Wednesday 7 April: Just as normality hovers into view, the Government snatches it away

An unofficial place to discuss the Telegraph letters, established when the DT website turned off its comments facility (now reinstated, but not as good as ours),
Intelligent, polite, good-humoured debate is welcome, whether on or off topic. Differing opinions are encouraged, but rudeness or personal attacks on other posters will not be tolerated. Posts which – in the opinion of the moderators – make this a less than cordial environment, are likely to be removed, without prior warning.  Persistent offenders will be banned.

Today’s letters (visible only to DT subschttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/04/06/lettersjust-normality-hovers-view-government-snatches-away/ribers) are here:

733 thoughts on “Wednesday 7 April: Just as normality hovers into view, the Government snatches it away

      1. It has all gone now. The cats enjoyed it – and decided to stay out, even though it’s gone. Chilly, though.

        Good morning to you, young sir.

      1. Pure gobbledegook from start to finish, identifying the feeling of inferiority and ‘less-worth’ that defines these people.

          1. I read somewhere that the “Sun” journalists used a vocabulary of only a few hundred words. At one time the Sun was a model of clarity and clear expression delivering accurate information in an easy to understand way. (I suppose Page 3 was the epitome of this. I thought I’d get that in before you all mocked. Bunch of mockers… and Good Morning!)

    1. Why are the BAMES and whites in the cartoon not mixing, intermarrying and procreating as they do in the TV adverts?

      1. Look closer at the furthest group. A gay man with a tiny baby in white, his boyfriend wearing a lovely Dior dress with yellow bouffant sleeves, a lady of colour, partly hidden by her white child wearing blue trousers and an orange (US jail) top. Something for everyone there. 🙄

  1. Couple of responses to Forsyth’s letter plus the usual clowns. Is Dave Garnet related to Alf?

    SIR – Back in January, when I had my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, I felt really upbeat: we could see the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

    Now I’m wondering what the point was. I assume I’ll get called for my second dose soon but am not sure if the freedom will arrive. I’m 70 and fed up with the lack of proper social contact. The occasional walk in the park, or chance encounter with a friend at the garden centre, isn’t enough. I don’t want to sit in a cold garden drinking tea as I see no fun in that.

    If the Government only listens to the doom and gloom of the scientists, we will never return to normality. The vaccine was supposed to release us from this nightmare.

    Ann Wright
    Cambridge

    SIR – We are now being told by Sage that, while vaccination is cutting serious illness and death, there is a risk of a “big epidemic” after stage four of the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown. But is this such a problem if the risk of serious illness and death has been vastly reduced by the vaccination programme?

    Or do we now live in a world where the Government thinks it has the right to curtail freedoms simply in order to prevent people from feeling ill?

    Charles Blackwell
    Edinburgh

    SIR – Frederick Forsyth (Letters, April 5) is spot on in his comparison of Britain in lockdown with East Germany. Just last year I met a German who argued that the Berlin Wall was for the defence of East Berliners.

    As the British Psychological Society has pointed out, it is easier to turn the tap of fear on than off. Yet on the day that the Prime Minister spoke about easing lockdown, Sage once again made a series of apocalyptic forecasts based on assumptions that bore little resemblance to real-world data on vaccine efficacy, ramping up fear among an already cowering public.

    Ben Giesbrecht
    Swansea

    SIR – As an 83-year-old diabetic, I am most grateful for what Mr Forsyth calls a “campaign of mass fear deliberately organised to secure obedience to the policy of lockdown”. Without it I would probably no longer be here.

    Linda Lewin
    Teddington, Middlesex

    No vaccine passports

    SIR – I will get my second vaccine dose next week and will then feel thoroughly protected against Covid. The majority of the adult population will soon be in a similar position.

    I will not worry about being in the presence of those who haven’t been vaccinated. They know the risks, and must either take them or get a jab. It is that simple.

    We are surely past the stage of overwhelming the NHS. I want to live in a free country where I do not have to answer to people in pubs, restaurants or theatres about my vaccination status or any other personal information.

    David Garnett
    Northwich, Cheshire

    SIR – I remember the furore following the introduction of seat belt legislation. Correspondents declared their inalienable right to crash through windscreens and splatter themselves on the road. As a junior doctor at the time, I felt it would be my job to put them back together. And there’s the rub. With rights come responsibilities.

    We are in the middle of a pandemic that kills people. We can protect them through immunisation and segregation from potentially infectious individuals who may or may not be symptomatic. We can’t live in lockdown forever, we can’t immunise everyone at the same time and many will refuse a jab for whatever reason. That’s their right.

    It is not only sensible but also ethical to continue to protect people through passports while we work towards the new normal.

    Dr Lewis Miller
    Belfast

    Trouble with Today

    SIR – Having been a journalist for 17 years, 10 of which were with the BBC, I am increasingly appalled at the way the news is reported on Radio 4’s Today programme.

    It’s not so much the news itself, rather the selective way a story is covered and then, in the case of racism and the pandemic for example, repeated morning-in, morning-out.

    By failing in its public duty to report in an objective, balanced and accurate way, it actually creates division and fear. The problem comes when presenters think they are the news.

    Richard Drax MP (Con)
    London SW1

    Fast-food litter squads

    SIR – In the past week we’ve seen total disregard for parks and other public places, and for the cost to councils of clearing up litter (Letters, April 5).

    I would hazard a guess that, apart from drink cans, much of the litter is fast-food related. Is it not time for fast-food companies to launch litter squads throughout the nation? They should help solve some of the problems caused by their products.

    Steve Urwin
    Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

    SIR – Litter pickers, bought for £3 from stores such as Wilko, have revolutionised my random, aimless lockdown walks. Initially I was embarrassed, but now if I don’t have two full (recycled) bags, I go out again.

    Alison Narayn
    Norwich

    Cat chemistry

    SIR – When my cat had fits the vet prescribed phenobarbitone. I collected it from the chemist. The label (Letters, April 3) read: “Phenobarbitone tablets. Mr Rhodes’s cat. May cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.”

    Norman Rhodes
    Chorleywood, Hertfordshire

    SIR – I suspect I am not the only one who has noticed the below-par performance of the Prime Minister recently. He seems to lack confidence,
    has difficulty getting his words out and is inclined to waffle.

    His speech on Monday was deeply disappointing. He struggled to answer questions – and, given that he wants to talk about data, why did he not
    say more about the vaccination programme, instead of issuing more warnings?

    As for vaccine passports, he clearly has no idea what he is talking about, and has not understood the strength of opposition to them.

    Martin Greenwood
    Fringford, Oxfordshire

    Better disabled access

    SIR – I have put forward several Section 106 agreements to try to alter local planning applications. If approved, developers are obliged to implement them. As a wheelchair user (Letters, April 5), I know that these agreements are often related to accessibility, be it within the development itself or in the local community – for example, level access into local shops and pubs.

    I always get an acknowledgment of the agreement, but they never seem to be implemented. This is disappointing as the onus (and cost) is on the developer, not the local authority. Furthermore, if an agreement makes life easier for wheelchair users, then it makes life easier for everybody. They need to be better enforced.

    Stephen Clough
    Wilmslow, Cheshire

    SIR – Garden owners should also be encouraged to make access to their open gardens easier.

    In 2017 I visited 90 gardens and, although many suggested they had partial access, I would not have wished to take a visitor in a wheelchair.

    Julia Stafford Allen
    King’s Lynn, Norfolk

    Driving licence lag

    SIR – I’m not surprised by your report, “Coronavirus puts the brakes on young drivers” (April 5). My grandson was 17 on June 2 2020 and applied for his provisional licence. Ten months later he is still waiting for it. When he phones or emails he is told: “It’s in the system. You will have to wait.” Nobody knows or cares what has happened.

    Sue Hall
    Dingley, Northamptonshire

    Dame Cheryl Gillan

    SIR – Dame Cheryl Gillan (Obituaries, April 6) was a personal friend. She was a fantastic constituency MP, always available for anyone in distress or who just needed something done. She fought for real causes, and was regarded by her fellow MPs as wise, with her heart in the right place.

    She was in stern opposition to HS2 and carried her constituents in Chesham and Amersham with her. An incredible advocate for those with autism, she helped MPs across all parties to understand the condition.

    She lost her beloved husband Jack recently. She still gave her best, until sadly she could no longer fight. We in Chesham and Amersham will miss her deeply, as will Parliament.

    Diana Heimann
    Amersham, Buckinghamshire

    How Stravinsky composed his public image

    SIR – I was amused to read Ivan Hewett’s article (Arts, March 28), which quotes a description of Stravinsky as being in “a permanent state of interview”.

    And why not? He was an artist before his time and, no doubt, his own PR machine. His music was rarified and he had a constant need to court a fickle public.

    The suggestion that he would today find the obsession with self distasteful is surely true, and it is a thoroughly worthy sentiment.

    Trish Parker Brown
    Reading, Berkshire

    Owners of listed buildings left out in the cold

    SIR – A lot of listed buildings will be unable to be rented in 2030 as they will never be rated EPC C (“How homes must adapt to go green and still stay warm”, report, April 6). Some have to use open fires for warmth and are unable to install a hydrogen boiler or even double glazing due to historic preservation reasons.

    Listed buildings need to be allowed to come into the 21st century. Would the Georgians have ever insisted that alterations should be in keeping with a medieval style?

    Richard Wills
    Middleton, Hampshire

    SIR – People are not going to sit shivering in their homes because their mandatory heat pump is not delivering enough warmth. They will turn to supplementary heating instead.

    Tim Lee
    Kenilworth, Warwickshire

    1. “As an 83-year-old diabetic, I am most grateful for what Mr Forsyth calls a “campaign of mass fear deliberately organised to secure obedience to the policy of lockdown”. Without it I would probably no longer be here.”

      So, Linda Lewin, you argue that 70 million people must shiver with fear under the bedclothes to give you another, what? 10 years of life where you cannot meet and hug your grandchildren, take a drink with friends, go to a concert? Hmm… You could always have isolated yourself and let the other 70 million make up their own minds.

    2. From the letters posted above: The vaccine was supposed to release us from this nightmare. (Ann Wright)

      This is certainly what we were meant to think but the “vaccine” (if that is what it is) came more quickly than the politicians imagined: it came before they were ready to relinquish their grip on the people.

      Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely is a quotation from Lord Acton which we all use glibly as we know that many of our politicians are already corrupt and power hungry. But perhaps we did not realise the depth of their sadism and the sheer delight they take in causing pain.

    3. I had a similar experience to Norman Rhodes. When my dog was given silver ointment by the vet for a problem with his foot, the insert instructed him to consult his GP if he had problems.

    4. I had a similar experience to Norman Rhodes. When my dog was given silver ointment by the vet for a problem with his foot, the insert instructed him to consult his GP if he had problems.

  2. Ukraine urges Nato to speed up membership procedure. 7 march 2021.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f7124b95c6ae0914663edef6ea4240708ad97de888bb412c056f017d29cc2c38.jpg

    Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky says Nato should speed up his country’s path toward membership, arguing that there is no other way to prevent further conflict in the eastern Donbass region, Deutsche Welle reports. Zelensky said his government hoped to be invited this year to join a Nato Membership Action Plan (MAP). “Nato is the only way to end the war in Donbass,” he said.

    Morning everyone. At present Ukraine cannot become a part of NATO by virtue of their own rules, which state that no country that is in dispute may join! So this is a false call! It is just another part of the provocations that are also taking place on the Donbass front lines to lure Russia into attacking, where no doubt a warm welcome awaits in the form of US tanks and anti-armour missiles should they do so. The Americans (who are actually running this show) thinking here is that, even if they do not, the Russians will have been faced down and some sort of NATO entry for Ukraine can be fudged predicated on Russian “aggression” and if they do, they can give them a bloody nose and still achieve that same aim. Should the Russians overwhelm the Ukrainians and make serious inroads Uncle Sam will call time and everyone will return to Start! In my view this woefully misunderstands the Russians who are sick of the vilification and hostility of the US and the EU. They won’t stop at all with consequences that leaves little to the imagination!

    https://euobserver.com/tickers/151470

    1. Araminta morning. Before becoming “President” Zelensky has a career as a professional clown. Is he merging both for a slimmer CV?

    2. The last thing that we need is for the Ukraine to join NATO. We already have Turkey, a barmy muslim country that’s already provoked Russia. Do we really need to be allied to some countries that will be quite ready to start a war and others who cannot be trusted to actually help?

      1. Russia will not allow interferece or Foreign ‘Influence of the countries that abutt them

        Look at America and the Cuban Crisis

        1. You may be thinking of the “sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander” analogy. It does not work like that. The USA surrounded the Soviet Union with a ring of steel from the UK to Japan. Turkey was brought into NATO in order that the USA could have an air base there.
          When the Soviets tried to reciprocate, not unreasonably, the USA dubbed it a threat and took us to the very brink of war. The Russians have more reason to be nervous about their neighbours than most countries, given the number of times their country has been turned into a battlefield.

          1. When it was the USSR, Russia was surrounde by nations ‘friendly (or in fear ) of them

            The wall came down, surroundin countries ‘moved to the West’ t#

          2. Partly that was because of the Soviet plan for world domination and partly to have a buffer of countries beween the West and the Russian heartland.
            In the 50s and 60s the USA and the UK had massive armies in Germany armed with nuclear weapons. The battle plan was that the British Army would fight for up to six weeks to resist soviet advance. after six weeks the ammunition would have run out and then battlefield nuclear weapons would be used.
            Historically, of course, all the nations to the West of the Urals were the West, including Russia which was beginning to slowlycatch up until the October Revolution.

    3. The eccentric leftie Baroness Ashton was the first politician to start stirring up trouble in the Ukraine.

      She then retired to tend her fortune and left us to try and sort things out.

      1. Never mind. Her husband will direct YouGov to produce a poll approving Ukraine joining NATO.

        1. Good idea Anne.

          YouGov has a long history of providing poll results satisfactory to the paying client.

          1. Hubby is one of the owners/shareholders, so they must produce the right result.

          2. Hubby is one of the owners/shareholders, so they must produce the right result.

          3. Hubby is one of the owners/shareholders, so they must produce the right result.

        2. The result has already been determined. Arranging the poll is more problematic at the moment.

      2. I always judge by appearances – only superficial people don’t do that!

        Whether this observation, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, is apt or not I must admit that when I first saw a picture of this ghastly woman I knew instinctively that she was completely foul.

        Was I wrong?

  3. Ukraine urges Nato to speed up membership procedure. 7 march 2021.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f7124b95c6ae0914663edef6ea4240708ad97de888bb412c056f017d29cc2c38.jpg

    Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky says Nato should speed up his country’s path toward membership, arguing that there is no other way to prevent further conflict in the eastern Donbass region, Deutsche Welle reports. Zelensky said his government hoped to be invited this year to join a Nato Membership Action Plan (MAP). “Nato is the only way to end the war in Donbass,” he said.

    Morning everyone. At present Ukraine cannot become a part of NATO by virtue of their own rules, which state that no country that is in dispute may join! So this is a false call! It is just another part of the provocations that are also taking place on the Donbass front lines to lure Russia into attacking, where no doubt a warm welcome awaits in the form of US tanks and anti-armour missiles should they do so. The Americans (who are actually running this show) thinking here is that, even if they do not, the Russians will have been faced down and some sort of NATO entry for Ukraine can be fudged predicated on Russian “aggression” and if they do, they can give them a bloody nose and still achieve that same aim. Should the Russians overwhelm the Ukrainians and make serious inroads Uncle Sam will call time and everyone will return to Start! In my view this woefully misunderstands the Russians who are sick of the vilification and hostility of the US and the EU. They won’t stop at all with consequences that leaves little to the imagination!

    https://euobserver.com/tickers/151470

    1. There’s a herd of these at the farm up the hill from Firstborn’s. Beautiful shaggy beasts, with massive handlebars!

          1. You’re being particularly frisky this morning. Have you been Digitally Enhanced?

          2. Finger trouble, you mean?

            Just preparing the ground for my new “We Have Had Enough Party”.

          3. Give Mr. Rashid the ballot slip printing contract, then WHHEP will win by a landslide.

  4. It’s Magic
    A magician worked on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. The audience was different each week, so he would do the same tricks over and over again.

    There was only one problem, the captain’s parrot saw the shows each week and began to understand how the magician did every trick. Once the parrot figured out a trick, he would shout the secret in middle of the magician’s act:
    “It’s not the same hat!”
    “He’s hiding the flowers under the table!”
    “All the cards are the same! CAW!”

    The magician was furious but couldn’t do anything. It was, after all, the captain’s parrot. Then, one day, the ship struck a mine, exploded and sank.

    The magician found himself on a piece of wood in the middle of the sea. As fate would have it, the only other survivor was that stinking parrot, and they shared the piece of wood in angry silence.

    They stared at each other with hatred but neither uttered a word. This went on for days until, on the third day, the parrot could not hold back;

    “OK, I give up! Where’s the boat?”

        1. Around the time that came out, I noticed a local friseur had labelled itself as a ‘Hair Saloon’.
          I assumed it was a pub with no beer shampoo.
          Morning, Maggie.

        2. Around the time that came out, I noticed a local friseur had labelled itself as a ‘Hair Saloon’.
          I assumed it was a pub with no beer shampoo.
          Morning, Maggie.

        3. Around the time that came out, I noticed a local friseur had labelled itself as a ‘Hair Saloon’.
          I assumed it was a pub with no beer shampoo.
          Morning, Maggie.

      1. As she was rejected for the part of Jack The Cabin Boy on Captain Pugwash, and having emptied the bath water with a swallow dive, probably not…. But with relaxing of C-19 restrictions, we could join the queue

    1. Who should care what she thinks? Why is she getting publicity. She’s a D-List pretender with her best days, such as they were, behind her and a long history of opening her mouth and having to apologise later.

    1. More to the point, we need to boot him up the Arris, tell him his time is over, he is well past any ‘use by’ date and his mouthings are the excrement of a fool.

      1. 331243+ up ticks,
        Morning NtN,
        I do believe that the likes of brown, the wretch cameron, bliar, clegg, may, are still historical role models to the current
        lab/lib/con coalition supporter / voters.

        1. Thank you, Alf, possibly the result of a good Grammar School education, backed up by a Father, whose memory-training activities involved writing down and learning by heart, great chunks of Will the Bard’s works and rounded off with Gray’s Elegy in a Country Churchyard.

          Oh, and he started us off in Latin at 7 years old, which was also taught in the first three years at the Grammar School.

          1. My family weren’t academic. The three boys went to Grammar Schools and the two girls to Secondary Modern. We all left school at age 15 but all made our way in the world by use of can do rather than can’t do.
            Born and bought up in an inner, inner London area (EC1) and were taught to speak properly. Nowadays we would have been told we didn’t stand a chance due to where we lived. Our parents left school in the 20’s but had pride and mum was there for us every day. It wasn’t until I started school, 1951, that she went to work for 2 hours a day but cooked dinner (lunch) every day for us all and was there when we got home from school. These days it would probably be labelled as dysfunctional. :-))

          2. I too, despite all the education and an almost guaranteed place at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, I left school at 15½ and joined the Royal Air Force as a Boy Entrant in 1960, was trained as an Air Radar Mechanic, served in various Radio Servicing Flights (RSF) various Front-Line Squadrons both in the UK and Germany, and took my Fitter’s Course in 1964 to pass out as Air Wireless Fitter. I served 10 years and when I left, apart from the technical knowledge, the most important lesson I had learned was/is self-discipline, i.e., when things get tough and there’s a job to be done, just get on and do it. An attitude I think that is missing top to bottom in today’s population.

          3. My eldest brother was the only one to do National Service, in the Royal Air Force. He said when filling in the forms he put RAF down as first 2 options. When asked why said if he put down RN he would have to do 3 years and didn’t put Army down as he didn’t think khaki wouldn’t suit him. He warned against becoming a policeman by saying some are born to follow snd others are born to lead. Policemen have to follow and we’re better than that. He was 12 years older than me and my role model.
            Good night sleep well.

          4. My eldest brother was the only one to do National Service, in the Royal Air Force. He said when filling in the forms he put RAF down as first 2 options. When asked why said if he put down RN he would have to do 3 years and didn’t put Army down as he didn’t think khaki wouldn’t suit him. He warned against becoming a policeman by saying some are born to follow snd others are born to lead. Policemen have to follow and we’re better than that. He was 12 years older than me and my role model.
            Good night sleep well.

          5. I too, despite all the education and an almost guaranteed place at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, I left school at 15½ and joined the Royal Air Force as a Boy Entrant in 1960, was trained as an Air Radar Mechanic, served in various Radio Servicing Flights (RSF) various Front-Line Squadrons both in the UK and Germany, and took my Fitter’s Course in 1964 to pass out as Air Wireless Fitter. I served 10 years and when I left, apart from the technical knowledge, the most important lesson I had learned was/is self-discipline, i.e., when things get tough and there’s a job to be done, just get on and do it. An attitude I think that is missing top to bottom in today’s population.

          6. My family weren’t academic. The three boys went to Grammar Schools and the two girls to Secondary Modern. We all left school at age 15 but all made our way in the world by use of can do rather than can’t do.
            Born and bought up in an inner, inner London area (EC1) and were taught to speak properly. Nowadays we would have been told we didn’t stand a chance due to where we lived. Our parents left school in the 20’s but had pride and mum was there for us every day. It wasn’t until I started school, 1951, that she went to work for 2 hours a day but cooked dinner (lunch) every day for us all and was there when we got home from school. These days it would probably be labelled as dysfunctional. :-))

  5. Good morning all

    The snow flurries continued until late evening , then the clouds cleared, and I can honestly say that the dark night sky twinkled with stars and things that dart across the heavens .

    Frost on the roofs this morning , but no ground frost , birds are feeding hungrily on the feeders.

    Sadly no blue sky , just grey cloud .

    1. We have a light dusting of snow here this morning- everywhere except on the road- oddly.

        1. Yes. A ‘black body’ absorbs radiation. Counter-intuitively, the largest black body in the solar system is the sun, not Diane Abbott.

    2. We have a light dusting of snow here this morning- everywhere except on the road- oddly.

    3. We have a light dusting of snow here this morning- everywhere except on the road- oddly.

  6. Good Moaning.
    In lieu of N@zi occupation, our own dear government is doing its best to replicate “‘Allo, ‘Allo” but without all that unhealthy socialising in a cafe.

      1. Crumbs, they are similar.
        I’d like to tell him where to park his little tank.

      2. What a pompous twerp is Hancock. It is written in his face, the set of his mouth. I cannot wait for his come-uppance.

    1. “Allo ‘Allo was funny – this government is humourless, dictatorial and [at best] serially incompetent

  7. Good Moaning.
    In lieu of N@zi occupation, our own dear government is doing its best to replicate “‘Allo, ‘Allo” but without all that unhealthy socialising in a cafe.

  8. Good Moaning.
    In lieu of N@zi occupation, our own dear government is doing its best to replicate “‘Allo, ‘Allo” but without all that unhealthy socialising in a cafe.

      1. Me too, but I’d ask some very embarrassing questions if I could stand up at the back of a real event !

        Such as was the QinetiQ sell off in 2003 involving John Major a $100,000,000 fraud, and, if it was, how much did you and Tony make out of it?

          1. Probably sold off as cheap as possible to benefit Mr Soros who was shorting the gold market with inside information supplied by his friend, Tony, resulting in a nice little earner all round!

  9. Yet more articles on the OAZ vaccine and blood clots. Why are we not hearing anything on the other vaccines? It seems the European obsession in unfairly, wrongly and perversely attacking the OAZ vaccine has taken root here. OAZ must be wondering what they have done to deserve this, having worked so hard and generously selling it at cost whilst the PPE and other vaccine profiteers rake it in.

    Yes, there are blood clots in people who’ve taken the vaccine. But all the figures that I’ve seen show that the number is no higher, actually less, than you’d expect from the population at large. Even if there is a higher risk in these vaccines, which would you rather have: one death from blood clots or 100 from Covid?

    Doing down the vaccines is worse than what the government has done. Yes, there are risks with a quick development and approval process. I was highly sceptical at first, but there is now plenty of evidence that the risks are far lower than those of the virus, as small as they may be, and each vaccination is a step towards opening up again and protecting others. If you don’t want to take it, then you should be left to make that decision freely, but with that comes a responsibility to not unfairly influence others and add to Project Fear. Give the facts in perspective and get on with life as best you can.

    1. Morning, dale.
      Foot stamping by miffed EU countries.
      (I actually view the vaccination programme as a box ticking exercise, but I do also enjoy watching the Frogs and Krauts throwing a wobbler.)

      1. Morning, (Anne and/or Allen, I presume). If the damage the EU and European politicians are doing wasn’t so serious then I’d be laughing at them. It also begs the question if they can destroy the lives of their citizens in a fit of pique because they screwed up, how rationally and fairly are they treating us over other issues such as Brexit?

    2. Morning, dale.
      Foot stamping by miffed EU countries.
      (I actually view the vaccination programme as a box ticking exercise, but I do also enjoy watching the Frogs and Krauts throwing a wobbler.)

        1. 331243+ up ticks,
          Morning M,
          That would mean overriding the
          lab/lib/con/greens coalition parties.

      1. 331243+ up ticks,
        Morning N,
        Do you allow your butler to dictate your meal times etc,
        That has been the problem for decades
        “if they allow”
        WE employ them.

      2. That will be up to us, Ndovu, and not the government. But are we collectively up for it?

        Edit: Good morning! It is a chilly, -4C one here.

    3. Funny really that people don’t get hysterical about their children taking illegal drugs .

      Doctors persuade their patients to take Statins to protect themselves against furred up arteries, but omitting to inform them of some of the uncomfortable side effects .

      1. Morning Maggie, I dare say the doctor would say “the side effects are written on the enclosed leaflet – read it”

    4. It has been stated, even by this lying government, that these injections do not prevent you from contracting coronavirus and nor do they prevent you from spreading the virus.
      Despite continued promises to return to normal when the so called vaccine has been given there is another dreamt up reason not to. I will not have the injection for the reason I’ve stated above and vaccines take 10/15 years to develop after rigorous testing.
      Why is it that the people who have had these injections always state ‘I’ve had my jabs have you’. It is they who do all the spouting and I say I haven’t had them. It is they who ask why not.
      I have never tried to influence anyone not to have the jab it’s always the other way around. I was advised by 2 surgeons and 1 doctor to take Vitamin D3 5,000 iu to boost the immune system and protect myself from this type of virus.

      I am happy to take their advice rather than yours, thank you.

      1. Your medical advisers are better than most but only just. Take Quercetin Zinc and VitC with your VitaminD3 and hope and pray you can get some Ivermectin should you fall before the virus. Mine is upstairs in the cupboard but I’ve given some to my sick daughter.

    5. I suspect the other drug companies may have a hand in this as they see their profits slipping away to AZ.

    6. Perhaps you are too young to remember a vaccine that was not rigorously tested way back in the 1960s. It was marketed by the then Distillers Company. That company was taken over by Diageo who are still making provisions to this day for expected claims.

      Edit: The manufacturers of the current ‘vaccines’ have been given legal immunity against claims for any damage they may cause.

          1. Wiki: “As a reviewer for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), she refused to authorise Thalidomide for market because she had concerns about the lack of evidence regarding the drug’s safety. Her concerns proved to be justified when it was shown that Thalidomide caused serious birth defects. Kelsey’s career intersected with the passage of laws strengthening FDA oversight of pharmaceuticals. Kelsey was the second woman to receive the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service, awarded to her by John F. Kennedy in 1962.”

          2. Wiki: “As a reviewer for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), she refused to authorise Thalidomide for market because she had concerns about the lack of evidence regarding the drug’s safety. Her concerns proved to be justified when it was shown that Thalidomide caused serious birth defects. Kelsey’s career intersected with the passage of laws strengthening FDA oversight of pharmaceuticals. Kelsey was the second woman to receive the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service, awarded to her by John F. Kennedy in 1962.”

      1. There have indeed been vaccine failures, from a failure to do proper testing through to poor manufacturing and poor injection procedures. However, perfection is unachievable the Real World; it is the enemy of the good and we have to look at everything in perspective and find the best balance of risks and outcomes.

        BTW I can’t find a Distillers vaccine. Do you have the company name wrong or are you thinking of Thalidomide, which wasn’t a vaccine. I, a child of the 1950s, remember Thalidomide well; it was a scandal but has led to improved testing and regulation.

        1. You are right about Thalidomide and thanks for the correction.
          For these ‘vaccines’ the testing has gone out of the window and the public are now the guinea pigs.

      2. And the legal exemption is only to be expected. The unwanted consequences of not having one are far worse than the consequences of having it.

        1. Not in my opinion. If it doesn’t give you immunity and prevent the spread of infections then what is it for?

    7. Morning Dale and Nottlers.

      Totally agree about getting on with life as best you can. As to facts, of those who contract this particular virus, 99.7% survive. The injections give no immunity, do not prevent transmission, and all influence or, rather, coercion is coming from TPTB. The WHO says that masks are not necessary and that, indeed, it was a political decision.

      I cannot recall anyone on here who has chosen not to take the injections trying to influence others. We must all make our own decisions. The government has used psychological warfare for a year now to frighten people and the advertisements continue. We were promised that the “vaccine”mwould allow life to be resumed normally. Some hope. Still advocating masks, social distancing, no hugging of family members or anyone else (except Niall Ferguson). Funny how there are always those who get round these rules and regulations and are never punished. Indeed he is still one of those influencers you talked about.

      1. The government and its advisors have been appaling.

        More than 99.7% survive, but that is only part of the picture and it still leaves a lot of people dying (0.3% of the UK’s population is still 200,000 deaths). More than 99.7% of people survive our roads but that’s no argument for doing nothing on road safety.

        Clearly you haven’t read all the comments on this site. There have been numerous comments from anti-vaccinators that I found hysterical and manipulative.

        1. The 99.7% that survive is the percentage only of those who get “it”, not of the whole population. So your .3% is way out.

          1. Arguably your 0.3% is way out. Pick any figure you like between 3% and 0.1% and there will be an article somewhere supporting it. You have to look at all the data and apply it to our situation, with a much higher elderly (say 80+) population.

            Even if we take your 0.3%, you are assuming that, without vaccines, that this endemic virus will die out before it’s infected everyone. I see no signs that it will do so. Furthermore, we’ve already had some 127,000 Official Covid deaths and there’s a host of analyses suggesting 20-40% of the U.K. has had the virus already. Even knocking off incidental deaths, applying the highest exposure figure and ignoring that the most vulnerable are less likely to have had it (they’ve screened themselves more), that 200,000 projection is reasonable.

        2. People can and do present the evidence that convinced them, on both sides of the argument. Making personal comments about someone else’s decision would not be OK. It’s a decision that everyone can and should make for themselves.

    8. Only individuals with underlying conditions or compromized immune systems benefit from vaccination.

      I’ve had C-19 and it was nothing much at all and far less unpleasant than flu.

      No way will I have a dubious vaccination forced on me when I don’t need it, especially as the long term effects are unknown.

      You are being manipulated by government propaganda for an ulterior motive.

      1. You are young, Polly, so you don’t need it – especially as you’ve already had the bug. Only the elderly and infirm should consider having the vaccine, the rest should be let out and get on with life.

        They really should not be doing trials on children – they are not able to give informed consent and their parents should not be putting them in this position.

  10. A Good morning from a bloody cold Derbyshire. -4°C in the yard just now!

      1. Central heating on: Check.
        Electric blanket on: Check.
        Dolly bed warmer under the quilt: Check.

        Good morning.

        1. Morning, Hope life is on the up for you. We should meet up again for a pint when our Dear Leader gives the thumbs up.

          1. Just had my call from the Vampire Doctor. All blood levels have returned to normal. No mutations found. Medicines are working.

            Awaiting a call from the Vascular Surgeon on the 20th. Results from CT scan.

            Generally improved and pain has decreased to more manageable levels.

            Meeting up again would be good. We have a micro brewery pub in Fareham now. If it survived of course !

            Onwards and upwards.

        2. Morning, Hope life is on the up for you. We should meet up again for a pint when our Dear Leader gives the thumbs up.

  11. Amnesty International says Russia may be slowly killing Navalny. 7 April 2021.

    Amnesty International said Navalny, who last year was poisoned with a military grade nerve agent, was now being subjected to sleep deprivation and did not have access to a doctor he could trust in jail.

    “Russia, the Russian authorities, may be placing him into a situation of a slow death and seeking to hide what is happening to him,” Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s secretary general, told Reuters ahead of the publication of the group’s annual report.

    It’s a funny way of hiding something by exposing it to world view! Aside from the numerous practical holes and anomalies that appear in this; as in all these “Novichok” stories, can someone explain why the Russians sent him to Germany to “recover” and expose themselves to further accusations? Why didn’t they let him die in Omsk? Or just push him under a bus at any time in the last ten years? Why keep shooting yourself in the foot by continually advertising your involvement with easily identifiable poisons?

    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-rights-amnesty-idUSKBN2BT31F

    1. I couldn’t understand the reasoning behind the Skripal story for the same reason.
      He’d been in a Russian jail for seven years but they waited until he was living in England!!

      1. Morning Harry. In fairness to the Skripal Fiasco I have to say that I think it was done in a rush. Mi6 discovered that he was about to depart for Russia and acted precipitately. The Novichok cover story was concocted afterwards!

      2. MI6 had to kill him as he was about to redeem himself to the Russian security services. He had inside information on the Clinton Foundation funded ludicrous Christopher Steele dossier.

  12. Amnesty International says Russia may be slowly killing Navalny. 7 April 2021.

    Amnesty International said Navalny, who last year was poisoned with a military grade nerve agent, was now being subjected to sleep deprivation and did not have access to a doctor he could trust in jail.

    “Russia, the Russian authorities, may be placing him into a situation of a slow death and seeking to hide what is happening to him,” Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s secretary general, told Reuters ahead of the publication of the group’s annual report.

    It’s a funny way of hiding something by exposing it to world view! Aside from the numerous practical holes and anomalies that appear in this; as in all these “Novichok” stories, can someone explain why the Russians sent him to Germany to “recover” and expose themselves to further accusations? Why didn’t they let him die in Omsk? Or just push him under a bus at any time in the last ten years? Why keep shooting yourself in the foot by continually advertising your involvement with easily identifiable poisons?

    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-rights-amnesty-idUSKBN2BT31F

    1. “their tastes are too varied”, not “their tastes are too diverse”, that’s a sacred word.

    2. Morning Phil, if everyone stopped paying the licence fee they’d soon pay attention

          1. You come from Down Under, Alec. I always thought you came from Liverpool.

            :-))

  13. A couple of BTL comments on the Benin Bronzes on the Letters page:-

    Fils de Clouseau
    7 Apr 2021 8:59AM
    ‘Horniman Museum makes Benin Bronzes repatriation pledge to end ‘injustice’ ‘” A new policy document states that artefacts stolen or acquired “through force or other forms of duress” represent an “ongoing hurt or injustice” to people in the country of origin and the diaspora.

    … and speaking of horny men, will those charged with (and just possibly convicted of) sexual assault or rape of White persons of the female gender also be returned along with the Bronzes ?

    Answers on a postage stamp !!

    Flag15UnlikeReply

    Robert Spowart
    7 Apr 2021 9:45AM
    @Fils de Clouseau I believe, and do stand to be corrected, that the metal used to make the Benin Bronzes actually came from bronze used to make the shackles that were worn by slaves as they were being trekked to the region for sale and were removed before the slaves were loaded onto the ships taking them to more distant markets, initially in North Africa, later as part of the Atlantic trade.

    Possession of such artifacts was an indication of the wealth of the clan owning them, a wealth built on slavery and human misery.

    1. Good morning Mr S, and everyone else.
      Stand to be corrected: some of the Benin items date back as far as the 13th century, before Portugal’s influence.
      And many of the Benin objects are not made of bronze (other copper alloys are available). European slave shackles generally made of iron, but IIRC the native traders used some form of wooden yokes & pegs together with plant fibre ropes.
      Many of their victims arrived at the coast(s) with injuries from being forced into stressful positions.

      1. The Slave Trade in Benin predated the involvement of the Portuguese by a considerable number of decades with Arab dhows plying between the West Coast of Sub-Saharan Africa and the North African markets in Morocco and Algeria etc.

  14. Have you noticed how the so called conspiracies are running parallel to real time?…

    When the global warming scam was hatched at the Club of Rome back in 1968 they also claimed that the ideal world population would be a mere half a billion souls. Then comes a flu like bug and the manic race to find an antidote in the form of a vaccine. At the point where all those over 60 who consented have been jabbed the headline story on the BBC this morning tells of suspending the vaccines for the young until further clinical trials have taken place.

    During the war, children were shipped to the countryside and away from the big cities while the non combatant adults remained to deal with the aftermath of the bombing raids so it makes sense that in times of disaster the young should be first into the lifeboats so to speak.

    Is it possible that human beings could wipe out millions or even billions of the human race? Three generations ago humans caused the death of millions including the 6 million executed in the Nazi death camps. Fast forward to last year and at least 40,000 sick and elderly perished in care homes through negligence at best, by design at worst.

    So…is everything today happening simply by incompetence, everything being the operative word, or by design?

          1. BBC to stop making programmes for the older generations…

            Another coincidence?

    1. 331243+ up ticks,
      Morning H,
      Now there is a question that really does need an answer.

        1. 331243+ up ticks,
          H,
          Much of these issues, as in brexitexit etc have a backing of treachery, and for the last three decades especially these parties have been excelling at that.

    2. And the hundreds of thousands let die by the medical establishment who in a display of monumental indifference to their plight refused the medicine that would have saved them. I still cannot find a reason why this terrible negligence took place, is taking place and, it seems, will continue to take place.

    3. Killing over 5 million a day would take 4 years to get to the magic half a billion.

      I suspect that people might notice something was going on.

      1. But what would the walking dead actually do?

        Just like the film…the healthy would finish them off ahead of time.

        1. From my experience, the walking dead spot me over the top of their face nappies and leap out into the middle of the road.

  15. 331243+ up ticks,
    In real time four security establishments need to be put in place, then
    filled with the contents of the 3 o’clock wake up call.

    synchronized en masse 650 politico’s first,
    MsM next,
    Teachers,
    Truncheon drivers ( reset law enforcers)

    There is currently NO opposition, the peoples are in no way united under ONE pro United Kingdom banner.

  16. This morning as my mind wandered around, the thought came to me that we don’t get many saggar-makers bottom knockers any more. That led me to the thought that game shows and panel shows were far gentler in the 50s and 60s and a lot less edgy and urgent than now. Apart from “What’s My Line” there was also the wonderful Patrick Campbell on “Call My Bluff”. Sometimes I ask myself who I would invite to dinner and Patrick Campbell is on the list.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoiKoIZ7wwo
    http://www.thepotteries.org/bottle_kiln/saggar.htm

      1. The nearest I could get is this:

        zob (n.m.)
        1.(argotique)pénis, organe mâle de la copulation, chez l’homme.

        Perhaps the ‘oe’ bit is a cry of joy from the recipient. Just a thought.

  17. America should quit behaving like the world’s taxman
    Biden risks scoring a spectacular own goal by pushing sovereign nations into following his lead

    By Ben Wright DT: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/04/07/america-should-quit-behaving-like-worlds-taxman/

    This is the leading BTL comment on this article at the moment:

    Whatever we were told to think about Trump it is becoming more and more apparent that Joe Biden is a disaster that has been launched upon the world. It defies belief that such a senile and incompetent man should have been democratically and fairly elected.

    1. You don’t honestly believe that Joe Biden is making any decisions …do you?

    2. The President of the United States is a Corrupt, Senile, Paedophile. This is not abuse or propaganda, but a statement of observable truth. The real question is why does this not appear in any particle of the MSM?

      1. I have bushy eyebrows….on a Helsinki-Tallinn ferry some years ago a had to visit the urinal and while standing there ,a guy said to me “You look like Brezhnev”
        I said”I bloody hope not..he’s dead”

  18. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
    It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. – William Ellery Channing, clergyman and writer (7 Apr 1780-1842)

    Parish porn, perhaps?

  19. ‘Morning, all.

    Here’s one positive aspect of the proposed “Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act” which has been largely overlooked in the cut and thrust of the debate over the Bill’s merits, or lack thereof.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a5b856bec689f3119f0e3ab680aefc64030b4e02698945a16e36327652a2eb65.png

    Currently, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994, the police can get involved if there are six or more vehicles in an authorised encampment. But the landowner has to take reasonable steps to move them first and they have to “have caused damage to the land/property or have used threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour to the landowner, their family or employees”.

    The new bill increases these powers greatly, meaning the police can become involved if there is a single vehicle, the landowner has merely reported the matter and the local authority has an alternate site. It also creates a new offence of “residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle”. Those found guilty can be imprisoned for three months, fined £2,500 and face forfeiture of goods including vehicles, which for the GRT community are their homes.

    Ruby-Leigh Smith is part of the Traveling community and comes from Hertfordshire in England – she said: “The fact that Priti Patel and the Conservative Party are planning to fine people for living their way of life – a way which their family has been doing so for generations, is, in my opinion, a breach of the Human Rights Act. Under Article 8, a person is entitled to the right to live a private, family life. You can’t fine and imprison people for doing that. Article 14 is the right to protection from discrimination, but I ask how you can be protected from discrimination when it is the very government that is supposed to protect you that is discriminating against you?”

    Here’s the thing. Many of the pikey scum that blight our fair lands with their criminal behaviour are not even British scum, they’re Irish and they’re here because they see the UK as a soft touch, the Republic of Ireland having passed laws some time ago to restrict their wanderings and control their behaviour. Maybe this new Act will compel them to go home. Ah well, “Chan eil call mór gun bhuinnig bheag!”, as they say in the clachan!
    ;¬)

    1. These proposals don’t stop thm ‘travelling ‘ and ‘living their way of life’ – just provide a means for the owners of the land to get rid of them.

      1. Only if the “local authority has an alternate site for them”. That means of course, that the local authority must have a site, admit that they have a site and that the local authority members, probably a bunch of lefties, are willing to do it.

      1. I do indeed. It’s a good source for news, although one has to bear in mind that it is the Russian state broadcaster.

        It’s a sad thing that a foreign news outlet – such as RT – often provides more trustworthy news than the British MSM.

        1. But some of the articles are OP EDS and don’t support the Russian line.
          Question More…

    2. Gosh; didn’t realise the Irish were already doing a spot of Ethnic Cleansing.
      Does that include clearing the shite deposited in the hedgerows?

        1. We’re going to face a similar problem here, trying to unwind Project Fear.

  20. SIR – Having been a journalist for 17 years, 10 of which were with the BBC, I am increasingly appalled at the way the news is reported on Radio 4’s Today programme. It’s not so much the news itself, rather the selective way a story is covered and then, in the case of racism and the pandemic for example, repeated morning-in, morning-out…

    Richard Drax MP (Con)
    London SW1
    D Torygraff

    Recently, whilst listening to Radio 4, I was appalled at the crass indifference of the producer and others responsible for a programme of forty or more minutes in length which failed to mention Muslims, blacks, homosexuals or Scottish nationalists – not a single word! It was a propaganda and recruitment programme for its Irish Republican listeners. It was proceeded by something about Apartheid and followed by a two hour programme on black discrimination in Britain – but that is no excuse. Worse still, it was repeated in full the following day. They must get their act together or I shall continue to withhold my BBC licence fee for another twenty years. M Ped France.

  21. if you want to know why people have refused the jab read todays headlines.

    1. Wrong target. Patel is doing her best but is fighting the Whitehall machine (remember all those accusations of bullying when she pushed mandarins to do their job not find excuses?), self-important judges, unscrupulous lawyers and gobby ‘activists’ looking to vocalise their hatred and envy of better people.

      1. She certainly has the department from Hull. And a jelloid substance as a PM who is unlikely to back her.
        Maybe she’s not machiavellian enough to overcome snivel serpent inertia and the influence of Carrieon.

        1. There are a lot of slammers and coons bames in the HO – who prolly block most things.

      2. 331243+ up ticks,
        Afternoon D,
        You do NOT get to her level in cabinet without a thorough grounding in treachery, ALL problems are handled in-house for / agin ALL actions taken are by political equity card members, farces a speciality

    2. Wrong target. Patel is doing her best but is fighting the Whitehall machine (remember all those accusations of bullying when she pushed mandarins to do their job not find excuses?), self-important judges, unscrupulous lawyers and gobby ‘activists’ looking to vocalise their hatred and envy of better people.

    3. Pritti has VOWED to do something..isn’t that enough for you
      C’mon man!

      1. It was her job anyway. Her “action” tray should have summaries of those still to be deported, progress on major prosecutions and so on. Her job is to manage the internal affairs of the UK and keep us safe. She should no need to be prompted.

      2. It was her job anyway. Her “action” tray should have summaries of those still to be deported, progress on major prosecutions and so on. Her job is to manage the internal affairs of the UK and keep us safe. She should no need to be prompted.

        1. Remember her “promise” on the day she took office – getting on for two years ago – that she would stop the illegal cross-Channel migration.

          All mouth and shalwar khameez, that daft bint.

          1. Yes she said that Bill – but did she give a date by which it would end? She also appointed Dan O’Mahoney to do it – anybody seen hide nor hair of him? Probably still choosing the paint colour for his office, then the carpet should take another year.
            Even Morroccans are coming now. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-56647040

          2. Yes she said that Bill – but did she give a date by which it would end? She also appointed Dan O’Mahoney to do it – anybody seen hide nor hair of him? Probably still choosing the paint colour for his office, then the carpet should take another year.
            Even Morroccans are coming now. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-56647040

    4. 331243+ up ticks,
      Afternoon Rik,
      Deport them ALL, all 650 first, then rauf, all his family and close assoc. anti revenge, health safety.

    5. 331243+ up ticks,
      Afternoon Rik,
      Deport them ALL, all 650 first, then rauf, all his family and close assoc. anti revenge, health safety.

    1. I prefer to bury my bodies under other bodies. That way the Police stop digging when they uncover the topmost one.

  22. I was dismayed this afternoon when my wife told me my 6 year old son wasn’t actually mine.

    She then said I need to pay more attention at school pick up.

    1. And if a chip of that glass had flew out straight into the eyes of the criminal – or even a passer-by and had blinded them? Then what would happen?

    2. Too thick to operate a cash machine. They could become politicians – or news readers.

      1. That’s done it, you’ve given the game away, Bill. She was supposed to be working ‘under cover’.

      2. That’s done it, you’ve given the game away, Bill. She was supposed to be working ‘under cover’.

    3. Was there nothing Barclay’s could do to halt this vandalism – other than calling the police – without putting security staff or the bank at risk of prosecution?

  23. Wonder if this would be timely advice to those already vaccinated?

    Enjoy this summer as if it was your last.

  24. Alex Salmond called ‘Putin apologist’ after refusing three times to say Russia behind Salisbury attack. 7 April 2021.

    Asked if Russia had interfered in US elections, he said: “I thought the evidence for that was very slight, and basically the examination was very slight.”

    Challenged if he believed the Russians were behind the poisonings of the Skripals in Salisbury, he said: “I think the evidence is as it came forward.”

    Asked again if Russia was behind the poisoning of the Skripals, he said: “The evidence was presented at the time, Gary. I am struggling to understand what this has got to do with a Scottish election campaign.”

    And the cock crowed! Smart! One in the eye for Salmond who nobody likes and a warning for anyone else thinking to deviate from the official line!

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/04/07/alex-salmond-called-putin-apologist-three-times-refusing-say/

    1. I often wonder if Putin has a professional apologist who walks around behind him apologising for him.
      It would make the likes of Alex redundant.
      I must make enquiries…i could do it!

      1. I have been accused of being a Russian Troll on several occasions Harry, most recently by one of 77 Brigades operatives!

        1. I could do that!..i’m looking for some part-time work to relieve the boredom of Winter.

          1. I’m not sure what that is but i’ll have a look in the local supermarket tomorrow.
            Nothing like being ahead of the game.

          2. I’m not sure what that is but i’ll have a look in the local supermarket tomorrow.
            Nothing like being ahead of the game.

        2. I could do that!..i’m looking for some part-time work to relieve the boredom of Winter.

      2. I have been accused of being a Russian Troll on several occasions Harry, most recently by one of 77 Brigades operatives!

      3. Would any Nottler be prepared to take on the job of being Boris Johnson’s apologist even if the wages – like the wages of sin – are good even if death comes with them..

        1. That would be an ecumenical matter. Do I get the job £150k per annum is all I need and use of the PM’s jet when the time comes to evacuate.

    2. I sort of agree with him. What has Russia got to do with the Scottish elections? No, don’t answer that as it might trigger another bout of conspiracy theories.

      1. Afternoon AA. Three questions? About Russia and Salisbury? He was clearly set up!

      2. Afternoon AA. Three questions? About Russia and Salisbury? He was clearly set up!

    3. I sort of agree with him. What has Russia got to do with the Scottish elections? No, don’t answer that as it might trigger another bout of conspiracy theories.

  25. Ever wondered what the difference is between regular drinks and light drinks?

    I think I’ve found the answer.

    I bought two jars of hot chocolate powder from Aldi yesterday, one regular and one light. The regular states…Use 4 teaspoonfuls.

    The light states…Use 2 teaspoonfulls.

      1. Frightening thing is, 50% of the population have an IQ below the average.
        :¬(

        1. IQ across Paris has been dropping steadily for years in parallel with the import of third worlders. Just a coincidence i’m sure.

          1. Their IQ is good enough to know that by coming here illegally they will get a rise in living standards and loads of freebies – for doing nothing – but sit back and watch whitey work and pay taxes – which will be used to keep the invaders in idle and ( relative ) luxury

          2. Their IQ is good enough to know that by coming here illegally they will get a rise in living standards and loads of freebies – for doing nothing – but sit back and watch whitey work and pay taxes – which will be used to keep the invaders in idle and ( relative ) luxury

        2. IQ across Paris has been dropping steadily for years in parallel with the import of third worlders. Just a coincidence i’m sure.

  26. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has said the country has already produced 55kg of 20%-enriched uranium this year, meaning the 120kg target should be achieved within eight months, as JCPOA talks take place in Vienna.
    Speaking with the Sada-e Vasima news agency on Wednesday, Behrouz Kamalvandi, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran’s (AEOI) spokesman, said the country had exceeded the enrichment capacity achieved before the introduction of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015. The JCPOA saw Iranian atomic ambitions curtailed in exchange for increased economic access and a reduction of sanctions.

    “Our 20% uranium production rate is now much higher than before Borjam (the JCPOA). We have 30% more production capacity than before Borjam. At present, we have an enrichment capacity of about 16,500 SWUs (Separative Work Unit, a measure of the effort required to separate isotopes of uranium); that figure was 12,500 SWUs before the nuclear deal was inked,” Kamalvandi stated.

    The spokesman said that while there were fewer centrifuges today than there were in the past, the new generation of technology has eight times more capacity. He added that the agency was currently overseeing the deployment of more new centrifuges.

    1. If the IDF survives their jab a sortie is bound to be in order in the near future.

  27. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has said the country has already produced 55kg of 20%-enriched uranium this year, meaning the 120kg target should be achieved within eight months, as JCPOA talks take place in Vienna.
    Speaking with the Sada-e Vasima news agency on Wednesday, Behrouz Kamalvandi, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran’s (AEOI) spokesman, said the country had exceeded the enrichment capacity achieved before the introduction of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015. The JCPOA saw Iranian atomic ambitions curtailed in exchange for increased economic access and a reduction of sanctions.

    “Our 20% uranium production rate is now much higher than before Borjam (the JCPOA). We have 30% more production capacity than before Borjam. At present, we have an enrichment capacity of about 16,500 SWUs (Separative Work Unit, a measure of the effort required to separate isotopes of uranium); that figure was 12,500 SWUs before the nuclear deal was inked,” Kamalvandi stated.

    The spokesman said that while there were fewer centrifuges today than there were in the past, the new generation of technology has eight times more capacity. He added that the agency was currently overseeing the deployment of more new centrifuges.

  28. “We only supply 100% renewable energy”
    I’m no scientist but surely this is bolleaux??
    Or are all their electrons painted green??
    More info needed

    1. Renewable energy produced by unreliable power generation that needs constant traditional non-renewable back up to be vaguely viable- at a much greater cost to the environment and the customer than the traditional back up generation that it has to rely upon. You could not make it up.

    2. Renewable energy produced by unreliable power generation that needs constant traditional non-renewable back up to be vaguely viable- at a much greater cost to the environment and the customer than the traditional back up generation that it has to rely upon. You could not make it up.

      1. It’s the Green Virtue Claim of several leccy supply companies as advertised on the box,it’s irritating me so much I may complain to the ASA

      2. It’s the Green Virtue Claim of several leccy supply companies as advertised on the box,it’s irritating me so much I may complain to the ASA

    3. You’re quite right. Green energy providers can only guarantee that – over the course of a year – as much renewable energy goes into the grid as its customers extract from it. What you actually receive comes from a mix of renewable and traditional sources.

      If I pay for 100% renewable electricity or green gas, how do you make sure that’s what I get?

      Since all the energy gets pooled into the same network, you can’t guarantee that each individual zap of electricity powering your home started out at a renewable source. So, what we – and most other energy companies – do when you sign up for renewable energy, is guarantee that enough green energy is being put into the grid to match the amount of energy you use at home.

      We do this through a system of certificates called Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin or REGOs. These are certificates that get generated for every unit of green electricity that goes into the grid. By buying these certificates we can make sure that as much green energy has been put into the grid as you’ve used.

      This doesn’t mean that at any one time there’s a set percentage of renewables on the grid. Just that overall, in a year, there’s been equal amounts put in and used.

      It’s the same process for gas – it all gets pooled, biogas and natural gas alike – and sent to houses. To guarantee that there’s as much green gas in the system as you’re paying for we use a similar system to REGOs called Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs). These get given to certify each kWh of green gas that’s put into the grid.

      https://www.ovoenergy.com/blog/technology-and-innovation/how-does-the-national-grid-work.html

  29. “We only supply 100% renewable energy”
    I’m no scientist but surely this is bolleaux??
    Or are all their electrons painted green??
    More info needed

  30. BREAKING NEWS – for all you French resident NoTTLers – and anyone able to visit…

    Vente d’éthylotests obligatoire dans les débits de boisson à emporter à partir de juillet

    Compulsory sale of DIY breath test kits at all places where wine is sold from July. That’ll work well. Imagine the muddle at supermarkets, cave coops, local wine producers. As brilliant a scheme as the 80 kph one…

  31. BREAKING NEWS – for all you French resident NoTTLers – and anyone able to visit…

    Vente d’éthylotests obligatoire dans les débits de boisson à emporter à partir de juillet

    Compulsory sale of DIY breath test kits at all places where wine is sold from July. That’ll work well. Imagine the muddle at supermarkets, cave coops, local wine producers. As brilliant a scheme as the 80 kph one…

    1. Does that mean that the booze outlets will be compelled to sell these breath test kits, or are the shoppers compelled to buy them?

      Will you need to buy one kit per bottle or just one kit regardless of the quantity of alcohol bought?

      1. They are required to be “on sale”. You don’t have to buy one.

        They tried a similar sort of wheeze in 2010 when every car had to carry TWO breathalysers and you were supposed to blow into one before you drove if you had had a drink.

        In theory you would have to buy a test kit several times a week. They were also time limited. The idea ran out of puff….after about a month.

      2. They are required to be “on sale”. You don’t have to buy one.

        They tried a similar sort of wheeze in 2010 when every car had to carry TWO breathalysers and you were supposed to blow into one before you drove if you had had a drink.

        In theory you would have to buy a test kit several times a week. They were also time limited. The idea ran out of puff….after about a month.

    2. Does that mean that the booze outlets will be compelled to sell these breath test kits, or are the shoppers compelled to buy them?

      Will you need to buy one kit per bottle or just one kit regardless of the quantity of alcohol bought?

    1. So fa all that they are trying to do is bring in mandatory quarantine for people arriving by air, just like Australia and NZ did, just like the UK tried to do.

      Being Trudeaus mob they have screwed up completely – $3,000 for the hotel, a $350 fine for not following the rules. Its also limited to air travellers as well so fly from wherever to A US border town and drive across without the same rig marble.

      There are still several flights a day arriving from India and Pakistan, every one apparently has at least one person test positive for covid.

    2. So fa all that they are trying to do is bring in mandatory quarantine for people arriving by air, just like Australia and NZ did, just like the UK tried to do.

      Being Trudeaus mob they have screwed up completely – $3,000 for the hotel, a $350 fine for not following the rules. Its also limited to air travellers as well so fly from wherever to A US border town and drive across without the same rig marble.

      There are still several flights a day arriving from India and Pakistan, every one apparently has at least one person test positive for covid.

  32. The most likely explanation for this chilly spell of April weather is that the county cricket season begins tomorrow.

    BBC Local Radio stations offer ball by ball coverage of matches in their area with website streaming options for those wanting to listen to matches beyond the reach of transmitters. Radio 5 Live Sports Extra will feature the Essex v Hampshire match although priority will be given to Indian Premier League cricket matches from Friday.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/56484505
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00cp6mn/broadcasts/upcoming

    1. Well, Khan should know all about controlling his libido… His marital record plus all his earlier affairs – shows that he found it “difficult”.

      Still, I bet this gets him lots of votes in Pakistan.

      1. Is the whole of Pakistan on the electoral register or does it just seem that way when you visit London?

      2. Is the whole of Pakistan on the electoral register or does it just seem that way when you visit London?

      3. Is the whole of Pakistan on the electoral register or does it just seem that way when you visit London?

    2. Well, Khan should know all about controlling his libido… His marital record plus all his earlier affairs – shows that he found it “difficult”.

      Still, I bet this gets him lots of votes in Pakistan.

    3. Last year, Khan was also criticised after another television appearance where he failed to challenge a Muslim cleric’s insistence that coronavirus had been unleashed because of the wrongdoings of women.

      Well, there you have it, straight from Alan’s Snackbar. Had these hussies refrained from wrongdoing, we’d be spared all the miseries of lockdown, mask-wearing, etc. So Boris can’t help it – he’s been led astray …. again.
      ;¬)

    4. Last year, Khan was also criticised after another television appearance where he failed to challenge a Muslim cleric’s insistence that coronavirus had been unleashed because of the wrongdoings of women.

      Well, there you have it, straight from Alan’s Snackbar. Had these hussies refrained from wrongdoing, we’d be spared all the miseries of lockdown, mask-wearing, etc. So Boris can’t help it – he’s been led astray …. again.
      ;¬)

      1. ‘Afternoon, Mags, could it be the proliferation of that well-known disease, snatching the snatch?

    5. “Of the 22,000 rapes reported in Pakistan in the last six years, just 77 people have been convicted as a result – a rate of 0.3 per cent which ranks among the lowest in the world.” – but still much better than Oldham, Burnley, Bradford, Rochdale, Rotherham…

  33. A seriously woke, deluded, far-left crackpot, otherwise known as ‘Professor’ Corinne Fowler, is, in my opinion, guilty of a serious crime, namely child abuse.

    Last January she said: “The scientific categorisation of plants has at times engaged in the same hierarchies of “race” that justified empire and slave and slavery,” she said adding that “inevitably, then, gardens are matters of class and privilege.”

    Now, on a visit to the National Trust with primary school children, she has asked them to write poems denigrating the British Empire.

    From the National Trust’s website: “Colonial Countryside is a child-led (sic) writing and history project exploring the African, Caribbean and Indian connections at 11 of our properties. Collaborating with Dr Corinne Fowler at the University of Leicester, we hope to inspire a new generation of young advocates for talking about colonial history.”

    Well, unlike Fowler, obviously, and unlike the children who are apparently leading this project, I have visited many countries that ‘suffered’ under the British Empire. In several of them I have been told that they wish the British would come back. Never have I been abused for being British, but I have, on the contrary, been received with great politeness, respect and generosity by local people.

    For example, on one of a number of visits to Lagos I befriended a local Chief. One day, he invited me to ‘come by for a drink this evening’. Much to my embarrassment he had also invited about 50 people in my honour, all dressed in beautiful flowing robes, solely because I am British.

    On another occasion, I went into a shop in Omdurman and selected a few items to buy. When I produced some money, the owner said, ”No money, no money – you are English, welcome, welcome!”

    On yet another occasion, many years ago in Sudan, I took a train from Wadi Halfa to Khartoum. I was the only British passenger. The journey took two days and the train had 5 classes. First class, in which I was fortunate to travel, had private suites and an elaborate dining car. Fifth class was an open cattle truck with wooden benches!

    When we arrived in Khartoum the steward brought round the bills for food and drink (alcohol was allowed in those days) but he didn’t present me with a bill. When I asked why, he said that the other passengers, all Sudanese, had paid my bill for me – because I am British!

    Perhaps the Empire wasn’t so bad after all!

    And perhaps the people in African countries, that were formerly part of the British Empire, don’t hate us white people as do so many of our left-wing compatriots!

    1. I can confirm this. As a child, in Ismailia, in 1949 – when there was resentment against the British “occupiers” – we lived in Arishia and received nothing but courtesy from our Egyptian neighbours.

      Years later, on various trips to Egypt, Tunisia and Syria – likewise (apart from being held for an hour at Damascus Airport at 2 am because the idiot boy on passports muddled my landing card with another passenger’s). Several drivers went out of their way to help us find the correct road to our destination. In Istanbul, too. Shop keepers and restaurants leant over backwards to make us feel welcome.

      1. I have a letter from Dr Nkrumah thanking my father for all he had done in Ghana.

    2. I can confirm this. As a child, in Ismailia, in 1949 – when there was resentment against the British “occupiers” – we lived in Arishia and received nothing but courtesy from our Egyptian neighbours.

      Years later, on various trips to Egypt, Tunisia and Syria – likewise (apart from being held for an hour at Damascus Airport at 2 am because the idiot boy on passports muddled my landing card with another passenger’s). Several drivers went out of their way to help us find the correct road to our destination. In Istanbul, too. Shop keepers and restaurants leant over backwards to make us feel welcome.

    3. As my Nottler friends know, my father was the governor of the Northern Province of the Sudan. Compare the lives of the people in the Sudan when the British were there and the lives they lead today with endless civil war, plague, genocide, the collapse of infrastructure, famine and secession.

      A few years after retiring he was travelling through the Sudan and the elders organised a dinner in his honour:

      “The only thing you ever did wrong,” they said, “was to leave us.”

    4. As my Nottler friends know, my father was the governor of the Northern Province of the Sudan. Compare the lives of the people in the Sudan when the British were there and the lives they lead today with endless civil war, plague, genocide, the collapse of infrastructure, famine and secession.

      A few years after retiring he was travelling through the Sudan and the elders organised a dinner in his honour:

      “The only thing you ever did wrong,” they said, “was to leave us.”

    5. I remember hearing a Jamaican interviewed in Jamaica saying that she wished the British were back in charge. Things were much better and less corrupt then!

    6. I remember hearing a Jamaican interviewed in Jamaica saying that she wished the British were back in charge. Things were much better and less corrupt then!

  34. Walking through a small wooded area in Bournville today with my granddaughter, there appeared suddenly in my vision an attractive woman coming in the opposite direction. At first I thought it was my wife … she was looking at me so intensely and with a somewhat provocative expression …. she had a nice hat and scarf …. her arm movements from side to side seemed to suggest “do you wanna dance” …. then she made a movement off the path …. it was then I realised that she was a sufferer from the Covid-don’t-stand-so-close-to-me syndrome.

  35. Walking through a small wooded area in Bournville today with my granddaughter, there appeared suddenly in my vision an attractive woman coming in the opposite direction. At first I thought it was my wife … she was looking at me so intensely and with a somewhat provocative expression …. she had a nice hat and scarf …. her arm movements from side to side seemed to suggest “do you wanna dance” …. then she made a movement off the path …. it was then I realised that she was a sufferer from the Covid-don’t-stand-so-close-to-me syndrome.

    1. In the same way that I don’t give to charities any more as they mostly seem to exist to keep CEOs in considerable luxury.

      1. Somebody we knew worked for a large organisation, and one of her duties was to interview charity pleaders and make recommendations.

        She was appalled at the number of charities whose top executives lived lives of considerable luxury (fully pensionable, of course)

        1. I knew someone who raised so much money for the RSPCA that they invited her to HQ in London. She was so appalled by the marble faced splendour she never raised another penny. She said she thought she was helping animals who needed it.

        2. I knew someone who raised so much money for the RSPCA that they invited her to HQ in London. She was so appalled by the marble faced splendour she never raised another penny. She said she thought she was helping animals who needed it.

        3. I remember a tv program from many years ago. It showed the bosses lives of some very big charities. One had 3 absolute luxurious mansions in various parts of the world – and flew between them in their private jet. Never gave another penny.

        4. I remember a tv program from many years ago. It showed the bosses lives of some very big charities. One had 3 absolute luxurious mansions in various parts of the world – and flew between them in their private jet. Never gave another penny.

      2. Somebody we knew worked for a large organisation, and one of her duties was to interview charity pleaders and make recommendations.

        She was appalled at the number of charities whose top executives lived lives of considerable luxury (fully pensionable, of course)

    2. In the same way that I don’t give to charities any more as they mostly seem to exist to keep CEOs in considerable luxury.

  36. The latest news is that as a precautionary measure, and only as a precaution, the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines are to be offered to the under-30s in preference to the Astra-Zeneca vaccine.
    The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the mRNA type that change the DNA of the human recipient. The Astra-Zeneca vaccine works differently. The under-30s age group are those who will produce the next generation. Now, suppose that these mRNA vaccines prevent that by rendering men and women infertile?

      1. Exactly so. Vaccination of 20m people who don’t need it is expensive. so why?

        1. 1. Huge transfer of taxpayer money to the pharmaceuticals, money that could be put to far better use elsewhere. 2.This also increases the share price for those invested in pharma. 3. Fulfils secret dreams of megalomaniacs of population culls and/or sterilisation of the population. 4. Fulfils secret dreams of pharma by having a huge experimental pool with whom they can play with their new toys….

  37. The latest news is that as a precautionary measure, and only as a precaution, the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines are to be offered to the under-30s in preference to the Astra-Zeneca vaccine.
    The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the mRNA type that change the DNA of the human recipient. The Astra-Zeneca vaccine works differently. The under-30s age group are those who will produce the next generation. Now, suppose that these mRNA vaccines prevent that by rendering men and women infertile?

  38. And in other vital EUSSR news (from the Torygraph just now)

    “Ursula von der Leyen has suggested Turkey was guilty of sexism in failing to provide her with a seat at a meeting with president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

    The European commission chief met Mr Erdogan on Tuesday along with European Council president Charles Michel to discuss the EU’s refugee deal and Turkey’s relationship in general with Brussels.

    During the meeting of the three leaders, Mrs von der Leyen – the first female president of the Commission – was left visibly perplexed as Mr Michel and Mr Erdogan took the only two chairs available in the centre of the room.

    Video footage picks up the commission president saying “ermm?” as Mr Michel without hesitation takes his place at Mr Erdogan’s side.

    According to EU sources, one of the topics of the meeting was women’s rights in Turkey, in particular Mr Erdogan’s decision to nix Turkey’s involvement in the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at halting violence towards women.”

    She had to sit on a sofa, poor dear…. The EU will no doubt be sending a gunboat….

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/04/07/turkish-musical-chairs-triggers-diplomatic-fiasco-ursula-von/

    1. She was a fool to show her anger in public when she couldn’t do anything about it.

      1. She is an extremely foolish (as well as stupid) woman. Ideal for the EUSSR.

      2. She is an extremely foolish (as well as stupid) woman. Ideal for the EUSSR.

    2. She was a fool to show her anger in public when she couldn’t do anything about it.

    3. The old story is re-told to indicate the difference between men from Winchester, Harrow and Eton.
      Ursula von der Leyen walks into a room.
      An Etonian MP says: “Bring that lady a chair.”
      A Wykehamist civil servant fetches it.
      The Harrovian promptly sits in it.

    4. The old story is re-told to indicate the difference between men from Winchester, Harrow and Eton.
      Ursula von der Leyen walks into a room.
      An Etonian MP says: “Bring that lady a chair.”
      A Wykehamist civil servant fetches it.
      The Harrovian promptly sits in it.

    5. It only goes to prove that he is a Prick and not a gentleman. Good manners dictates that he should have offered her his chair….

    6. It only goes to prove that he is a Prick and not a gentleman. Good manners dictates that he should have offered her his chair….

  39. And in other vital EUSSR news (from the Torygraph just now)

    “Ursula von der Leyen has suggested Turkey was guilty of sexism in failing to provide her with a seat at a meeting with president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

    The European commission chief met Mr Erdogan on Tuesday along with European Council president Charles Michel to discuss the EU’s refugee deal and Turkey’s relationship in general with Brussels.

    During the meeting of the three leaders, Mrs von der Leyen – the first female president of the Commission – was left visibly perplexed as Mr Michel and Mr Erdogan took the only two chairs available in the centre of the room.

    Video footage picks up the commission president saying “ermm?” as Mr Michel without hesitation takes his place at Mr Erdogan’s side.

    According to EU sources, one of the topics of the meeting was women’s rights in Turkey, in particular Mr Erdogan’s decision to nix Turkey’s involvement in the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at halting violence towards women.”

    She had to sit on a sofa, poor dear…. The EU will no doubt be sending a gunboat….

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/04/07/turkish-musical-chairs-triggers-diplomatic-fiasco-ursula-von/

    1. I wonder which of the attendees of the WEF will make billions from that “smart mask”

        1. Our mobile is a smart phone. In Europe it is only turned on when we need to make a call or receive a code to allow access to our bank accounts etc, when we get a text with a number.
          Otherwise it is a standby device if we ever needed to gain access to the internet where there was no alternative.

          I HATE the bloody thing.

          1. My staff deals with these things. Very efficiently. Since retiring, and, in particular, since the plague – she has become extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of IT.

        2. I have a “smart” phone Bill – I just don’t carry it around with me everywhere. And it is only switched on when I want it on. People give me hassle saying they haven’t been able to contact me – Then I argue that the phone was for MY benefit – not for theirs. The last time i was in a shop of the “provider” the young lady was dying to ask why my record, showing on her computer screen, was showing that my phone kept going off the network – then popping back up miles away later on. But she knew that by saying anything she would be openly telling me that phones are there to track people – NOT just for us to make calls on or send texts.

        3. I have a “smart” phone Bill – I just don’t carry it around with me everywhere. And it is only switched on when I want it on. People give me hassle saying they haven’t been able to contact me – Then I argue that the phone was for MY benefit – not for theirs. The last time i was in a shop of the “provider” the young lady was dying to ask why my record, showing on her computer screen, was showing that my phone kept going off the network – then popping back up miles away later on. But she knew that by saying anything she would be openly telling me that phones are there to track people – NOT just for us to make calls on or send texts.

    2. I wonder which of the attendees of the WEF will make billions from that “smart mask”

    3. More creepy stuff. And the slogan at the end “Helping the world to breathe more easily.”
      We can breathe more easily without masks at all…

    4. More creepy stuff. And the slogan at the end “Helping the world to breathe more easily.”
      We can breathe more easily without masks at all…

  40. Let’s add some logic to the events re vaccines…

    The BBC constantly rolls out wooden tops, some regular and others occasionally. They all sing from the same hymn sheet as if pre-programmed. But they never interview anyone with a counter argument which is not natural. Anyone going slightly off piste is gotten rid of by having to break for the same weather forecast they had a few minutes before.

    If the elite are to cull most of the population then who might they save? If I was tasked with the job I’d retain all the scientists who have followed the agenda as laid out. Doctors and scientists would be a sensible choice for obvious reasons. It’s nigh on impossible to talk to a GP about the vaccine, I know, I tried it and was ushered out of the door in an instant. If something untoward was happening then they’d be committing suicide by mentioning it.

    I’d spare the young healthy types as the elite would require a good selection of young girls and boys to exploit. A good mix of tradesmen and women would be sensible, electricians, computer programmers, builders and plumbers would be useful.

    After culling the over 50’s I would then turn my attention to those still left. Bring in a postcode lottery where those ferals in council estates would go and at the other end of the scale, those wealthy but outside the bubble including people living in such places as Sandbanks, Dartmouth, Salcombe and St Mawes. Certainly the residents of the picturesque St. Ives.

    Repeat the same exercise all over the world and then enjoy the new world Utopia.

    1. ‘The Golgafrincham Ark Fleet Ship B was a starship designed to relocate the (largely redundant) useless part of the population from the planet of Golgafrincham. The ship was led by the captain, with Number One and Number Two next in charge.

      The Golgafrinchan Ark Fleet Ship B was a way of removing the basically useless citizens from the planet of Golgafrincham. A variety of stories were formed about the doom of the planet, such as blowing up, crashing into the sun or being eaten by a mutant star goat. The ship was filled with all the middlemen of Golgafrincham, such as the telephone sanitisers, account executives, hairdressers, tired TV producers, insurance salesmen, personnel officers, security guards, public relations executives, and management consultants.

      Ark Fleet ships A and C were supposed to carry the people who ruled, thought, or actually did useful work.

      The ship was programmed to crash onto its designated planet, Earth. The captain remembers that he was told a good reason for this, but had forgotten it, although the reason was later revealed to be because the Ark Ship B Golgafrinchans were a ‘bunch of useless idiots’.

      After the ship took off, no word was heard from either Golgafrincham or the other A and C ships.

      After five years of traveling, Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect were teleported onto the ship. They spoke to the captain and were very alarmed by the story of the ship.

      The ship crashes onto the supercomputer Earth and is wrecked, but many of the passengers and crew survive. They begin running the planet in accordance with their previous useless ways.’

      And here we are. The planet is still led by Captain Boris.

      (Courtesy of Douglas Adams, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’.

    2. ‘The Golgafrincham Ark Fleet Ship B was a starship designed to relocate the (largely redundant) useless part of the population from the planet of Golgafrincham. The ship was led by the captain, with Number One and Number Two next in charge.

      The Golgafrinchan Ark Fleet Ship B was a way of removing the basically useless citizens from the planet of Golgafrincham. A variety of stories were formed about the doom of the planet, such as blowing up, crashing into the sun or being eaten by a mutant star goat. The ship was filled with all the middlemen of Golgafrincham, such as the telephone sanitisers, account executives, hairdressers, tired TV producers, insurance salesmen, personnel officers, security guards, public relations executives, and management consultants.

      Ark Fleet ships A and C were supposed to carry the people who ruled, thought, or actually did useful work.

      The ship was programmed to crash onto its designated planet, Earth. The captain remembers that he was told a good reason for this, but had forgotten it, although the reason was later revealed to be because the Ark Ship B Golgafrinchans were a ‘bunch of useless idiots’.

      After the ship took off, no word was heard from either Golgafrincham or the other A and C ships.

      After five years of traveling, Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect were teleported onto the ship. They spoke to the captain and were very alarmed by the story of the ship.

      The ship crashes onto the supercomputer Earth and is wrecked, but many of the passengers and crew survive. They begin running the planet in accordance with their previous useless ways.’

      And here we are. The planet is still led by Captain Boris.

      (Courtesy of Douglas Adams, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’.

  41. That’s me gone for this very cold day. The sun did shine, but it was not at all pleasant out of the house. Tomorrow morning to the market for Tony’s Knock-off stall and Mr Weston’s fresh English Fish.

    Have a nice evening.

    A demain.

  42. “A coronavirus testing centre has been forced to close early after stones were thrown at staff, according to police.
    Staff at the Rotherham site, which is in the car park of Maltby Leisure Centre, were attacked on Tuesday night by young people throwing stones.
    South Yorkshire Police said it was “yet another night” the station had to close early following anti-social behaviour.
    The Department for Health and Social Care, which runs the site, said the attacks were “abhorrent”.
    The South Yorkshire force’s Rotherham South Neighbourhood Policing Team said “local youths” were thought to be responsible for the attacks.”

    There do not seem to have been any arrests. Hmmm. “local youths”, Rotherham…

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-56663101

      1. I thought it was a milk monitor but it just whizzed past it and headed for the top shelf!

      2. I thought it was a milk monitor but it just whizzed past it and headed for the top shelf!

    1. I was just thinking that a few weeks ago I was getting constantly asked whether I’d had the vaxx yet and was being encouraged to have it by friends and family, It was getting a bit uncomfortable really, I said I would wait and see, but they all seem to have suddenly gone quiet now for some reason.

    2. I was just thinking that a few weeks ago I was getting constantly asked whether I’d had the vaxx yet and was being encouraged to have it by friends and family, It was getting a bit uncomfortable really, I said I would wait and see, but they all seem to have suddenly gone quiet now for some reason.

    3. Sacrificing yourself on the altar of an experiment.

      Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

      1. Greater love hath no politician than this; that a minster lay down his friends for his lies.

      2. Greater love hath no politician than this; that a minster lay down his friends for his lies.

  43. Kill the Bill Bristol police chief steps down after Colston statue chaos and violent protests.

  44. Our vaccination freedom has become a betrayal

    It’s bad enough that Covid killed so many of our people; must we let it destroy who we are as well?

    ALLISON PEARSON

    You know what, you’re marvellous. I thought it was impossible to love Telegraph readers more than I do already. And then I read some of the 8,000 comments you posted under Michael Gove’s article on Sunday.

    With his usual impeccable courtesy, Mr Gove claimed to be seeking readers’ views on the role that certification might play in an anti-Covid strategy. “I know Telegraph readers will help us find common sense answers,” he concluded sweetly.

    Be careful what you wish for, Mr Gove. With common sense in such perilously short supply in Westminster, and apparently missing in action in the Imperial College Models of Doom laboratory, readers were delighted to oblige. Some suggestions were nuanced and learned, others tended towards the, er, Anglo Saxon. The consensus was that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster can shove his Covid certificates up his precautionary principle.

    “The idea that you can only access normal daily life dependent upon having a mandated government medical intervention is abhorrent,” said Jane who has three children with a genetic condition which could be made worse if they had the vaccine.

    A Mr R. Green took exception to the Gove claim that “vaccination is a hugely powerful tool but it can never provide 100 per cent protection”.

    “Nothing will provide 100 per cent protection and to expect for it to happen is blatantly ridiculous,” he fumed. “The most vulnerable part of the population, plus millions more, have been inoculated and are safe whilst the others are largely safe in any case. It is time to stop the stupidity and get on with life again or do we have to hide forever, cowering like a herd of sheep?”

    Responding to the latest threat, oops, sorry, warning, from the Never Knowingly Underalarmed Sage of a “third wave”, Cate commented: “Modelling of thousands of deaths a day over the summer if all lockdown measures are removed is plainly ludicrous – last summer the data showed a flat line in terms of deaths and without any vaccines… You have lost the support of this great country, Mr Gove (save what your preferred polls tell you) and you and this Government are steering it towards a very dark future. If you can only govern with a constant diet of fear, propaganda, and arbitrary measures then you have all ditched your moral compass, presiding over a perversion of democracy.”

    Wow. Would that such ringing moral clarity were to be found among our leaders who blunder about in a miasma of fear – not fear of Covid, fear of consequences.

    Is Gove genuinely interested in what common sense Conservatives of this parish think? Unlikely, I would say.

    Who knows, maybe some bright spark in Number 10 pointed out that a “freedom passport” is not just an oxymoron. It’s pretty much a betrayal of everything it means to be a Conservative. Had the 13,905,520 people who voted Tory in December 2019 wished to bring about an East German surveillance state where your body – and your mind – are no longer your own, there was a box you could tick for that on the ballot. We didn’t vote for Corbyn, though, did we?

    We preferred the politician who, back in 2004, spoke out passionately against identity cards. They were, he raged, “a recipe for tyranny and oppression… If I’m obliged to have one by the emanations of the state, I will grind it up and eat it on my Cornflakes.” That is the Boris Johnson we thought we were voting for.

    The Prime Minister looked decidedly shifty at Monday’s press briefing. As well he might. It’s not easy trying to eat your Government’s widely-trailed plans for Covid-status certification (on Cornflakes, naturally) whilst not ruling out the possibility that something you previously found utterly abhorrent will be introduced on your watch.

    I should make myself clear. I’m not opposed to a vaccine card for international travel. It seems inevitable that other countries will demand one. I can even see a role for quick tests for mass gatherings like festivals and theatre to offer reassurance to nervous people, but only in the very short-term with a strict time limit.

    What I find objectionable is the way the Government’s promises are not worth the hot air they’re spoken on. I didn’t have my Covid jab because I felt at any personal risk; I had it because I was assured that the vaccine was the cavalry. Boris said he could hear the bugle toot of freedom. So I did what I could to bring that freedom a bit nearer for my battered, beleaguered fellow citizens.

    I did not have the jab only to be told a month later, “Actually, to earn your freedom this time you have to sign up for two weekly tests.” Even though you’ve had the vaccine, so it’s safe for you to meet friends and family and go to shops and restaurants. Even though the prevalence of the virus is now so low in the UK (NHS England yesterday reported 0 Covid deaths in London, East of England and the South West) that any lateral flow test result will be hugely unreliable. Just look at the fiasco of 200,000 almost certainly healthy children sent home from school in the week before Easter because they, or a classmate, had a “positive” test. Now imagine that fiasco multiplied by more than 60 million tests a week.

    And for what? To coerce young people into having a vaccine they don’t really need? To blackmail hospitality with the threat that pubs and restaurants which don’t insist on patrons showing a Covid passport will be punished and made unviable by having to retain social distancing measures? To create a system of social apartheid?

    Bad enough that Covid killed so many of our people; must we let it destroy who we are as well?

    On April 3, Matt Hancock tweeted: “The vaccine is our route to normal”. On April 5, he tweeted: “Reclaiming our lost freedoms and getting back to normal hinges on us all getting tested regularly.”

    What happened in the intervening 48 hours? Perhaps Gove can explain in his next article soliciting the opinions of Telegraph readers. One thing’s for sure; the Government would be a damn sight better if it took your advice.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/vaccination-freedom-has-become-betrayal/

    1. Never forget that creatures such as Gove, Hancock, Johnson et al have PAs whose job is to filter all comments and only report those that are favourable towards their masters.

    2. Never forget that creatures such as Gove, Hancock, Johnson et al have PAs whose job is to filter all comments and only report those that are favourable towards their masters.

  45. “by 2044 at the latest, we should be able to abandon masks, swabs, PCR, FOI, Habeus corpus, Homo sapiens and non-violent anarchist opposition once and for all.

    Even then, however, we must not let our guard down. For those who guard our freedoms by bending knees and breaking rules are trained to know where the next deadly, mortal worst threat since the Pleistocene meteor hit is coming.

    I can now reveal exclusively that the next attack on us will also come from the skies….for even as I write, the AntiChrist Vladimir Rasputin is training avian species to go one giant leap further than shitting on our cars immediately after making use of valeting services.”…

    I can now reveal that special NATO insurgency units have cracked the fiendish Novokodrumski code, and are thus able to show conclusive evidence of Russian bibliophilic training of Avians. Ivan the Bear has, for example, completed the translation of many infamously seditious works into Featherspeak. These include:

    Batman & Robin
    Lady Chaffinch’s Lover
    The taming of the Crow
    The Birdman of Alacatraz
    Blackbird the Pirate
    Magpie Bovary
    The Starling Buds of May
    The Life & Doves of Frank Harris
    The Merry Wrens of Windsor
    The Dunnock Vinci Code
    The Pigeons of Penzance
    One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest
    Murder most Owl

    Joh Ward: https://therealslog.com/2021/04/06/at-the-end-of-the-day-997/

  46. “by 2044 at the latest, we should be able to abandon masks, swabs, PCR, FOI, Habeus corpus, Homo sapiens and non-violent anarchist opposition once and for all.

    Even then, however, we must not let our guard down. For those who guard our freedoms by bending knees and breaking rules are trained to know where the next deadly, mortal worst threat since the Pleistocene meteor hit is coming.

    I can now reveal exclusively that the next attack on us will also come from the skies….for even as I write, the AntiChrist Vladimir Rasputin is training avian species to go one giant leap further than shitting on our cars immediately after making use of valeting services.”…

    I can now reveal that special NATO insurgency units have cracked the fiendish Novokodrumski code, and are thus able to show conclusive evidence of Russian bibliophilic training of Avians. Ivan the Bear has, for example, completed the translation of many infamously seditious works into Featherspeak. These include:

    Batman & Robin
    Lady Chaffinch’s Lover
    The taming of the Crow
    The Birdman of Alacatraz
    Blackbird the Pirate
    Magpie Bovary
    The Starling Buds of May
    The Life & Doves of Frank Harris
    The Merry Wrens of Windsor
    The Dunnock Vinci Code
    The Pigeons of Penzance
    One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest
    Murder most Owl

    Joh Ward: https://therealslog.com/2021/04/06/at-the-end-of-the-day-997/

  47. A good investigation!

    The Highways Agency found over 200 dead crows on the A12 near Wanstead recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu.

    A Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was NOT Avian Flu. The cause of death appeared to be from vehicular impacts. However, during analysis it was noted that varying colours of paint appeared on the …bird’s beaks and claws. By analysing these paint residues it was found that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with motor-bikes, while only 2% were killed by cars.

    The Agency then hired an Ornithological Behaviourist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of motorbike kills versus car kills.

    The Ornithological Behaviourist quickly concluded that when crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow to warn of danger. They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout “Cah!”, not a single one could shout “Bike!

  48. A good investigation!

    The Highways Agency found over 200 dead crows on the A12 near Wanstead recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu.

    A Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was NOT Avian Flu. The cause of death appeared to be from vehicular impacts. However, during analysis it was noted that varying colours of paint appeared on the …bird’s beaks and claws. By analysing these paint residues it was found that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with motor-bikes, while only 2% were killed by cars.

    The Agency then hired an Ornithological Behaviourist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of motorbike kills versus car kills.

    The Ornithological Behaviourist quickly concluded that when crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow to warn of danger. They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout “Cah!”, not a single one could shout “Bike!

  49. I’m currently watching a delightful Channel 5 programme called Springtime on the Farm. You cannot beat calves, lambs, kids and piglets for putting a smile on your face. It’s lightweight stuff but there are interesting facts amongst the fluff.

  50. Johnson thinks we are all mugs. He says this group of people must not take the oxford jab, but its quite safe.

    1. Johnson knows that none of the vaunted ‘vaccines’ are properly tested and must also know that by definition none are safe. None are proven to give immunity from infection and none promise to prevent the takers from spreading mutant strains of the supposed Covid 19.

      None are vaccines in the meaning of the word but all are gene therapies administered by injection. Nobody knows what adverse reactions will occur, as sure as light follows day, when the reactions to other Corona (common cold) viruses kick in from September 2021. It is predicted that many vaccinated folk will be at greater risk to new infections because their immune systems are compromised by the faux ‘vaccines’.

      The vaccinated might also be super spreaders and this is presumably part of the plan to depopulate the world. Even Mengele could not have dreamed of this method and had it been understood and developed by the Third Reich they could have spared billions of bullets.

      1. The vaccines are not gene therapy.

        What is a vaccine?

        A vaccine is a substance that when introduced to the human body elicits a targeted immune system response without making us seriously ill. They may be live viruses that have been weakened, dead viruses, parts of a virus grafted onto another virus, or something entirely synthetic.

        The substances we have been giving do just that. The AZ vaccine is made using traditional methods. The Pfizer vaccine contains mRNA which causes our cells to produce proteins that closely resemble parts of the SARS-Coronavirus-2 virus eliciting the required immune system response. This is vaccination not gene therapy. In gene therapy your genes are modified. There’s no modification here.

        Of course there is valid reason to worry. These vaccines have all been rushed to market and are largely untested and have unknown long-term effects.

        No vaccines grant immunity. We might call it that but it’s not immunity. We still catch and transmit viruses we are immune to but our bodies deal with the invading bugs quite quickly so we never get sick enough to really notice.

        1. Good luck with the ‘vaccine’. I normally avoid responding to your comments because you are ignorant so will not be following up. Goodnight.

        2. Good luck with the ‘vaccine’. I normally avoid responding to your comments because you are ignorant so will not be following up. Goodnight.

      2. The vaccines are not gene therapy.

        What is a vaccine?

        A vaccine is a substance that when introduced to the human body elicits a targeted immune system response without making us seriously ill. They may be live viruses that have been weakened, dead viruses, parts of a virus grafted onto another virus, or something entirely synthetic.

        The substances we have been giving do just that. The AZ vaccine is made using traditional methods. The Pfizer vaccine contains mRNA which causes our cells to produce proteins that closely resemble parts of the SARS-Coronavirus-2 virus eliciting the required immune system response. This is vaccination not gene therapy. In gene therapy your genes are modified. There’s no modification here.

        Of course there is valid reason to worry. These vaccines have all been rushed to market and are largely untested and have unknown long-term effects.

        No vaccines grant immunity. We might call it that but it’s not immunity. We still catch and transmit viruses we are immune to but our bodies deal with the invading bugs quite quickly so we never get sick enough to really notice.

      3. Seven residents of an old people’s home here were vaccinated about 2 months ago and have just been hospitalised with Covid. So, not so effective, then, with at least three versions around – British, Brazilian & South African.

    2. Johnson knows that none of the vaunted ‘vaccines’ are properly tested and must also know that by definition none are safe. None are proven to give immunity from infection and none promise to prevent the takers from spreading mutant strains of the supposed Covid 19.

      None are vaccines in the meaning of the word but all are gene therapies administered by injection. Nobody knows what adverse reactions will occur, as sure as light follows day, when the reactions to other Corona (common cold) viruses kick in from September 2021. It is predicted that many vaccinated folk will be at greater risk to new infections because their immune systems are compromised by the faux ‘vaccines’.

      The vaccinated might also be super spreaders and this is presumably part of the plan to depopulate the world. Even Mengele could not have dreamed of this method and had it been understood and developed by the Third Reich they could have spared billions of bullets.

  51. Evening, all. The government will find it’s playing with fire one of these days. Nobody likes to be teased and have their expectations dashed.

    1. Your government acting the same as ours, how unusual.

      Apparently we are beyond Wuhan and Kent covid, we are now in the arms of a Brazilian!
      From almost normal in our rural area to restrictions to a province wide stay at home orders in less than a week. All the the government are doing us have a passing match between province and federal over who is to blame.

      The most ridiculous restrictions came in over in Alberta today. Bars could open as normal at 11AM and you could drink indoors. At midday new rules came into effect so to stay legal, drinkers had to carry their drinks outside before quaffing another mouthful.

      How is life for you after your relaxing sleep in the sun the other day?

      1. I’ve been riding today, which is always good. Apart from that, MOH has been driving me distracted by leaving doors open and taps running, not to mention cooking at about 04.30! I need eyes in the back of my head!

        1. Sorry, Conway. That must be exasperating and a constant worry. Only when she’s in sight can you know what she’s doing. It must be tiring, too, when you cannot have undisturbed sleep.

      2. I’ve been riding today, which is always good. Apart from that, MOH has been driving me distracted by leaving doors open and taps running, not to mention cooking at about 04.30! I need eyes in the back of my head!

      3. Apparently we are beyond Wuhan and Kent covid, we are now in the arms of a Brazilian!

        Should that not be “….we are now between the legs of a Brazilian”?
        Or would that be too rude?

    2. Your government acting the same as ours, how unusual.

      Apparently we are beyond Wuhan and Kent covid, we are now in the arms of a Brazilian!
      From almost normal in our rural area to restrictions to a province wide stay at home orders in less than a week. All the the government are doing us have a passing match between province and federal over who is to blame.

      The most ridiculous restrictions came in over in Alberta today. Bars could open as normal at 11AM and you could drink indoors. At midday new rules came into effect so to stay legal, drinkers had to carry their drinks outside before quaffing another mouthful.

      How is life for you after your relaxing sleep in the sun the other day?

    3. 331243+ up ticks,
      Evening C,
      “They” have countermeasures all “they” have to do is call a General Election tomorrow, and the electorate
      will follow the usual route.

      1. Cheer up. Most of us who voted conservative would rather return Screaming Lord Sutch than that fat disingenuous bastard Johnson.

        The same applies to members of his ‘diverse’ cabinet.

        1. 331243+ up ticks,
          Won’t wash C, that has been said since the major era.
          It is not just the head but the whole con party.
          Same across the card, the whole coalition.

        2. 331243+ up ticks,
          Won’t wash C, that has been said since the major era.
          It is not just the head but the whole con party.
          Same across the card, the whole coalition.

      2. Cheer up. Most of us who voted conservative would rather return Screaming Lord Sutch than that fat disingenuous bastard Johnson.

        The same applies to members of his ‘diverse’ cabinet.

    4. 331243+ up ticks,
      Evening C,
      “They” have countermeasures all “they” have to do is call a General Election tomorrow, and the electorate
      will follow the usual route.

  52. Evening, all. The government will find it’s playing with fire one of these days. Nobody likes to be teased and have their expectations dashed.

  53. Don’t know if it has been mentioned before. Seems causing death ( of a white woman ) by dangerous driving only gets you 30 months now. Wouldn’t be anything to do with the driver being ????? /https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-56660341
    Wonder what a white person would get for doing the same to one of them?

    sorry – first one added wrong link

    1. Absolutely disgraceful. The system of justice in the UK is in a real mess. Why are these judges and magistrates not held to account for their appalling decisions?

    2. Absolutely disgraceful. The system of justice in the UK is in a real mess. Why are these judges and magistrates not held to account for their appalling decisions?

    3. I’m not excusing the disgraceful actions of the driver, but I can only assume the judge took into account that CCTV showed the victim was listening to music, didn’t look right before crossing, and crossed after the green man had gone out. As my late father used to say: “Assume every driver on the road is an idiot trying to kill you”.

      1. If that was so then I withdraw my remarks, but the driver should have stopped and given assistance. Even in view of those facts, the sentence is far too lenient.

        1. Looking at the Sentencing guidelines, it seems the offence would have fallen into Level 3: ‘Driving that created a significant risk of danger (Where the driving is markedly less culpable than for this level, reference should be made to the starting point and range for the most serious level of causing death by careless driving)’, with a starting point of 3 years custody.

          The relevant mitigating factor is: ‘Actions of the victim or a third party contributed significantly to the likelihood of a collision occurring and/or death resulting’.

          Against this is the aggravating factor: ‘Driving off in an attempt to avoid detection or apprehension’.

          The defendant also pleaded guilty at an early stage, so on balance 30 months would appear to be a reasonable sentence.

        2. Looking at the Sentencing guidelines, it seems the offence would have fallen into Level 3: ‘Driving that created a significant risk of danger (Where the driving is markedly less culpable than for this level, reference should be made to the starting point and range for the most serious level of causing death by careless driving)’, with a starting point of 3 years custody.

          The relevant mitigating factor is: ‘Actions of the victim or a third party contributed significantly to the likelihood of a collision occurring and/or death resulting’.

          Against this is the aggravating factor: ‘Driving off in an attempt to avoid detection or apprehension’.

          The defendant also pleaded guilty at an early stage, so on balance 30 months would appear to be a reasonable sentence.

      2. If that was so then I withdraw my remarks, but the driver should have stopped and given assistance. Even in view of those facts, the sentence is far too lenient.

    4. I’m not excusing the disgraceful actions of the driver, but I can only assume the judge took into account that CCTV showed the victim was listening to music, didn’t look right before crossing, and crossed after the green man had gone out. As my late father used to say: “Assume every driver on the road is an idiot trying to kill you”.

  54. Don’t know if it has been mentioned before. Seems causing death ( of a white woman ) by dangerous driving only gets you 30 months now. Wouldn’t be anything to do with the driver being ????? /https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-56660341
    Wonder what a white person would get for doing the same to one of them?

    sorry – first one added wrong link

Comments are closed.