at them. They caused this mess. We'll clean it up. They no longer matter.
    https://x.com/greggutfeld/status/1874117618249957480

    2. And a response to Mr. Gutfield that also nails it:-

      Joe Portman
      @RealJoePortman
      Greg Gutfeld nailed it again.

      Let’s talk about one of the most catastrophic forces of the past decade: not just woke culture, but the relentless, irrational anti-Trumpism that infected the mainstream media and blinded them to reality.

      This wasn’t just about disliking a president – it was a full-scale rejection of truth, logic, and consequences. Here’s how their obsession with opposing Trump at all costs fueled disaster after disaster:

      1. Crime:
      Progressive policies caused a crime wave that devastated communities. Shoplifting turned into organized theft. Violent criminals were released to reoffend again and again. The media refused to call it out because acknowledging the failure of soft-on-crime policies would align them with Trump. Innocent people paid the price.

      2. Immigration:
      The southern border was overrun. Illegals flooded in, straining schools, hospitals, and public services, while cartel violence spilled over. Did the media sound the alarm? No. They buried the story, afraid that admitting the border was in chaos would validate Trump’s stance. And as a result? More suffering.

      3. COVID-19:
      From the start, critical questions were ignored. The possibility of a lab leak in Wuhan? Dismissed as a "racist conspiracy theory" because Trump mentioned it. Instead, we got fed the bat-soup fairytale, and real accountability for China evaporated. This was a cover-up on a global scale, but hey, it wasn’t “Trump-friendly,” so it was buried.

      4. Biden:
      Joe Biden’s cognitive decline has been painfully obvious. The media’s response? Gaslight the American people. Any critique of his fitness for office was framed as “Trumpism.” Now we’re watching a leaderless White House, economic turmoil, and an unraveling foreign policy.

      The result? A media-driven mass delusion. By opposing Trump reflexively, they chose to ignore reality and enable destructive policies. They weren’t holding power accountable – they were protecting their egos.

      Now they’re panicking, but it’s too late. The media’s credibility is gone. They caused this mess, and the American people are left to clean it up. Largely in part to the power of
      @X

      What do you think—can trust in the media ever be rebuilt? Or are they beyond saving? Let’s discuss.
      https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1f1adae3d2a0a64971b95573aabd2452cee4dd63e012e07cf2e340002132574b.png https://x.com/RealJoePortman/status/1874118896619315386

      2. In my mind Elon Musk got it right. He didn't censor posts. He didn't remove them as Twitter had under it's Left wing regime. He simply added community notes. Now, when Lefties post nonsense out of context people can add that context and undermine the biased statement.

        Given that the BBC lies by omission, not specifics this is their nightmare. This is what BBC verify and other 'fact checkers' so fear: the truth without their spin.

      3. In my mind Elon Musk got it right. He didn't censor posts. He didn't remove them as Twitter had under it's Left wing regime. He simply added community notes. Now, when Lefties post nonsense out of context people can add that context and undermine the biased statement.

        Given that the BBC lies by omission, not specifics this is their nightmare. This is what BBC verify and other 'fact checkers' so fear: the truth without their spin.

    3. I remember Trump's last tenure. Especially I remember Radio 2 having 3 topics:

      We hate Trump, we hate the Torees, big state good, low taxes bad.

      It was a relentless, tiresome, thoroughly boring and predictable ranting session (much like my own!).

  98. Happy Same old New Year:

    'Now France is getting in on the Syria action in the wake of President Bashar al-Assad's overthrow on December 8. Currently the hardline Islamist movement Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) holds Damascus and major cities across southern, central, and coastal Syria.

    The Turks hold parts of the north near the border (and Turkey's proxies, particularly the the Syrian National Army, or SNA), while the United States still occupies the northeast (also through its proxy the Kurkish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF). The Israeli military holds an expanse out of the Golan Heights in the south.

    France's defense ministry announced Tuesday that its warplanes launched airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) over the weekend.'

  101. This might raise a smile. From Ronald Reagan's Westminster Speech:

    "I’ve often wondered about the shyness of some of us in the West about standing for these ideals that have done so much to ease the plight of man and the hardships of our imperfect world. This reluctance to use those vast resources at our command reminds me of the elderly lady whose home was bombed in the Blitz. As the rescuers moved about, they found a bottle of brandy she’d stored behind the staircase, which was all that was left standing. And since she was barely conscious, one of the workers pulled the cork to give her a taste of it. She came around immediately and said, “Here now — there now, put it back. That’s for emergencies.’’

    1. I am reading Croydon Airport and the Battle for Britain at the moment and the tone of the reports in Croydon papers at the outbreak of war is remarkable by today's standards for their positive, up beat message and mention of "pride" in supporting the effort and the country. The past truly is a different country. Cry the beloved country!

      2. On the plus side, our young people are a lot more cynical about being brainwashed to go to war.

          1. Unsure they are, really. I think they just ignore. Look at the age demographic of the wokists. Same as us and there are far more of us.

          2. Another day is done, I'm exhausted so wish all my fellow NoTTLers' a goodnight, schhone schlaf bis morgen fruh.

          3. Gen Z are more questioning than the millennials, which must be teh most brainwashed generation in history.

        2. I certainly would not want my grandchildren to waste their lives in defending this country as it at the moment.

  104. Afternoon, all. 2025 hasn't got off to a good start in chateau Conway. Next door's evil dog which got out and attacked Kadi on the road hurled itself against their fence when we were coming back from our walk, and the damned thing nearly gave way (it's rotten and instead of replacing the panel, the cheapskate has tacked a few bits of wood on it). I've shored it up as best I can, but I am going to have to go down the builder's merchants tomorrow when they open and get some fence posts, metal spikes to put in the ground, strong sheep wire and some staples then put the barrier up. Expense and effort I could do without, frankly. That boundary isn't my responsibility; I have chain link on my boundary. I can't risk Kadi being savaged, though. I shall email the policewoman who dealt with the initial incident and let her know (not that I'm expecting anything, all she seemed to be interested in was getting the case signed off).

      1. She did come out and interview the owner. I have to say, she made me look tall! Standards don't seem to be quite as rigorous as they used to be!

    2. So very sorry to hear that. Is Kadi okay? I would be devastated if Dolly or Harry were hurt or distressed in such a way.

      I'm past caring now. I would react with bricks through windows. Obviously not while i am around…if you get my drift.

      Two households in my cul de sac have had their tyres slashed and it was really nothing to do with me but they had clearly pissed someone off.

      People need to be educated.

      1. Thankfully, it didn't manage to get through. We had a narrow escape. The neighbours from Hell live on the other side. Apart from this dog, which belongs to the son and his girlfriend, this side is not too bad, believe it or not.

  105. They aren't even reaching for the mop; they're acquiring more taps! I wouldn't exactly call this government "functioning", either.

  106. No surprise there. We have a "yellow warning" for snowmageddon. I'll steer clear of yellow snow, but that's probably as accurate as my barometers (see yesterday's post).

  108. Police now fall into two camps. Those trained for incidents that require a forceful response and social workers trying to maintain the peace.

  109. Today it didn't break through, thankfully, although I was scared it would and I was ready to hoik Kadi up by his collar if necessary. The first attack caused nearly £100 worth of vet's bills (of which the cheapskate didn't reimburse me the full amount).

      1. I think it's a staffie cross. It's thoroughly nasty and hates small fluffy dogs – even those belonging to its owner's mother, from which it is kept separated (ie locked in the garage most of the time) and was like that even as a pup, apparently. It should have been put down, if I'm honest. If it had been mine it would have been.

          1. Not all staffies/crosses are nasty. One of my other neighbours has a delightful one and the old boy, now no longer with us, farther down the street was a sweetie.

          2. It does depend on the owners, Conners. But we did have several as children that would defend us little ones to the death but really hated other dogs. They are fighters and you are right to protect Kadi.

        2. Despite being assured by staffie lovers that they are softies, I really cannot take to them.
          Ditto bull terriers.

  110. Bless em.. yesterday's BBCs Diversity Challenge didn't disappoint.. and ticker of all the DEI boxes is contestant Halima Begum
    CEO Oxfam, ActionAid UK, Runnymede Trust advises major organisations on equalities and civil rights. Bonus point for Wonky Eye.
    .
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0097904d2424e369d79ec6994761bdc93ed5b02530dcf53fe31ca52a8179d217.png .
    Correct Answers? = 0.
    Attempts = 1 Q. What is the red dot worn by some Hindu & Buddhist women between eyebrows? A. Sindoor? Nope. Lose 5 points.
    But she did participate.

    5. She wasn't entirely wrong. A sindoor suggests the woman is married, in some regions. I expect the answer they had on their card was bindi.

    1. Another five. Not a very helpful start.

      Wordle 1,292 5/6

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

    2. Happy New Year, Rene and everybody!

      Inauspicious start to 2025 with a bogey……

      Wordle 1,292 5/6

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

    3. Par here too, but I couldn't see the answer for ages.

      Wordle 1,292 4/6

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

    5. Numerous divots reporting in:

      Wordle 1,292 4/6

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

    6. Numerous divots reporting in:

      Wordle 1,292 4/6

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

  114. ‘I treat children with life-limiting conditions from cousin marriages – but we can’t talk about it’
    Medics say they cause degenerative diseases in offspring, but concerns of cultural sensitivity mean few are willing to tackle it
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/01/cousin-marriages-cause-life-limiting-conditions/

    In Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country, a couple who wants to marry must have a DNA test in order to ensure they are not closely related. This was made law because there were far too many deformed people whose parents were first cousins.

    A couple of our English friends who lived on a boat in the Marmaris Marina (where we used to keep our own boat) decided to get married. As they were both in their 60s the authorities said that the DNA test in their cases could be waived.

    1. I had two first cousins who married in later life, purely for companionship. Both gone now but they enjoyed their final years together. He had offspring from an earlier marriage but she had none.

      1. I remember that when a couple of heterosexual women decided to live together they discovered they would receive tax benefits if they said they were in a lesbian relationship but not if they were just ordinary friends.

        2. This is what happens when the State feels that it should poke its long nose into our private business and dictate how we should live. No.

        1. I showed it to husband, he said ‘it must be related to you’ (meaning me)…slap at back of head with spectator sometimes offends….Happy New Year back at you, opo..whatever happens we’ll have some fun with it..love to you n yours, Kate xxx

  116. Modern tech…yeah right.

    As my door keys are always somewhere else other than when i actually need to use them i installed a finger print recognition system.
    So far so good.

    Once you have planted your greasy paw on the plate twice it no longer recognises it.

    So now i lick my finger. Rub it on my jeans and reapply. Then the damned door decides to open.

    As i am going to be watching a big noisy film tonight i decided to plug in headphones rather than have the neighbours endure the pain.

    I plugged the plug into the speakers and i got nothing.

    What do i do? Call support and ask why they are not working or just lick my finger?

  117. Businesses are waking up to the painful reality of Labour’s socialist agenda
    Faced with unprecedented attacks, 2025 needs to be the year where the whole country hears the lions of British business roar
     https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/12/31/businesses-are-waking-up-to-the-painful-reality-of-labour/

    BTL

    We have run residential "A" level courses in France since 1990.

    We are a small business with the turnover under the VAT threshold so we do not add VAT to our course fees which have not risen for several years.

    Many of our students come from independent private schools in Britain and, having been faced with school fees rising by 20%, parents are finding it harder to find the money for their children to come to us.

    My wife is still four years away from pension age and the likely collapse of our business which has thrived for 35 years would be an economic disaster for us but of no consequence at all to Mr Starmer, Ms Reeves or Mss Phillipson.

    2. You have my sympathies. Although I am retired I retain the ability to start up again.

      I have to admit that successive governments had made life difficult for the professional class. Constant changes in standards and regulations, having to submit VAT returns and employ accountants. Then outrageous fees to professional bodies whilst witnessing their wokery, waste and politicisation.

      We know that the political class are globalist in outlook and invested in WHO, WEF and UN skulduggery. Take Ursula of the EU for whom nobody voted and who is dismantling the economies of EU member countries in pursuing sanctions on Russian gas and oil. Without cheap affordable Russian gas the economies of Germany and other sovereign countries will collapse.

      Suffice to say there is a growing awakening by the people that unaccountable politicos need to become accountable for their actions. People are not voting for more of this crap across Europe. Trump has lighted a bonfire under the lot of them.

      2. One reason I gave up interpreting work was the new need to belong to a professional body. I didn't consider I got enough work to justify the cost. Had I been a hindi/gujerati/arabic speaker I'd have been quids in.

  118. Phizzee has replied to my earlier comment re the New Orleans atrocity: originally the FBI declined to call the attack terrorism. They have done a full 180, declaring the attack was terror driven. Just as bad, before the change, the FBI's spokesperson was referring to the attack/atrocity as an "event". Unbelievable.

    https://x.com/Breaking911/status/1874463948462055756

    1. The FBI Special Agent stated explicitly that it was not a terrorist incident only a minute of two after the Police Chief stated that it was a terrorist incident.

      1. Well he certainly 'disciplined the people' of New Orleans, as written on the board behind him and he went 'all-in'.

  121. Given where you tend to keep it, licking your finger will likely only give you the squits, but perhaps that's why you tend to keep it there to keep the squits in situ.

    1. I am sure you are correct.
      Please stay away from any sharp objects.
      Walls are not for banging your head on.
      White coats and lots of padding will be with you shortly.

      Other than that………………….Did you have a nice Christmas?

      1. Splendid, thank you.

        To be fair, I was surprised when those people arrived.
        I welcomed them in. They asked if my name was Phizzee, and I said:
        ” do I really look so dreadful? If so take me in.”
        They apologised and left.
        They should be with you soon.

    2. My immediate thought more scientists writing British history, seeking funding either new or ongoing.

      2. In fairness, Sylvia, I have three Echo devices. When I moved to this retirement bungalow, the extant light bulbs were CFL of the lowest wattage possible. So I re-lamped the entire place with 'smart' bulbs, wherever possible.

        Alexa can reach window bllnds which I can't easily reach. She can play radio through the night (quietly, since I have a neighnour), and control lighting and heating.

        Living alone, I tend not to have conversations which she can hear. So I'm entirely relaxed abou her 'listening'.

        Your mileage may vary…

        Oh, and Happy New Year!

          2. I had gathered that (although I am not on first name terms); I just couldn't resist the quote.

          3. Quite. She joined us for lunch in Horsell earlier last year, and (like all Nottlrts) is as sound as a pound (other currences are available)…

        2. Dear Geoff, in order to hinder stalking and identification, would you be kind enough not to refer to me by name….many thanks.
          I’m with the techies – the only thing to have in the house is a printer, and you keep a gun next to that in case it starts making any funny noises.

          Happy New Year!

  124. "The dead suspect in the attack on New Orleans has been named as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar by US media, as police investigate a possible link to Islamic State."

    But … but … the NO police assured us that the incident wasn't terrorist related.

    2. His pick up had that black jihadi flag strapped to it, so there was a clue and the Donald was the first to mention it.

    3. It wasn't.

      A poor, bullied, friendly, youngish man reacted in the way we all would if treated the same way as he was
      /sarc

    5. In this case, the New Orleans Police Chief said very soon afterwards that it was a terrorist incident.

  125. Indeed. Or it could be a sinister scheme to discredit the very idea of Anglo-Saxon England (the academics have already started this) and so abolish England itself as an entity!

    1. Just study place names.
      Easthorpe (Viking) is a short walk from Copford (Anglo-Saxon).
      Inter-village relations would have been interesting.

      1. University cancels Anglo-Saxon 'to decolonise' the curriculum

        Masters course renamed as academics worry term suggests 'nationalist narratives'

        Craig Simpson
        31 August 2024 4:02pm BST

        The term Anglo-Saxon has been removed from a University's module titles to tackle "nationalist narratives".

        The University of Nottingham offers leading courses in Anglo-Saxon history and literature and is the only university in the country to offer a Viking Studies course. But in a move to "decolonise the curriculum", professors have renamed a masters course in Viking and Anglo-Saxon Studies as Viking and Early Medieval English Studies. A module within the programme titled "Research Methods in Viking and Anglo-Saxon Studies" has also had the "Anglo-Saxon" term removed in favour of "Early Medieval English".

        It follows a similar move in the United States, where academics in particular have campaigned against the term "Anglo-Saxon" because it suggests a distinct, native Englishness. The terminology of "Early mediaeval England" is the preferred replacement for "Anglo-Saxon" by academics concerned that the latter has become a phrase used by racists surrounding white identity. These have largely been based in the US, where the term has been used to describe those descended from white early settlers.

        The university has also said it is seeking to "problematize the term 'Viking'" in its tuition. An English literature module "A Tale of Seven Kingdoms: Anglo-Saxon and Viking-Age England from Bede to Alfred the Great" was also renamed "Early mediaeval England from Bede to Alfred the Great".

        It comes amid concerns over the connections of "race, empire, Nazism" to Norse culture and mythology. The Nazis made use of Norse runic figures in their iconography, including the stylised "S" figures of the SS.

        The move follows a pledge made in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests to decolonise the curriculum, a term denoting a move away from Western-centred material and the dominance of "white voices" in academia.

        Teaching staff at Nottingham also ensure that module content aims at "undercutting nationalist narratives" and "essentialist ideas" about nationality, meaning the belief that English identity is distinct and confers fundamental characteristics.

        In 2023, it was revealed that the University of Cambridge, home to a leading Anglo-Saxon department, was teaching students that Anglo-Saxons did not exist as a distinct ethnic group as part of efforts to undermine "myths of nationalism". As part of efforts to make teaching more "anti-racist", courses aimed to explain that the Anglo-Saxons, Scottish, Irish and Welsh ethnic identities were not "coherent".

        In 2024, Cambridge University Press's long-running academic publication, Anglo-Saxon England journal, was renamed amid the ongoing debate about the nationalist overtones of Dark Age ethnonyms. The press said the new name would better reflect "international, interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving nature of research in this field".

        The term "Anglo-Saxon" typically refers to a cultural group which emerged and flourished between the fall of Roman Britain, and the Norman conquest, when Germanic peoples – Angles, Saxons, and Jutes – arrived and forged new kingdoms in what would later become a united England. This was also the period of Old English epics such as Beowulf.

        However, in 2019, the International Society of Anglo-Saxonists voted to change its name to the International Society for the Study of Early Medieval England, "in recognition of the problematic connotations that are widely associated with the terms "Anglo-Saxon". This was triggered by the resignation from the society of the Canadian academic Dr Mary Rambaran-Olm, who has since written that the field of Anglo-Saxon studies is one of "inherent whiteness".

        While some have argued that a single term like "Anglo-Saxon" is inaccurate as the Dark Ages were a period of population change, including the Viking invasions, others maintain that the term remains useful historically and archaeologically.

        A statement signed by more than 70 academics in 2020 argued that the furore over the term "Anglo-Saxon" was an American import, with an open letter stating: "The conditions in which the term is encountered, and how it is perceived, are very different in the USA from elsewhere."

        https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/08/31/anglo-saxon-cancelled-to-decolonise-university-courses

        1. I, for my sins, number among its alumni. It was getting woke when I did my Masters. It seems to have gone full-on crackers now.

  126. Article from Popehead Substack:

    Yet another priest has decided to sacrifice himself to shout to the faithful the unmentionable canonical truth about the ongoing anti-papacy. He is Father Natale Santonocito, 61, a Sicilian priest of the Diocese of Palestrina, who today, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, at 5:30 p.m. posted on his “Queen of Peace” YOUTUBE channel a short but incisive video subtitled in several languages and titled: “I've got to tell you the truth: Bergoglio is not the pope.”
    ….

    The situation is becoming untenable. …The sacrifice of these brave priests is absolutely crucial. … We need priests to come out, tell the truth and immediately legally challenge any kind of canonical sanction…

    We reproduce below the text of Father Natale Santonocito's statement:

    "Dearest faithful, I have just now finished Holy Mass and celebrated the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe. Now I have to communicate you some of my decisions that I have already reported to the bishop who asked me to take some more time to reflect on them. I have taken this time, I have reflected, but again my decision is still the same: to the parishioners of the place where I have carried out my ministry, to the whole diocese of Tivoli and Palestrina, and to the whole world, I must shout this truth that might be shocking to many, but which actually explains so many weird things that we have been witnessing for too long.

    For 11 years we have had an antipope: the so-called Francis is not the legitimate pope, he never was because Benedict XVI, on Feb. 11, 2013, never made a valid renunciation of the papacy, he did not abdicate by renouncing the Petrine munus, that is, the investiture as pope that comes directly from God, as expressly required by can. 332.2; rather, Pope Benedict made a declaration in which he renounced the ministerium, the practical exercise of power, and not the papacy itself.

    This Declaratio has been published by Vatican media which falsified it, both with respect to the original version in Latin, where the word commissum pronounced by Benedict XVI was replaced with commisso, radically changing its meaning, and in the English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish translations, where munus and ministerium, concepts that have two very different meanings, have been flattened with the same word. As much as in German, Munus translated as Amt and ministerium translated as Dienst were switched places to make it look as if Benedict had regularly renounced the Petrine Munus.

    These occurred manipulations made in the Secretariat of State, there and then allowed the Declaratio to be passed off as an abdication, when in fact it was simply an announcement of impeded see, ingeniously written by Pope Benedict thanks to a skillful use of Latin and canon law. This situation led him in 2013 to have to enter the impeded see.

    You may have heard, many of you, that after Benedict's death, his biographer published a letter in January 2023 in which the pope claimed that at the heart of his resignation there was “insomnia.” He described a very obscure episode, an incident that happened to him during the Mexico-Cuba trip in March 2012.

    According to an instance that was filed with the Vatican Tribunal, Pope Benedict may have been the victim of an attack with sleeping pills or other medications.

    Thus, once cornered by his enemies, Pope Benedict applied a perfect anti-usurpation device, prepared long ago, which finds full theological correspondence in the earthly story of Jesus: Benedict XVI offered himself to his passion, that is, he accepted to be dethroned by an abusive conclave, summoned when the pope was not dead and not abdicatory. He placed himself in a totally impeded see, that unique case in which the captive, confined, exiled pope retains the munus, the title of divine origin, but is forced to give up the ministerium of bishop of Rome, which is the practical power.

    This abusive conclave, in addition to placing Benedict XVI in an impeded see, however, elected an antipope who took the name of Francis.
    …
    Benedict XVI's impeded sede is a well known fact in the Vatican, but few priests have the courage to shout this truth to the world because this means facing sanctions, such as being suspended a divinis, excommunicated, or even reduced to the lay state. The fact that Bishop Bergoglio, instead of justifying his own legitimacy in a clear and official way, brutally punishes all priests who dare to raise these doubts is the most patent demonstration that he is not the real pope.

    I am a poor Church-loving priest, I love Jesus, and I cannot be silent any longer. For a while I celebrated Mass in communion with the antipope. I actually did not feel in communion with him, but I had to necessarily mention his name when I celebrated and that gave me death in my heart. When I understood the canonical reality, I realized that I could no longer say his name during Holy Mass.
    …
    I greet you and thank you for listening to me. I bless you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen."

    1. This is why I determinedly refer to him as Bergoglio. That’s his name. He is not Pope Francis.

      1. You may not have seen it, Sue…was on Unherd quite a while ago..a piece from Damian Thompson (was Religious Correspondent for Spectator for a while)…. re Vatican antics whilst Francis in charge. Not an easy read. I think it was only posted for limited time.

      1. tl;dr Benedict fudged the Latin of his resignation on purpose so that he never really resigned – he was forced out against his will. So the election of the current Bishop of Rome is invalid.

  127. Article from Popehead Substack:

    Yet another priest has decided to sacrifice himself to shout to the faithful the unmentionable canonical truth about the ongoing anti-papacy. He is Father Natale Santonocito, 61, a Sicilian priest of the Diocese of Palestrina, who today, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, at 5:30 p.m. posted on his “Queen of Peace” YOUTUBE channel a short but incisive video subtitled in several languages and titled: “I've got to tell you the truth: Bergoglio is not the pope.”
    ….

    The situation is becoming untenable. …The sacrifice of these brave priests is absolutely crucial. … We need priests to come out, tell the truth and immediately legally challenge any kind of canonical sanction…

    We reproduce below the text of Father Natale Santonocito's statement:

    "Dearest faithful, I have just now finished Holy Mass and celebrated the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe. Now I have to communicate you some of my decisions that I have already reported to the bishop who asked me to take some more time to reflect on them. I have taken this time, I have reflected, but again my decision is still the same: to the parishioners of the place where I have carried out my ministry, to the whole diocese of Tivoli and Palestrina, and to the whole world, I must shout this truth that might be shocking to many, but which actually explains so many weird things that we have been witnessing for too long.

    For 11 years we have had an antipope: the so-called Francis is not the legitimate pope, he never was because Benedict XVI, on Feb. 11, 2013, never made a valid renunciation of the papacy, he did not abdicate by renouncing the Petrine munus, that is, the investiture as pope that comes directly from God, as expressly required by can. 332.2; rather, Pope Benedict made a declaration in which he renounced the ministerium, the practical exercise of power, and not the papacy itself.

    This Declaratio has been published by Vatican media which falsified it, both with respect to the original version in Latin, where the word commissum pronounced by Benedict XVI was replaced with commisso, radically changing its meaning, and in the English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish translations, where munus and ministerium, concepts that have two very different meanings, have been flattened with the same word. As much as in German, Munus translated as Amt and ministerium translated as Dienst were switched places to make it look as if Benedict had regularly renounced the Petrine Munus.

    These occurred manipulations made in the Secretariat of State, there and then allowed the Declaratio to be passed off as an abdication, when in fact it was simply an announcement of impeded see, ingeniously written by Pope Benedict thanks to a skillful use of Latin and canon law. This situation led him in 2013 to have to enter the impeded see.

    You may have heard, many of you, that after Benedict's death, his biographer published a letter in January 2023 in which the pope claimed that at the heart of his resignation there was “insomnia.” He described a very obscure episode, an incident that happened to him during the Mexico-Cuba trip in March 2012.

    According to an instance that was filed with the Vatican Tribunal, Pope Benedict may have been the victim of an attack with sleeping pills or other medications.

    Thus, once cornered by his enemies, Pope Benedict applied a perfect anti-usurpation device, prepared long ago, which finds full theological correspondence in the earthly story of Jesus: Benedict XVI offered himself to his passion, that is, he accepted to be dethroned by an abusive conclave, summoned when the pope was not dead and not abdicatory. He placed himself in a totally impeded see, that unique case in which the captive, confined, exiled pope retains the munus, the title of divine origin, but is forced to give up the ministerium of bishop of Rome, which is the practical power.

    This abusive conclave, in addition to placing Benedict XVI in an impeded see, however, elected an antipope who took the name of Francis.
    …
    Benedict XVI's impeded sede is a well known fact in the Vatican, but few priests have the courage to shout this truth to the world because this means facing sanctions, such as being suspended a divinis, excommunicated, or even reduced to the lay state. The fact that Bishop Bergoglio, instead of justifying his own legitimacy in a clear and official way, brutally punishes all priests who dare to raise these doubts is the most patent demonstration that he is not the real pope.

    I am a poor Church-loving priest, I love Jesus, and I cannot be silent any longer. For a while I celebrated Mass in communion with the antipope. I actually did not feel in communion with him, but I had to necessarily mention his name when I celebrated and that gave me death in my heart. When I understood the canonical reality, I realized that I could no longer say his name during Holy Mass.
    …
    I greet you and thank you for listening to me. I bless you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen."

    2. I thank you for the music.

      Abba is one of the reasons i haven't become a serial killer.

      TikTok.

  129. I'll give you a Magdeburg and raise you a Boston Marsthon and a New Orleans….

    (Top Value Cards in this Western Civilisation game are:

    Manchester Arena Bomb

    Nice Promenade Truck

    1. Who does he think he is – Trudeau?
      Just him and his family? Trudeau had his whole security team pushing in as well.

      These politicians all tho k that they are above the little people.

    2. Saw this earlier, Johnny, the man possesses not one iota of decency, common sense or politeness.

    4. I doubt it even crossed his/her mind how it might look. Arrogant, entitled and the little people can **** right off. Typical communist.

    5. Compare that to David Beckham who queued for several hours to pay his respects to Her Majesty.
      One is a classless turd who seems to enjoy giving the vulnerable and hard working plebes a good kicking and the other used to kick a football about.

      1. That particular act raised DB's esteem, in my eyes.
        I think he's far more "genuine" than the vast majority of those who move in his circles.

          2. My wife says there might be something in Beckham’s past that prevents him having a gong.

            That however does not explain how the war criminal Blair was more than ennobled nor the awards given to some of the most execrable examples of the human race such as Sadiq Kahn.

        2. I agree, I do not take much notice of football these days but I remembered the extra training Beckham put in to prolong his international career. He always maintained that representing his country was a real privilege.

      2. I was in the same queue as Beckham, give or take half an hour.

        All was well whilst the queue was moving, but it ground to an extended halt at Blackfriars. With no prospect of shifting the load on my prostheses, I eventually chucked in the towel – escaping via the wobbly btidge. Standing still eventually becomes painful. Moving, less so.

        I was already on edge, having misplaced my wallet at Canada Wharf. I'd cancelled all my cards, save for the one I needed to get home. Thanks to my Tile Slim keyfinder, a passer-by was alerted to it's presence, and handed it in to the Tube station. I'm eternally grateful.

        1. We have been through this before, Geoff, and heroic as you are what you need is, is both a shooting stick AND one of those wheelie push-jobs which also has a seat on it. It's what I will do, and I still have all four legs in place for now.

          1. Four legs?

            Organ pedals and ladders notwithstanding, there’s not much I can’t do with my new legs. But a very long walk, followed by enforced standing still, defeated me, sadly.Once on the move again, I was fine.

          2. Four legs?

            Organ pedals and ladders notwithstanding, there’s not much I can’t do with my new legs. But a very long walk, followed by enforced standing still, defeated me, sadly.Once on the move again, I was fine.

    6. Great BTL: ""Free Gear has the emotional depth of a wood ant and all the charisma of a bicycle pump. Now he's our 'leader'. All thanks to the useless Consocialists who forgot how to be conservatives."

    7. He is beyond satire.
      How the hell did he think that would look?
      And presumably Victoria Sponger let him get away with it.

    1. That remains to be seen, even Labour voters, except for a few diehards, are cursing the idiot and his entourage.

      1. Unless the media turn against them and expose all their faults, relentlessly, as they did with the Con party, they will not be removed

        1. I can't see new MPs voting to lose their salaries, so how is the government going to be ended before the time due for the next election? Expecting natural wastage to call by-elections is going to be a slow process.

      1. Wouldn't it make a corker.
        1000 pieces; would keep Maggie and Other Half quiet for days.

      2. BoB, as if the non-stop fireworks explosions on New Year's Eve weren't enough, you now blast out Beethoven's 9th at us. Turn that blooming' volume down! Lol.

    3. Of dear. The Vienna State Ballet have gone all diverse. Thankfully the orchestra haven’t. Still predominantly male too.

  140. Well summed up.
    The first thing the Conservatives should do this year is close down CCHQ.
    It is that blasted metro-centric organisation that has given us such a poor choice of candidates.

      1. On the odd occasions CO minions came out to 'help' their disdain for us local yokels couldn't be plainer.

  142. We've just had our New Year's Day dinner – scrambled egg, bacon & toast. The last of the Christmas pud to follow in a minute.

    1. Just enjoyed M+S Moussaka and Gastro Greens from their Guildford Rail Station Food outlet. It's effectively my nearest convenience store. Seven minutes away.

      However, while Woking is currently closed down due to major engineering works, the North Downs Line through Wanborough (my very local station) is now terminating at Alton.

      Alton rail station is within a half-heated stone's throw of a very good Waitrose store. Much better than Guildford…

      3. I was a regular at our local M&S mini shop. Then we moved offices and it took much longer to get there.

    2. Delicious , we had that for breakfast , and half a grapefruit each..

      Son and Moh turned yesterday's spag bol left overs that I made , into a Chilli con carne .. their supper , and I had sardines on toast .. very tasty.

      Son did well in the race today , rain eased off , and we gave Pip a quick run at about 3pm .. nice to get out and about.

    3. We had a 2nd helping of my post Christmas broth.
      A cart load of steeped pulses, a leek, lots of grated root vegetables all boiled up in the cider liquor we'd used to boil the Christmas ham in with the last tiny bit of said ham chucked in for good measure.
      I think there is a small amount left that will be going into a tub and put into the freezer for later use.

    4. Excitement of a new year quite overwhelming, Sue…neighbour looking forward to Northern Lights, no sighting in night sky..seems actually only visible over London area.

      1. One of my friends (who lives farther north than I do) has booked a cruise to see the Northern Lights.

        1. Next door neighbour & partner went in early December – saw a glimmer but not too spectacular – nothing like people in UK saw earlier this year. Bur she enjoyed the trip and fiords and the Ice hotel.

        2. Why pay for a cruise, Conners? It would be a lot cheaper for your friend to go to Blackpool to see the illuminations. Lol.

          1. I understand (from someone who has relations there) that it’s just a case of being stuck in a queue for hours. When I went (decades ago) we just drove along the promenade.

      1. No……..it came from Morrisons! I used to make them years ago……. Several at a time and a batch would do for two Christmases.

        1. My fave supermarket. Met Sir Ken there back in the day. Every single employee good. Still have home delivery 👍

  143. My dogs are wimps. There we were, heading out for the evening walk and Lucy sticks her nose out and darts back inside. Mongo takes the same approach. I dig out the dog waterproofs and get them suited up and we set off. Within minutes Lucy wants to be carried, Mongo's pulling for home.

    Only Oscar shows any grit.

  144. I feel for you! I opened the door, Kadi took one look, saw it was raining and ran for the dining room. Fortunately, he's small enough to carry and put out like a cat 🙂

  145. I feel for you! I opened the door, Kadi took one look, saw it was raining and ran for the dining room. Fortunately, he's small enough to carry and put out like a cat 🙂

  146. I see the 'Bride of Wildenstein' has died – surprisingly she was 84.
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2025/01/01/jocelyn-wildenstein-cosmetic-surgery-obituary/
    Jocelyn Wildenstein’s story had truly tragic elements. Her devotion to extreme plastic surgery began when, some years married and with two children, she began to fear that her husband (who “hated old people”, she claimed), was losing interest in her.

    Hoping to win back his affections, she embarked on a series of procedures to “improve” her looks. These included an unknown number of collagen injections to her lips, cheeks and chin, along with at least seven facelifts and drastic eye reconstruction surgery. By the end her skin was stretched so tightly over her face that she could barely blink and her lips so stuffed with collagen they looked like rubber. “I don’t think I’ve known her when she wasn’t healing from something,” a friend recalled.

    1. Good night, Conners – and Kadi. (I was shattered at around 9 pm so went upstairs for a nap. I've just awoken, done Thursday's Wordle, and now am off to bed again. I'll see all NoTTLers at around 7 am.)

    1. Another instance where we all have to tiptoe around something because of incomers’ ‘sensitivities’.

  153. Well I consider myself a lady and a wife but I dislike those you mention as much as you do. Young Wives onward. What my near neighbour would refer to as ‘the ladies of the village’, no time for them and neither have I. I’m very sorry for your situation, Tom. Don’t you have pub mates to stand your corner?

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