I'd have thought there's still quite a lot of play in this contest. The candidates aren't that well-known and the Labour party membership have yet to decide what they want to make their next step. Lisa Nandy would be a good choice (for my bank account as well as for the Labour party), but I'm not expecting Labour to make it.
Agreed. I reckon a fair few on the left think Starmer is one of their own - he was in the shadow cabinet after all.
That's why Starmer is the favourite - both the Left and the non-left think he's one of them, and in a way I think they're both right.
Is it helicopters from the Embassy roof time yet for the Americans in Iraq?
‘I came, I Sai, I gone?’
These puns are beginning to Hanoi me.
To be honest, Halong for them to stop as well.
I’m surprised you’ve not made any gags this morning about De Kock and Philander.
The cricket’s too fucking depressing right now.
At least Joe Root didn’t try to bowl again, but with him having taken Burns out before the match and Crawley out for 4 that’s not important right now.
Has Root been seen with a new leather jacket recently?
As I said after the World Cup final, we’ve used up all our good luck for the next decade.
It’s nothing to do with luck. It’s daft management. What is Zak Crawley with 700 runs at 30 - around a quarter of them against Nottinghamshire -doing as backup opener instead of Chris Dent (1100 at 47, admittedly with quite a few against Leicestershire)? Why is Crawley not on the Lions tour working on his technique so he’s ready for number three in a couple of years? Why is football being allowed when it causes injuries? Why was Archer training when he was not fully fit? Why was he forced to bowl long spells? Why is Root still captain when he last won a series 18 months ago? Why is Bairstow the backup keeper instead of Foakes?
These are easy decisions to make. And yet they are not being made. Silverwood was the wrong choice as coach because he’s an insider and however fine a coach he is (and his Essex record shows how good he is) he’s not making the tough calls.
You should read Mike Atherton in today’s Times. It’s a considered and well argued rebuttal to your frankly-spittle flecked and deranged-sounding rankings about the evils of soccer as a warm up. As a teacher you consider yourself an expert on everything but he schools you.
Is it helicopters from the Embassy roof time yet for the Americans in Iraq?
‘I came, I Sai, I gone?’
These puns are beginning to Hanoi me.
To be honest, Halong for them to stop as well.
I’m surprised you’ve not made any gags this morning about De Kock and Philander.
The cricket’s too fucking depressing right now.
At least Joe Root didn’t try to bowl again, but with him having taken Burns out before the match and Crawley out for 4 that’s not important right now.
Has Root been seen with a new leather jacket recently?
As I said after the World Cup final, we’ve used up all our good luck for the next decade.
It’s nothing to do with luck. It’s daft management. What is Zak Crawley with 700 runs at 30 - around a quarter of them against Nottinghamshire -doing as backup opener instead of Chris Dent (1100 at 47, admittedly with quite a few against Leicestershire)? Why is Crawley not on the Lions tour working on his technique so he’s ready for number three in a couple of years? Why is football being allowed when it causes injuries? Why was Archer training when he was not fully fit? Why was he forced to bowl long spells? Why is Root still captain when he last won a series 18 months ago? Why is Bairstow the backup keeper instead of Foakes?
These are easy decisions to make. And yet they are not being made. Silverwood was the wrong choice as coach because he’s an insider and however fine a coach he is (and his Essex record shows how good he is) he’s not making the tough calls.
You should read Mike Atherton in today’s Times. It’s a considered and well argued rebuttal to your frankly-spittle flecked and deranged-sounding rankings about the evils of soccer as a warm up. As a teacher you consider yourself an expert on everything but he schools you.
What is a ‘deranged sounding ranking?’ Sounds like something to do with the Premier League, but I’m guessing it’s autocorrect doing what autocorrect does best.
(BTW, it’s not me that criticised football warmups - it was Silverwood.)
On topic, I have a small bet on Nandy as I think there is an outside chance she comes through. However, I don't think her personality that appealing - someone on here summed it up well, saying she came across as a bit of a wet lettuce.
I wonder if the value bet at the moment might be Rayner (disclosure: I have bought some on Betfair at 60-70). The left's overwhelming aim is to keep control of the Labour party, not specifically to back a candidate. There seems to be a growing feeling RLB is not up to the task and that Starmer might come through. If that was the case, the left may decide it would be best to ditch RLB and go with Rayner who would probably stand a better chance in a contest.
I can see your reasoning on Rayner. Maybe that Yougov poll will force the lefts hand
Is there a PBer who didn't briefly think to apply?
More than briefly in my case. I am ready to serve. People scoff at some of my ideas - for example free (and compulsory) piano tuition for the unemployed - but I sense that Cummings would not. What to wear for the interview, though, is a tricky one. Suit and tie is out (obvs) but just how "free" should I go? Would string vest and hessian shorts seal the deal?
1) On thread: I've been a Lisa-backer for some while. Not a sophisticated analysis of the selectorate (aside from the wanting a woman and Len wanting a northerner) - more that I'm increasingly convinced that she isn't just the least-worst option, she's actually pretty good. Could she be this decades Kinnock in clearing out the more egregious elements of the far left? Dunno. But she can at least articulate a reasonably sensible argument reasonably well, which is no small beer these days. Also - and it shouldn't matter, but it does - she's quite telegenic. Contrast the pleasant, smiley picture above with the pictures we normally see of RLB with mouth contorted into tiny belipsticked grimace of fury or of Jess Philips looking smug or Emily Thornberry looking smug and entitled. How appearances translate into votes is a tricky subject to fully understand, especially with female candidates, but it matters. It's not about being attractive or otherwise, it's about having a manner which doesn't automatically put people's backs up. While I'm about it, I'd say Kier is also reasonably telegenic. Fairly dour and unsmiling, but transmitting a weary air of competence.
2) Stop panicking about cricket! Losing an early wicket isn't a disaster. You can't start panicking until we're four wickets down for less than 90. I agree with Eagles about NZ having the biggest slice of luck in the final in batting first. Though England's luck was rather more spectacular to the eye.
3) @AlastairMeeks - following the coffee conversation a week or two back, I found myself at the platform 13/14 concourse at Piccadilly station the other night, where there was a Costa Coffee and it did indeed serve a perfectly acceptable cup of filter coffee for a pound. You were quite right - thank you. My life is slightly improved.
Is there a PBer who didn't briefly think to apply?
More than briefly in my case. I am ready to serve. People scoff at some of my ideas - for example free (and compulsory) piano tuition for the unemployed - but I sense that Cummings would not. What to wear for the interview, though, is a tricky one. Suit and tie is out (obvs) but just how "free" should I go? Would string vest and hessian shorts seal the deal?
Doesn’t matter, you’ll fail by turning up to the interview at all. Conventional limited thinking.
The Scottish Parliament needs full fiscal autonomy.
Jarvid must cut National Insurance-Holyrood can’t overturn that Tory tax cut ...
I don't know why more Tories aren't more worried about Scotland going independent? If that happens under a Tory government you will lose English support. Don't for a second think it will bring political advantage to the the Conservative and Unioist party.
Brexit kills Sindy.
Scots with mortgages and pensions in British pounds won’t touch the Euro with a barge pole.
If the SNP had been smart they’d have grabbed May’s deal.
Now SINDY + EU = hardest of hard borders with rUK ( which accounts for 4 times as much of Scotland’s trade than the EU.) That will become progressively clearer as the “Irish sea it isn’t a border really” gets implemented.
Our tame Tory emigrants talking absolute bollox as usual. Don't even live in teh country but profess to be experts instead of the pair of dummies they really are. F off and worry about where you actually live and stop spouting shite about Scotland, losers.
Their plan in 2004 was to have 3 divisions and a brigade to drive 1000 miles over many tall mountain ranges, siege Tehran and get out all in 5 days, brought to you by the same people who planned the Iraq War.
Of course the Civilian leaders involved were appalled by the such terrible planning:
"Companies deciding which kind of toothpaste to market have much more rigorous, established decision-making processes to refer to than the most senior officials of the U.S. government deciding whether or not to go to war"
Starmer's been an opponent of the Iraq war since 2003. You're right that more Americans getting killed in Iraq it might make voters more receptive to a Sanders kind of agenda, though.
Isn't America Great Again though, when it's troops go swaggering through the world killing brown people?
So you think Trump is deliberately killing/targeting "brown people". What a load of shite.
Well, how would you describe his policy?
He is marking their card, they should think twice about messing about with US embassies etc. You can only poke a bear so many times.
Their plan in 2004 was to have 3 divisions and a brigade to drive 1000 miles over many tall mountain ranges, siege Tehran and get out all in 5 days, brought to you by the same people who planned the Iraq War.
Of course the Civilian leaders involved were appalled by the such terrible planning:
"Companies deciding which kind of toothpaste to market have much more rigorous, established decision-making processes to refer to than the most senior officials of the U.S. government deciding whether or not to go to war"
Starmer's been an opponent of the Iraq war since 2003. You're right that more Americans getting killed in Iraq it might make voters more receptive to a Sanders kind of agenda, though.
Isn't America Great Again though, when it's troops go swaggering through the world killing brown people?
So you think Trump is deliberately killing/targeting "brown people". What a load of shite.
Well, how would you describe his policy?
He is marking their card, they should think twice about messing about with US embassies etc. You can only poke a bear so many times.
We haven’t fully explored the SINDY dimension of the US Iranian policy. What will be the impact in a second referendum.
What authority does Cummings have to run recruitment for the Civil Service?
If I was the HR director I would be on the war path tonight.
I wonder if in Cummings we are seeing an ego running out of control. The signs are certainly there. Guy obviously thinks he's the bees knees. One must hope that "Boris" does not let him run riot.
Is Johnson still in his love nest? Sounds like he is needed back home.
I wonder who Cummings is backing in World War 3.
He won’t Russia to judgement.
Edit - serious question - when Johnson is abroad, who is in charge? Is it Raab or Gove?
However, the general thrust of China’s comments seem sensible.
I would have expected China to be a lot more assertive in its rhetoric. Perhaps it reckons it's got enough on its hands with the trade war. In fact Iran could be a valuable card to play in that dispute.
The Scottish Parliament needs full fiscal autonomy.
Jarvid must cut National Insurance-Holyrood can’t overturn that Tory tax cut ...
I don't know why more Tories aren't more worried about Scotland going independent? If that happens under a Tory government you will lose English support. Don't for a second think it will bring political advantage to the the Conservative and Unioist party.
Brexit kills Sindy.
Scots with mortgages and pensions in British pounds won’t touch the Euro with a barge pole.
If the SNP had been smart they’d have grabbed May’s deal.
Now SINDY + EU = hardest of hard borders with rUK ( which accounts for 4 times as much of Scotland’s trade than the EU.) That will become progressively clearer as the “Irish sea it isn’t a border really” gets implemented.
Our tame Tory emigrants talking absolute bollox as usual. Don't even live in teh country but profess to be experts instead of the pair of dummies they really are. F off and worry about where you actually live and stop spouting shite about Scotland, losers.
Thank you for another exposition of “joyous civic nationalism” a la SNP.
So how would Scotland deal with a hard border with its biggest trading partner?
Is there a PBer who didn't briefly think to apply?
If you assume that all political lives end in failure the end failure of Boris and Cummings is going to be one which lights up the sky. If they manage the break the rule we shall be in for an even more firework strewn ride.
Their plan in 2004 was to have 3 divisions and a brigade to drive 1000 miles over many tall mountain ranges, siege Tehran and get out all in 5 days, brought to you by the same people who planned the Iraq War.
Of course the Civilian leaders involved were appalled by the such terrible planning:
"Companies deciding which kind of toothpaste to market have much more rigorous, established decision-making processes to refer to than the most senior officials of the U.S. government deciding whether or not to go to war"
Starmer's been an opponent of the Iraq war since 2003. You're right that more Americans getting killed in Iraq it might make voters more receptive to a Sanders kind of agenda, though.
Isn't America Great Again though, when it's troops go swaggering through the world killing brown people?
So you think Trump is deliberately killing/targeting "brown people". What a load of shite.
Well, how would you describe his policy?
He is marking their card, they should think twice about messing about with US embassies etc. You can only poke a bear so many times.
We haven’t fully explored the SINDY dimension of the US Iranian policy. What will be the impact in a second referendum.
We have enough supposed Scottish whinging emigrants to worry about , they are much more insidious and nasty than any Iranians.
The Scottish Parliament needs full fiscal autonomy.
Jarvid must cut National Insurance-Holyrood can’t overturn that Tory tax cut ...
I don't know why more Tories aren't more worried about Scotland going independent? If that happens under a Tory government you will lose English support. Don't for a second think it will bring political advantage to the the Conservative and Unioist party.
Brexit kills Sindy.
Scots with mortgages and pensions in British pounds won’t touch the Euro with a barge pole.
If the SNP had been smart they’d have grabbed May’s deal.
Now SINDY + EU = hardest of hard borders with rUK ( which accounts for 4 times as much of Scotland’s trade than the EU.) That will become progressively clearer as the “Irish sea it isn’t a border really” gets implemented.
Our tame Tory emigrants talking absolute bollox as usual. Don't even live in teh country but profess to be experts instead of the pair of dummies they really are. F off and worry about where you actually live and stop spouting shite about Scotland, losers.
Thank you for another exposition of “joyous civic nationalism” a la SNP.
So how would Scotland deal with a hard border with its biggest trading partner?
Answer came there none.....
You moronic halfwitted troll, how do all the other countries in the world handle borders. Get a life. Are you trying to infer that the English are so petty and nasty that they would put up the barbed wire and not allow normal trade, you are pathetic.
Their plan in 2004 was to have 3 divisions and a brigade to drive 1000 miles over many tall mountain ranges, siege Tehran and get out all in 5 days, brought to you by the same people who planned the Iraq War.
Of course the Civilian leaders involved were appalled by the such terrible planning:
"Companies deciding which kind of toothpaste to market have much more rigorous, established decision-making processes to refer to than the most senior officials of the U.S. government deciding whether or not to go to war"
Starmer's been an opponent of the Iraq war since 2003. You're right that more Americans getting killed in Iraq it might make voters more receptive to a Sanders kind of agenda, though.
Isn't America Great Again though, when it's troops go swaggering through the world killing brown people?
So you think Trump is deliberately killing/targeting "brown people". What a load of shite.
Well, how would you describe his policy?
He is marking their card, they should think twice about messing about with US embassies etc. You can only poke a bear so many times.
We haven’t fully explored the SINDY dimension of the US Iranian policy. What will be the impact in a second referendum.
We have enough supposed Scottish whinging emigrants to worry about , they are much more insidious and nasty than any Iranians.
When it comes to whingeing I happily defer to the much more practiced Nats.
Their plan in 2004 was to have 3 divisions and a brigade to drive 1000 miles over many tall mountain ranges, siege Tehran and get out all in 5 days, brought to you by the same people who planned the Iraq War.
Of course the Civilian leaders involved were appalled by the such terrible planning:
"Companies deciding which kind of toothpaste to market have much more rigorous, established decision-making processes to refer to than the most senior officials of the U.S. government deciding whether or not to go to war"
Starmer's been an opponent of the Iraq war since 2003. You're right that more Americans getting killed in Iraq it might make voters more receptive to a Sanders kind of agenda, though.
Isn't America Great Again though, when it's troops go swaggering through the world killing brown people?
So you think Trump is deliberately killing/targeting "brown people". What a load of shite.
Well, how would you describe his policy?
He is marking their card, they should think twice about messing about with US embassies etc. You can only poke a bear so many times.
We haven’t fully explored the SINDY dimension of the US Iranian policy. What will be the impact in a second referendum.
We have enough supposed Scottish whinging emigrants to worry about , they are much more insidious and nasty than any Iranians.
WW3 hardly helps accelerate Scexit malc - give peace a chance.
However, the general thrust of China’s comments seem sensible.
I would have expected China to be a lot more assertive in its rhetoric. Perhaps it reckons it's got enough on its hands with the trade war. In fact Iran could be a valuable card to play in that dispute.
Going something like this, "Maybe, US, you want to choose your enemies. Do you want just Iran? Or Iran plus China and we can probably bring Russia in? Now about those tariffs...."
Their plan in 2004 was to have 3 divisions and a brigade to drive 1000 miles over many tall mountain ranges, siege Tehran and get out all in 5 days, brought to you by the same people who planned the Iraq War.
Of course the Civilian leaders involved were appalled by the such terrible planning:
"Companies deciding which kind of toothpaste to market have much more rigorous, established decision-making processes to refer to than the most senior officials of the U.S. government deciding whether or not to go to war"
Starmer's been an opponent of the Iraq war since 2003. You're right that more Americans getting killed in Iraq it might make voters more receptive to a Sanders kind of agenda, though.
Isn't America Great Again though, when it's troops go swaggering through the world killing brown people?
So you think Trump is deliberately killing/targeting "brown people". What a load of shite.
Well, how would you describe his policy?
He is marking their card, they should think twice about messing about with US embassies etc. You can only poke a bear so many times.
I agree with MalcG on this. This was a guy which was actively acting against US interests in an escalated way and putting many US personnel at risk.
If you play with fire, you're going to get burned.
Sometimes you have to send a message. But i have no idea if it's a good thing or bad thing, and often there's only bad things.
Their plan in 2004 was to have 3 divisions and a brigade to drive 1000 miles over many tall mountain ranges, siege Tehran and get out all in 5 days, brought to you by the same people who planned the Iraq War.
Of course the Civilian leaders involved were appalled by the such terrible planning:
"Companies deciding which kind of toothpaste to market have much more rigorous, established decision-making processes to refer to than the most senior officials of the U.S. government deciding whether or not to go to war"
Starmer's been an opponent of the Iraq war since 2003. You're right that more Americans getting killed in Iraq it might make voters more receptive to a Sanders kind of agenda, though.
Isn't America Great Again though, when it's troops go swaggering through the world killing brown people?
So you think Trump is deliberately killing/targeting "brown people". What a load of shite.
Well, how would you describe his policy?
He is marking their card, they should think twice about messing about with US embassies etc. You can only poke a bear so many times.
I agree with MalcG on this. This was a guy which was actively acting against US interests in an escalated way and putting many US personnel at risk.
If you play with fire, you're going to get burned.
Sometimes you have to send a message. But i have no idea if it's a good thing or bad thing, and often there's only bad things.
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
@AlastairMeeks - following the coffee conversation a week or two back, I found myself at the platform 13/14 concourse at Piccadilly station the other night, where there was a Costa Coffee and it did indeed serve a perfectly acceptable cup of filter coffee for a pound. You were quite right - thank you. My life is slightly improved.
Always glad to help with the important things in life!
Their plan in 2004 was to have 3 divisions and a brigade to drive 1000 miles over many tall mountain ranges, siege Tehran and get out all in 5 days, brought to you by the same people who planned the Iraq War.
Of course the Civilian leaders involved were appalled by the such terrible planning:
"Companies deciding which kind of toothpaste to market have much more rigorous, established decision-making processes to refer to than the most senior officials of the U.S. government deciding whether or not to go to war"
Starmer's been an opponent of the Iraq war since 2003. You're right that more Americans getting killed in Iraq it might make voters more receptive to a Sanders kind of agenda, though.
Isn't America Great Again though, when it's troops go swaggering through the world killing brown people?
So you think Trump is deliberately killing/targeting "brown people". What a load of shite.
Well, how would you describe his policy?
He is marking their card, they should think twice about messing about with US embassies etc. You can only poke a bear so many times.
I agree with MalcG on this. This was a guy which was actively acting against US interests in an escalated way and putting many US personnel at risk.
If you play with fire, you're going to get burned.
Sometimes you have to send a message. But i have no idea if it's a good thing or bad thing, and often there's only bad things.
Not like the guy was democratically elected.
He was almost a sort of unofficial US ally during the fight with ISIS, but since the end of that war the US and Iran have been gradually ratcheting up the pressure on each other in Iraq, sped along by Trump's obsession with ripping up Obama's nuclear deal, appeasing Netanyahu and the Saudis, and various manoeuvrings for position inside the Iranian regime.
Mr. 43, there's also Hong Kong to consider in that equation. And the South China Sea land [ahem] grab.
Definitely. Iran has a nasty, nasty regime but realpolitik suggests the US should aim for a workable relationship with it. As the top dog, but one that is being challenged by China, the US should normally be looking to maintain the status quo. A business-like relationship with Iran is the key to relative stability in the Middle East, given its central position, regional power and the fact it isn't China or Russia who both have geopolitical strategic agendas that aren't necessarily to the US' advantage.
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
My immediate reaction is that this is good news for Starmer because it positions him on the middle ground.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
The Scottish Parliament needs full fiscal autonomy.
Jarvid must cut National Insurance-Holyrood can’t overturn that Tory tax cut ...
I don't know why more Tories aren't more worried about Scotland going independent? If that happens under a Tory government you will lose English support. Don't for a second think it will bring political advantage to the the Conservative and Unioist party.
Brexit kills Sindy.
Scots with mortgages and pensions in British pounds won’t touch the Euro with a barge pole.
If the SNP had been smart they’d have grabbed May’s deal.
Now SINDY + EU = hardest of hard borders with rUK ( which accounts for 4 times as much of Scotland’s trade than the EU.) That will become progressively clearer as the “Irish sea it isn’t a border really” gets implemented.
Our tame Tory emigrants talking absolute bollox as usual. Don't even live in teh country but profess to be experts instead of the pair of dummies they really are. F off and worry about where you actually live and stop spouting shite about Scotland, losers.
Thank you for another exposition of “joyous civic nationalism” a la SNP.
So how would Scotland deal with a hard border with its biggest trading partner?
Answer came there none.....
You moronic halfwitted troll, how do all the other countries in the world handle borders. Get a life. Are you trying to infer that the English are so petty and nasty that they would put up the barbed wire and not allow normal trade, you are pathetic.
Joyous civic nationalism!
If SINDY wants to rejoin the EU - why would the EU agree to no border with a third country?
Gone quite quickly from a deal with Iran to today. Not arguing on rights or wrongs, just how things have changed.
Whatever the consequences of this US assassination are, one thing does seem certain, the nuclear deal is now completely finished. There is no prospect of a deal with Iran to stop their nuclear development, as such a deal requires US buy-in and Iranian trust, and that isn't going to happen now. So really either Iran gives up developing nuclear weapons, or sooner or later there will be military action to destroy their programme.
The Scottish Parliament needs full fiscal autonomy.
Jarvid must cut National Insurance-Holyrood can’t overturn that Tory tax cut ...
I don't know why more Tories aren't more worried about Scotland going independent? If that happens under a Tory government you will lose English support. Don't for a second think it will bring political advantage to the the Conservative and Unioist party.
Brexit kills Sindy.
Scots with mortgages and pensions in British pounds won’t touch the Euro with a barge pole.
If the SNP had been smart they’d have grabbed May’s deal.
Now SINDY + EU = hardest of hard borders with rUK ( which accounts for 4 times as much of Scotland’s trade than the EU.) That will become progressively clearer as the “Irish sea it isn’t a border really” gets implemented.
Our tame Tory emigrants talking absolute bollox as usual. Don't even live in teh country but profess to be experts instead of the pair of dummies they really are. F off and worry about where you actually live and stop spouting shite about Scotland, losers.
Thank you for another exposition of “joyous civic nationalism” a la SNP.
So how would Scotland deal with a hard border with its biggest trading partner?
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
My immediate reaction is that this is good news for Starmer because it positions him on the middle ground.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
Thats true, she is a lightening rod for the 'left'. But it would provide contrast with Starmer as well, and who's more inspiring.
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
My immediate reaction is that this is good news for Starmer because it positions him on the middle ground.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
Thats true, she is a lightening rod for the 'left'. But it would provide contrast with Starmer as well, and who's more inspiring.
She will draw all venom and attacks away from Starmer - which won't do him any harm.
It doesn't exactly say anything the US would disagree with.
1) Qasem Soleimani was bad so this was deserved. 2) Iran shouldn't retaliate
I don't think Trump will welcome the tone. The mention of "all sides", of de-escalation, and the hint of superior circumspection isn't what he wants from Britain, if it's going to be his enthusiastic junior partner.
It sounds like the statement of a confidently networked power, spanning US and European orbits, or even Britain in the 60s with some residual colonial weight. That's not the position Britain is in any longer.
It just struck me that it's one thing to level up the North, quite another to bring it to the parts of the North that just voted Conservative. If the weirdos figure that out, worth every penny!
It just struck me that it's one thing to level up the North, quite another to bring it to the parts of the North that just voted Conservative. If the weirdos figure that out, worth every penny!
I'm looking forward to Tyne and Wear missing out while Teesside gets the benefits. It will make a change.
Gone quite quickly from a deal with Iran to today. Not arguing on rights or wrongs, just how things have changed.
Whatever the consequences of this US assassination are, one thing does seem certain, the nuclear deal is now completely finished. There is no prospect of a deal with Iran to stop their nuclear development, as such a deal requires US buy-in and Iranian trust, and that isn't going to happen now. So really either Iran gives up developing nuclear weapons, or sooner or later there will be military action to destroy their programme.
It is unlikely that Iran will respond with a full on move, in fact they are, I would reckon, in a serious state of shock right now as they genuinely didn't think the US would just go and drone one of its key people. Remember that all such regimes favour self preservation first. For the US watching a load of militia just march up to its Embassy in what is a largely secured zone was equally a shock so this may well have further pushed the opportunity to be taken to make a clear statement.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard overseas network through the Quds Force across the globe is large enough globally to be a right pain in the arse, through proxies and its own people, Focus may perhaps be in the Middle East and also in Europe so as well as perhaps some predictably overt noise and death there is every chance they will settle in for something long and ongoing. Bombings, check, kidnap, check., civilian targets, check. Shipping harassment, check. Attacks of all those on Countries other than the US, check. If I wanted to look outside the Middle East there is plenty of IGRC activity in certain countries in Europe in particular the often benign ground of Germany and in the Balkan region but they have a decent network stretching from Sweden downwards though they can operate through proxies in many areas of South Asia as well.
Posters downthread are perfectly fair to see this all from different angles in relation to reaction within Iraq because we really do not know. The US is seen in a very mixed way but those who say it has very little resource left in country need to be aware that they still have the biggest swinging balls in there once you look at what they have in deployable firepower plus what is tumbling into the region at the moment to either stand ground or get out under fire (current known movements of resources looks as if it could be prepped for the latter as much as the former).
As regards the killing itself, the current story that Soleimani was flying in from the West rather than from the East so there would have been more chance of decent intelligence picking that up. This was not simply a whim, the US would have considered targeting him for some time just few thought they'd actually go and do it.
As regards the UK, there is a few hundred personnel in various guises in Iraq directly, many bundled alongside US forces so great care needs taken. The bigger concern is commercial interests. For the UK risk - capability- benefit profile is not pretty.
Mr. 43, there's also Hong Kong to consider in that equation. And the South China Sea land [ahem] grab.
Definitely. Iran has a nasty, nasty regime but realpolitik suggests the US should aim for a workable relationship with it. As the top dog, but one that is being challenged by China, the US should normally be looking to maintain the status quo. A business-like relationship with Iran is the key to relative stability in the Middle East, given its central position, regional power and the fact it isn't China or Russia who both have geopolitical strategic agendas that aren't necessarily to the US' advantage.
They had a far, far better chance to do exactly that in 2002, and squandered it (W's moronic 'axis of evil' speech...). The chances of that happening now under the strategic genius must be very close to zero.
China does have serious strategic interest in Iran - it buys a lot of their oil - and Russia is a neighbour. The US risks being an irrelevance, or engaging in all out war...
It just struck me that it's one thing to level up the North, quite another to bring it to the parts of the North that just voted Conservative. If the weirdos figure that out, worth every penny!
That’s exactly the plan. They’ve got four and a half years to convince those who just voted Conservative for the first time, to make a habit of doing so.
Expect serious transport infrastructure spending, and economic free zones exempt from a lot of taxes to encourage companies to relocate.
It is unlikely that Iran will respond with a full on move, in fact they are, I would reckon, in a serious state of shock right now as they genuinely didn't think the US would just go and drone one of its key people. Remember that all such regimes favour self preservation first. For the US watching a load of militia just march up to its Embassy in what is a largely secured zone was equally a shock so this may well have further pushed the opportunity to be taken to make a clear statement.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard overseas network through the Quds Force across the globe is large enough globally to be a right pain in the arse, through proxies and its own people, Focus may perhaps be in the Middle East and also in Europe so as well as perhaps some predictably overt noise and death there is every chance they will settle in for something long and ongoing. Bombings, check, kidnap, check., civilian targets, check. Shipping harassment, check. Attacks of all those on Countries other than the US, check. If I wanted to look outside the Middle East there is plenty of IGRC activity in certain countries in Europe in particular the often benign ground of Germany and in the Balkan region but they have a decent network stretching from Sweden downwards though they can operate through proxies in many areas of South Asia as well.
Posters downthread are perfectly fair to see this all from different angles in relation to reaction within Iraq because we really do not know. The US is seen in a very mixed way but those who say it has very little resource left in country need to be aware that they still have the biggest swinging balls in there once you look at what they have in deployable firepower plus what is tumbling into the region at the moment to either stand ground or get out under fire (current known movements of resources looks as if it could be prepped for the latter as much as the former).
As regards the killing itself, the current story that Soleimani was flying in from the West rather than from the East so there would have been more chance of decent intelligence picking that up. This was not simply a whim, the US would have considered targeting him for some time just few thought they'd actually go and do it.
As regards the UK, there is a few hundred personnel in various guises in Iraq directly, many bundled alongside US forces so great care needs taken. The bigger concern is commercial interests. For the UK risk - capability- benefit profile is not pretty.
What do you think of the possibility of their acquiring nukes from fat Kim ?
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
My immediate reaction is that this is good news for Starmer because it positions him on the middle ground.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
Is there a timetable yet?
I havent made my mind up yet other than DEFINITELY NOT PHILLIPS
Sir Keir Too London Remainy unlikely but not ruled out.
Ian Lavery very unlikely and all but ruled out
Nandy is attractive to me due to her BREXIT views
Need to see her Campaign on other issues now.
RLB needs to prove she is better than what i have seen so far to get my vote.
ET too London Remainy all but ruled out
Clive Lewis right side of party right ethnicity wrong sex could still get my vote
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
My immediate reaction is that this is good news for Starmer because it positions him on the middle ground.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
Is there a timetable yet?
I havent made my mind up yet other than DEFINITELY NOT PHILLIPS
Sir Keir Too London Remainy unlikely but not ruled out.
Ian Lavery very unlikely and all but ruled out
Nandy is attractive to me due to her BREXIT views
Need to see her Campaign on other issues now.
RLB needs to prove she is better than what i have seen so far to get my vote.
ET too London Remainy all but ruled out
Clive Lewis right side of party right ethnicity wrong sex could still get my vote
So at this point Nandy most likely for me
Good to hear from perspective of members.
I still don’t have a Scooby, am betting with single pounds on this market, mostly laying favourites and backing whoever is tipped on here.
It is unlikely that Iran will respond with a full on move, in fact they are, I would reckon, in a serious state of shock right now as they genuinely didn't think the US would just go and drone one of its key people. Remember that all such regimes favour self preservation first. For the US watching a load of militia just march up to its Embassy in what is a largely secured zone was equally a shock so this may well have further pushed the opportunity to be taken to make a clear statement.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard overseas network through the Quds Force across the globe is large enough globally to be a right pain in the arse, through proxies and its own people, Focus may perhaps be in the Middle East and also in Europe so as well as perhaps some predictably overt noise and death there is every chance they will settle in for something long and ongoing. Bombings, check, kidnap, check., civilian targets, check. Shipping harassment, check. Attacks of all those on Countries other than the US, check. If I wanted to look outside the Middle East there is plenty of IGRC activity in certain countries in Europe in particular the often benign ground of Germany and in the Balkan region but they have a decent network stretching from Sweden downwards though they can operate through proxies in many areas of South Asia as well.
Posters downthread are perfectly fair to see this all from different angles in relation to reaction within Iraq because we really do not know. The US is seen in a very mixed way but those who say it has very little resource left in country need to be aware that they still have the biggest swinging balls in there once you look at what they have in deployable firepower plus what is tumbling into the region at the moment to either stand ground or get out under fire (current known movements of resources looks as if it could be prepped for the latter as much as the former).
As regards the killing itself, the current story that Soleimani was flying in from the West rather than from the East so there would have been more chance of decent intelligence picking that up. This was not simply a whim, the US would have considered targeting him for some time just few thought they'd actually go and do it.
As regards the UK, there is a few hundred personnel in various guises in Iraq directly, many bundled alongside US forces so great care needs taken. The bigger concern is commercial interests. For the UK risk - capability- benefit profile is not pretty.
What do you think of the possibility of their acquiring nukes from fat Kim ?
Directly buying off the shelf? Pretty Low. Iranian & NK understandings and sharing regarding nuclear technology is known but that's very different from popping into Del Boy Kim's emporium to get some actual kit.
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
My immediate reaction is that this is good news for Starmer because it positions him on the middle ground.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
Is there a timetable yet?
I havent made my mind up yet other than DEFINITELY NOT PHILLIPS
Sir Keir Too London Remainy unlikely but not ruled out.
Ian Lavery very unlikely and all but ruled out
Nandy is attractive to me due to her BREXIT views
Need to see her Campaign on other issues now.
RLB needs to prove she is better than what i have seen so far to get my vote.
ET too London Remainy all but ruled out
Clive Lewis right side of party right ethnicity wrong sex could still get my vote
So at this point Nandy most likely for me
Good to hear from perspective of members.
I still don’t have a Scooby, am betting with single pounds on this market, mostly laying favourites and backing whoever is tipped on here.
I have had an absolute nightmare with it, but hey ho. I think Jess Phillips would be their best leader. She is probably the best/most relatable media performer, has a sense of humour and rolls her sleeves up for what she believes in
..and is female, I think they should choose a woman unless the male option is significantly better, which I don't think Starmer is.
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
My immediate reaction is that this is good news for Starmer because it positions him on the middle ground.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
Is there a timetable yet?
I havent made my mind up yet other than DEFINITELY NOT PHILLIPS
Sir Keir Too London Remainy unlikely but not ruled out.
Ian Lavery very unlikely and all but ruled out
Nandy is attractive to me due to her BREXIT views
Need to see her Campaign on other issues now.
RLB needs to prove she is better than what i have seen so far to get my vote.
ET too London Remainy all but ruled out
Clive Lewis right side of party right ethnicity wrong sex could still get my vote
So at this point Nandy most likely for me
Good to hear from perspective of members.
I still don’t have a Scooby, am betting with single pounds on this market, mostly laying favourites and backing whoever is tipped on here.
I have had an absolute nightmare with it, but hey ho. I think Jess Phillips would be their best leader. She is probably the best/most relatable media performer, has a sense of humour and rolls her sleeves up for what she believes in
..and is female, I think they should choose a woman unless the male option is significantly better, which I don't think Starmer is.
You’re not the one still backing David Miliband, are you?
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
My immediate reaction is that this is good news for Starmer because it positions him on the middle ground.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
Is there a timetable yet?
I havent made my mind up yet other than DEFINITELY NOT PHILLIPS
Sir Keir Too London Remainy unlikely but not ruled out.
Ian Lavery very unlikely and all but ruled out
Nandy is attractive to me due to her BREXIT views
Need to see her Campaign on other issues now.
RLB needs to prove she is better than what i have seen so far to get my vote.
ET too London Remainy all but ruled out
Clive Lewis right side of party right ethnicity wrong sex could still get my vote
So at this point Nandy most likely for me
Good to hear from perspective of members.
I still don’t have a Scooby, am betting with single pounds on this market, mostly laying favourites and backing whoever is tipped on here.
I have had an absolute nightmare with it, but hey ho. I think Jess Phillips would be their best leader. She is probably the best/most relatable media performer, has a sense of humour and rolls her sleeves up for what she believes in
..and is female, I think they should choose a woman unless the male option is significantly better, which I don't think Starmer is.
She can't unite the party, but she can demonstrate how strong the Right still is. Long Bailey will do the same for the Left.
Mr. 43, there's also Hong Kong to consider in that equation. And the South China Sea land [ahem] grab.
Definitely. Iran has a nasty, nasty regime but realpolitik suggests the US should aim for a workable relationship with it. As the top dog, but one that is being challenged by China, the US should normally be looking to maintain the status quo. A business-like relationship with Iran is the key to relative stability in the Middle East, given its central position, regional power and the fact it isn't China or Russia who both have geopolitical strategic agendas that aren't necessarily to the US' advantage.
They had a far, far better chance to do exactly that in 2002, and squandered it (W's moronic 'axis of evil' speech...). The chances of that happening now under the strategic genius must be very close to zero.
Thing to remeber that David Frum was the person who wrote the Axis of Evil speech (well the section that mentioned the Axis of Evil). So when you see him posting his anti-Trump stuff and pining for a return to a nuanced sensible Republican party he means the absolute cesspit that was the Bush W administration.
No, but her price will come in once she is a confirmed runner. I'd made a speculative punt on her on that basis but laid her for no profit to try an repair my overall position.
Is there a PBer who didn't briefly think to apply?
Briefly?! My CV and covering letter is going off this weekend! Tonight if I can manage it! The only reason why it didn't go off last night was because I was working late.
Corbyn as predictable as ever in deciding that the US is the larger bad guy in any conflict.
It pretty much echos what Raab has said.
"Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests.”
If anyone would like to argue that there aren't 'belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the US' from the chickenhawk extraordinaire downwards, feel free to develop this theme.
The Scottish Parliament needs full fiscal autonomy.
Jarvid must cut National Insurance-Holyrood can’t overturn that Tory tax cut ...
I don't know why more Tories aren't more worried about Scotland going independent? If that happens under a Tory government you will lose English support. Don't for a second think it will bring political advantage to the the Conservative and Unioist party.
Brexit kills Sindy.
Scots with mortgages and pensions in British pounds won’t touch the Euro with a barge pole.
If the SNP had been smart they’d have grabbed May’s deal.
Now SINDY + EU = hardest of hard borders with rUK ( which accounts for 4 times as much of Scotland’s trade than the EU.) That will become progressively clearer as the “Irish sea it isn’t a border really” gets implemented.
Our tame Tory emigrants talking absolute bollox as usual. Don't even live in teh country but profess to be experts instead of the pair of dummies they really are. F off and worry about where you actually live and stop spouting shite about Scotland, losers.
Thank you for another exposition of “joyous civic nationalism” a la SNP.
So how would Scotland deal with a hard border with its biggest trading partner?
Answer came there none.....
A hard border will only be of significance for exports of physical goods. IIRC the proportions of Scottish total goods exports are 38% To rest of UK, 31.5% to the EU and 30.5% to the rest of the World.
The Scottish Parliament needs full fiscal autonomy.
Jarvid must cut National Insurance-Holyrood can’t overturn that Tory tax cut ...
I don't know why more Tories aren't more worried about Scotland going independent? If that happens under a Tory government you will lose English support. Don't for a second think it will bring political advantage to the the Conservative and Unioist party.
Brexit kills Sindy.
Scots with mortgages and pensions in British pounds won’t touch the Euro with a barge pole.
If the SNP had been smart they’d have grabbed May’s deal.
Now SINDY + EU = hardest of hard borders with rUK ( which accounts for 4 times as much of Scotland’s trade than the EU.) That will become progressively clearer as the “Irish sea it isn’t a border really” gets implemented.
Our tame Tory emigrants talking absolute bollox as usual. Don't even live in teh country but profess to be experts instead of the pair of dummies they really are. F off and worry about where you actually live and stop spouting shite about Scotland, losers.
Thank you for another exposition of “joyous civic nationalism” a la SNP.
So how would Scotland deal with a hard border with its biggest trading partner?
Answer came there none.....
You moronic halfwitted troll, how do all the other countries in the world handle borders. Get a life. Are you trying to infer that the English are so petty and nasty that they would put up the barbed wire and not allow normal trade, you are pathetic.
Joyous civic nationalism!
If SINDY wants to rejoin the EU - why would the EU agree to no border with a third country?
Answer came there none....
more absolute crap, again for the blind and hard of hearing , what do all the other countries in the world do with their borders, what is so special about Scotland that it is the only country in the world that could not handle a border, what kind of idiot are you.
Comments
It's a decision made for tactical reasons but that comes with significant strategic consequences.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-50980663?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5e0efd4c81e85c06638952ff&China calls for restraint, especially from US&2020-01-03T08:52:39.623Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:07847a44-4362-4290-86d9-5a0cedba6e5a&pinned_post_asset_id=5e0efd4c81e85c06638952ff&pinned_post_type=share
However, the general thrust of China’s comments seem sensible.
(BTW, it’s not me that criticised football warmups - it was Silverwood.)
Lisa Nandy (from the little I know of her) seems to be a very good choice.
And, off topic, I see Layla has placed herself in the news
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50978997
Rosy Cobb is of course the LibDem Head of Press who faked the emails & is (I believe) currently suspended pending investigation.
This time, I wonder if the LibDems will be stupid enough to .... Of course, they will be stupid enough to ....
And in addition to the Cape Town Test, the Americans have blown up an Iranian as part of the quest to make the whole planet hate them.
2) Stop panicking about cricket! Losing an early wicket isn't a disaster. You can't start panicking until we're four wickets down for less than 90. I agree with Eagles about NZ having the biggest slice of luck in the final in batting first. Though England's luck was rather more spectacular to the eye.
3) @AlastairMeeks - following the coffee conversation a week or two back, I found myself at the platform 13/14 concourse at Piccadilly station the other night, where there was a Costa Coffee and it did indeed serve a perfectly acceptable cup of filter coffee for a pound. You were quite right - thank you. My life is slightly improved.
F off and worry about where you actually live and stop spouting shite about Scotland, losers.
So how would Scotland deal with a hard border with its biggest trading partner?
Answer came there none.....
If you play with fire, you're going to get burned.
Sometimes you have to send a message. But i have no idea if it's a good thing or bad thing, and often there's only bad things.
One thing about Jess is she's outspoken, and likely to be more animated than Sir Dull, she might alight the fire much more and get more support accordingly.
The momentum guys really dislike her and will focus their attention on her and not on Starmer.
She will liven things up certainly, but unlikely to unite the party.
If SINDY wants to rejoin the EU - why would the EU agree to no border with a third country?
Answer came there none....
1) Qasem Soleimani was bad so this was deserved.
2) Iran shouldn't retaliate
It sounds like the statement of a confidently networked power, spanning US and European orbits, or even Britain in the 60s with some residual colonial weight. That's not the position Britain is in any longer.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard overseas network through the Quds Force across the globe is large enough globally to be a right pain in the arse, through proxies and its own people, Focus may perhaps be in the Middle East and also in Europe so as well as perhaps some predictably overt noise and death there is every chance they will settle in for something long and ongoing. Bombings, check, kidnap, check., civilian targets, check. Shipping harassment, check. Attacks of all those on Countries other than the US, check. If I wanted to look outside the Middle East there is plenty of IGRC activity in certain countries in Europe in particular the often benign ground of Germany and in the Balkan region but they have a decent network stretching from Sweden downwards though they can operate through proxies in many areas of South Asia as well.
Posters downthread are perfectly fair to see this all from different angles in relation to reaction within Iraq because we really do not know. The US is seen in a very mixed way but those who say it has very little resource left in country need to be aware that they still have the biggest swinging balls in there once you look at what they have in deployable firepower plus what is tumbling into the region at the moment to either stand ground or get out under fire (current known movements of resources looks as if it could be prepped for the latter as much as the former).
As regards the killing itself, the current story that Soleimani was flying in from the West rather than from the East so there would have been more chance of decent intelligence picking that up. This was not simply a whim, the US would have considered targeting him for some time just few thought they'd actually go and do it.
As regards the UK, there is a few hundred personnel in various guises in Iraq directly, many bundled alongside US forces so great care needs taken. The bigger concern is commercial interests. For the UK risk - capability- benefit profile is not pretty.
China does have serious strategic interest in Iran - it buys a lot of their oil - and Russia is a neighbour. The US risks being an irrelevance, or engaging in all out war...
Expect serious transport infrastructure spending, and economic free zones exempt from a lot of taxes to encourage companies to relocate.
I havent made my mind up yet other than DEFINITELY NOT PHILLIPS
Sir Keir Too London Remainy unlikely but not ruled out.
Ian Lavery very unlikely and all but ruled out
Nandy is attractive to me due to her BREXIT views
Need to see her Campaign on other issues now.
RLB needs to prove she is better than what i have seen so far to get my vote.
ET too London Remainy all but ruled out
Clive Lewis right side of party right ethnicity wrong sex could still get my vote
So at this point Nandy most likely for me
I still don’t have a Scooby, am betting with single pounds on this market, mostly laying favourites and backing whoever is tipped on here.
..and is female, I think they should choose a woman unless the male option is significantly better, which I don't think Starmer is.
Corbyn as predictable as ever in deciding that the US is the larger bad guy in any conflict.
"Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests.”
If anyone would like to argue that there aren't 'belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the US' from the chickenhawk extraordinaire downwards, feel free to develop this theme.
4 of the proposed Leaders were responsible for the latter
2 are too close to the bits that voters didnt like about Corbyn
IMO
see also https://blogs.gov.scot/scotlands-economy/2018/12/06/eu-taking-more-than-half-of-scotlands-exports/
Unless you really mean trade in financial services with the EU is going to be seriously disrupted by Brexit?