Election 2024

[PINKIE]

I've no problem with free movement but sadly there is no one defined brexit that fits all, so I had to suck that up, in life you make decisions and can't have everything you may want. There never was going to be a one version to fit all, you just had to break the mould and start from there. Not ideal, but it never was going to be.

I will not lie though, I found it funny initially when Trump was being an arse to the EU, because I felt you are now getting a taste of your own medicine and how I felt they treated us, difference being someone else is the bigger bully beef now.

Your views and my views are completely different, there is nothing wrong in that, that's what politics should be about, we don't have to agree, it's about finding a balance, that sort of fits, but gives neither party everything they want.

Sadly the biggest hurdle for me is that powerhouse in Brussels, I'd joke I wish someone would....can't joke these days, I'd get arrested lol.

Happy to work with Macron, if he helps us with the migrants, I'm pretty flexible on any free movement and hand in hand partnership regarding business and goods, as long as he don't wear them shades again though, because he can be a bit of two faced ****, says he will help then take us for mugs...

I'm a reasonable guy if I see it works both ways, and I mean actually work, not us give you millions and you pretend to help. I just don't need the stamp of EU approval for anything, I hate them, probably as much as I hate the Iranian regime, yup that deep. The world is governed by ****s of all creeds (beliefs and aims).

I think in terms of pure economic gain, although we were net contributers to the EU, the overall benefit to our economy was something like £90bn per year compared with the £10bn we paid in. And from my perspective there were a raft of other benefits to being part of the EU

But like you say, we don't have to agree, and it doesn't make either one of us right or wrong. I can see the perspective from those who think we're better off being outside the EU

What we do agree with though, is that the world is governed by ****s. At that goes for all creeds and cultures as I've mentioned on the war thread. People can make out that Iran is this evil entity attacking its neighbours and persecuting its population. But the same can be said for Israel, led by a psychopathic madman who thinks nothing of attacking its neighbours and bringing death to tens of thousands of innocent people.

The sooner the world is rid of these sick ****ers, then the rest of us can get on living our lives without the threat of obliteration.

 

[FosseFilberto]

Good points from opposite sides of the divide re Brexit - for me, the major problem was the false premise on which many voted - Brexit has had bugger all effect on immigration, possibly the opposite - we've substituted thousands of jobs that were being done by a migratory European workforce for a workforce from the 'third world' - whilst actually negatively impacting our border controls as the EU (immediately post Brexit) then had no 'duty of care' towards illegals heading our way ... and the economic ramifications have been pretty disastrous for many UK headquartered companies that have operations overseas, especially in the EU, where the costs of importing as a non-EU importer have increased exponentially and have caused absolute ****ing carnage in terms of duty and VAT....

 

[duggie2000]

Fair points.

It's not one I entirely agree with as I feel that as part of the EU we were much better off in terms of trade, ease of business, being able to negotiate trade deals as a bloc, grants for infrastructure projects, free movement and the ability to live and work in EU countries, shared scientific and security knowledge etc and I think we got more value from being in than being out.

But I also see the issues that you raise. A lot of those come down to individual personalities and their attitude and approach, rather than as a systemic problem as such imo.

I think the issue now is that Trump has basically said to everybody, unless you do what I want, you're my enemy. The UK is in a unique position here being out of the EU in that Starmer can negotiate with Trump on his own terms. The problem is that Trump is a petulant little man child who would think nothing of whacking another 50% tariffs on UK good and services if Starmer doesn't send the entire UK Navy fleet to the Straight of Hormuz.

What do you mean? we have sent the whole ****ing Navy to Iran (the bit that works, sort of)

 

[brb]

What do you mean? we have sent the whole ****ing Navy to Iran (the bit that works, sort of)

Just heard a female war correspondent say pretty much the same thing. Not sure what Trump thinks we have. Europe relies on each other now, we need to start rebuilding but that takes money and time, but there is currently several wars going on draining everyones resources.

 

[brb]

At Chatham Dockyard, mass naval production ended in 1984, that was under Thatcher, the site remains home to over 120 businesses, including those involved in ship repair, sign writing, and traditional (witch) craft.

So we can write signs, but don't ask us to build a ship.

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[Archers Road]

At Chatham Dockyard, mass naval production ended in 1984, that was under Thatcher, the site remains home to over 120 businesses, including those involved in ship repair, sign writing, and traditional (witch) craft.

So we can write signs, but don't ask us to build a ship.

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Correct. The Royal Navy saved Mrs Thatcher’s premiership, by helping take back the Falklands and restoring her popularity. She responded by throwing it on the scrap heap along with the rest of British industry.

Never forget what that woman did to our country, our industry, and our communities. I grew up in Atlee’s Britain, when we cared for each other. Now I live in Thatcher’s Britain, where it’s pull the ladder up Jack, annd every man for himself.

 

[brb]

Correct. The Royal Navy saved Mrs Thatcher’s premiership, by helping take back the Falklands and restoring her popularity. She responded by throwing it on the scrap heap along with the rest of British industry.

Never forget what that woman did to our country, our industry, and our communities. I grew up in Atlee’s Britain, when we cared for each other. Now I live in Thatcher’s Britain, where it’s pull the ladder up Jack, annd every man for himself.

We just need Jack and that ladder to put up signs these days...

Sign on here
Food bank this way
Do not pass go, go straight to Jail
Crematorium

The remains of our navy...

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[PINKIE]

Good points from opposite sides of the divide re Brexit - for me, the major problem was the false premise on which many voted - Brexit has had bugger all effect on immigration, possibly the opposite - we've substituted thousands of jobs that were being done by a migratory European workforce for a workforce from the 'third world' - whilst actually negatively impacting our border controls as the EU (immediately post Brexit) then had no 'duty of care' towards illegals heading our way ... and the economic ramifications have been pretty disastrous for many UK headquartered companies that have operations overseas, especially in the EU, where the costs of importing as a non-EU importer have increased exponentially and have caused absolute ****ing carnage in terms of duty and VAT....

I used to export into some EU countries, but it just became an absolute nightmare of red tape and taxes. I also used to import some things for my business but again, the duty on shipping just made it a non starter. I know some people who run small businesses like me who were solely exporting into the EU and the bottom of their businesses fell out overnight.

I'm just a sole trader with a micro businesses, so it was easier for me to pivot. But I can imagine the nightmare it caused for medium and bigger businesses. Economically it's been a disaster for the UK. I think the estimates are around £180bn-£240bn impact on our economy since Brexit. With almost all areas of economic activity negatively impacted.

And we never got that extra £350m per week for the NHS either.

 

[brb]

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[PINKIE]

There are some pretty startling stats and figures about how damaging Brexit has been for the UK.

Economically it's undeniable that it's been a disaster.

Politically, if you are of the opinion that the UK being able to make its own decisions independently of the EU is a good thing, then that's a strong driver. But was it really worth it for the damage it caused ?

https://www.bestforbritain.org/brexit_impact

 

[brb]

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[Welshie]

Susie Wiles the US Chief of Staff has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Considering they mocked Biden for having cancer, I can only hope she suffers a lot. Evil bitch.

 

[FosseFilberto]

Not going well at all...

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/16/donald-trump-supreme-court-attacks-00829708

 

[brb]

Two dead...

BBC South East understands that a further 11 people from the Canterbury area are currently in hospital and reported to be seriously ill. It is understood that most are aged between 18 and 21 and are students at the university.

Two die including Kent uni student in meningitis outbreak

Eleven people in the Canterbury area are also seriously ill in hospital, the BBC understands.

www.bbc.co.uk

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More cases. Streeting: uncommon and potentially fatal.

All seems to have come from a nightclub in Canterbury, which is for now voluntarily closed. Vaccination roll out announced at the University.

 

[Archers Road]

More cases. Streeting: uncommon and potentially fatal.

All seems to have come from a nightclub in Canterbury, which is for now voluntarily closed. Vaccination roll out announced at the University.

I don’t know anything about meningitis, but very surprised to learn a nightclub can cause a mass outbreak

 

[brb]

I don’t know anything about meningitis, but very surprised to learn a nightclub can cause a mass outbreak

Univeristy aint it, all students so they all congregate at the nightclub, someone has it and it spreads in that environment, then with everyone they come in contact with later...

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent

Latest updates from the ongoing outbreak.

www.gov.uk

Investigations have confirmed some of the cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 to 7 March prior to becoming unwell. UKHSA 's health protection team is working closely with the nightclub and partners including the University of Kent to limit the spread

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord linings caused by viral or bacterial infections, commonly spread through close contact, coughing, sneezing, or sharing saliva. While bacteria or viruses often live harmlessly in a person's nose or throat, they can trigger infection if they travel to the bloodstream, often linked to crowded environments.

 

[FosseFilberto]

Univeristy aint it, all students so they all congregate at the nightclub, someone has it and it spreads in that environment, then with everyone they come in contact with later...

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent

Latest updates from the ongoing outbreak.

www.gov.uk

Investigations have confirmed some of the cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 to 7 March prior to becoming unwell. UKHSA 's health protection team is working closely with the nightclub and partners including the University of Kent to limit the spread

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord linings caused by viral or bacterial infections, commonly spread through close contact, coughing, sneezing, or sharing saliva. While bacteria or viruses often live harmlessly in a person's nose or throat, they can trigger infection if they travel to the bloodstream, often linked to crowded environments.

Don't kids get vaccinated and then boosters etc?

 

[brb]

Don't kids get vaccinated and then boosters etc?

No idea, some will be local or UK students, but also remember a lot of these will be overseas students. Quite a lot of them living on the campus, or if rich enough renting surrounding properties.

Maybe kids aren't vaccinated against that particular strain? Canterbury is a very diverse culture during University teaching months, students from Asia, Africa etc.

 

[brb]

Looking back on this story, cases were confirmed at three schools as well as the University, one of the girls that died went to a Grammar school in Faversham - That's 22 miles from the campus, so quite some spread.

They are trying to trace everyone that went to the night club on particular dates.

Family 'beyond devastated' by meningitis death in Kent outbreak

A sixth form pupil and a university student have died, while 11 more are seriously ill in hospital.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Big Ern]

At Chatham Dockyard, mass naval production ended in 1984, that was under Thatcher, the site remains home to over 120 businesses, including those involved in ship repair, sign writing, and traditional (witch) craft.

So we can write signs, but don't ask us to build a ship.

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Ah Chatham High Street.

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These guys are great, there series on the Iranian revolution they did a month or so ago is worth a listen.