There were comments on here saying because she actually resigned it showed how much better Labour are than the previous shower. And that she did the honorable thing. Anything in fact to avoid having to admit they are all the same which would make Labour just as bad as the Party of Sleaze. So, (it was an honest mistake) Angela has not only got caught fiddling her tax liabilities but also the value of her house was apparently hugely exaggerated in the first place to make her share even bigger. And now this
This is exactly it. I think the espionage claims appear to be credible but it is different from what we are doing in China. The interviews on Radio 4 this evening were interesting because 3 countries were identified as having increased their spying operations. I can appreciate why Russia is very active but I think that Iran'a spying is due to paranoia as a consequence of our historical attitude towards Iran and Persia through much of 20th century. The perception of UK in Iran has always been negative since before their Revolution. Espionage by China is more complex. I do not agree that China is a military threat to UK but I feel they represent a massive threat economically that I feel even the US cannot counter. China is now the world's super power and I am sure that every country that is not seeking their assistance is probably under a similar threat. I would not doubt that China is even happy to undermine Russia to their advantage. My point is that I do not feel the West can ever successfully counter Chinese influence. They are more effective than the British Empire of 19th century and the US in 20th century. We might not like alot of the things they try to do but we are fast approaching the point where it is futile trying to oppose China. I agree with David Cameron's position that we have to engage with China. Economically, we have no other option. The people interviewed on the radio were of the opinion that the collapse of the case against the alleged spies was an an in error. I cannot see what the advantage is with pursuing the case. Better to work with China than waste time and effort pursuing something that is small beer in the scheme of things. We should be building relations with China and not encouraging conflict. It is pointless starting an argument we cannot win and will ultimately suffer economically. It makes food sense to sweep these prosecutions under the carpet.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cy9pjv59w95o Nearly posted this in general football but thought it's probably more political. What a complete joke of a decision this is. What so we can't guarantee the safety of foreign citizens (or indeed UK based Jews) attending football match in 2025? A huge embarrassment this is.
I can just imagine "Portsmouth fans banned from attending Southampton match due to concerns about their safety."
I think Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea have quite a following amongst the Jewish communities of London. It is not so much that Maccabi are Jewish, but more to do that it is an Israelí team which is something else entirely.
Recently, the La Vuelta cycle tour was disrupted because oñe of the teams, Pro-Tech was sponsored by Israelí interests, and here in Spain there is huge animosity towards Israel regarding its action in Gaza over the past few years. Anybody who is pro-Israel.is keeping very quiet here.
Okay so ignore my bit in brackets, we can't guarantee the safety of foreign citizens to attend a football match in the UK?
It is a difficult oñe for the police. There is a huge Muslim.population in Birmingham that no doubt sympathise with Palestine, so the presence of Israelíes in the City would be like a red rag to.a bull. I think the police will have a difficult enough job getting the Maccabi players and officials to.the ground as it is. Villa fans are probably miffed at being unable to enjoy the company of Maccabi fans and may well resort to showing some degree of support for them during the match.
I was wondering if this was the same Israeli team whose fans were involved in football violence in Europe earlier this season? I seem to recall reading an article in When Saturday Comes which was about one club which had a notorious following. Israel is one of the countries I believe that still have a hooligan issue.
But Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, said he welcomed the news that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans would "not be permitted to watch the match at Aston Villa!" He added: "Well done to all those that signed our petition!" There had been "so much hostility and uncertainty around the match" that it was "only right to take drastic measures", he said. And he referenced "latent safety risks" that law enforcement "would not be able to fully manage". The petition, signed by Mr Khan and his fellow MP Jeremy Corbyn, attracted 3,861 signatures. But definitely not because Maccabi are Jewish and that he is a Muslim. Definitely not that. I see the terrorist's friend has got himself involved too. Can't be often an MP for Islington North shows an interest in the latent safety risks at Villa Park.
Just wondered if you would be so unequivocal if the team had been Palestinian with links to Hamas ? I don't think Israeli or Russian teams should be in sporting competitions.
I don't think it's a difficult one at all. It's 2025 and a first world country with a functioning police force should be able to guarantee the safety of foreign football supporters.
Shocked that you've managed to find a way to blame this on Maccabi fans. Complete nonsense argument. Loads of countries in UEFA still have huge hooligan problems.
I am not sure that is actually possible. The cost for Saints v Pompey was expensive. Here , you woukd gave an issue with 2 sets or supporters plus any protesters wanting to turn up. I think a ban is sensible. Villa supporters would have been unlikely to get to Israel....especially if they are Muslim.
Basically we're bowing down to a protest group threatening violence. It's a disgrace. Yeah I was just being more direct to see if people found it more acceptable taking religion out of it. I originally included as I assume it's fairly likely that there are UK based Jews who might support Israeli football teams, especially if they might have emigrated from there.
First of all, the decision to ban the supporters has absolutely nothing to do with hooliganism. Secondly, like Libby said, plenty of other countries have just as big an issue with football violence. I haven't seen you suggest Roma fans should be banned from the UK for example.
If Villa or the police are unwilling/unable to guarantee safety, the game should be played in Israel. It'll be safer than Birmingham. This action by the police is another move to appease the large Muslim population and Thumwood.
