Category: Politics

Posted on

BBC APOLOGISES

For not calling Robert Jenrick an absolute prick? Nothing more to say!

Whilst calling out pricks – Trump, Putin and possibly Zelenskyy. Netanyahu and his cabinet colleagues must be included together with all involved in Sudan and wars elsewhere. Starmer and Lammy have applications for the pricks club pending!

Enough negativity – it rained last night (a little) and the sun is shining. So time for another list – todays are favorite kitchen condiments and I have tried an approximate order!

Sea salt – rainbow pepper corns – chillie flakes – coriander – cumin- mixed herbs (although I have fresh most of the year, rosemary, sage, marjoram, thyme, basil))- cinnamon- bay – za’atar – cloves – paprika. I seem to collect many others that are rarely used too! Actually the 3-10 positions change with the seasons and my taste buds!

Posted on

CLIMATE CHANGE

Governments are unbelieviably stupid! Anyone with half a brain could have predicted this summers weather. If not this summer it would be next summer or/and the one after. No new reservoirs or supplies yet a population increase of 10% in recent years. The ‘drought committee’ met yesterday – a bit fucking late. reactive is poor management. Only Devon, Cornwall and London, Kent and Surrey seem to be OK. Much of the South-east gets its water from aquifers and are thus protected somewhat by vaguries in supply. Areas that rely on rivers or reservoirs are susceptable to changes in the weather.

Housing design should also take into account these changes in water supply. I have 3 water butts totalling 350ltrs. The largest and most used has now run dry – I wish I could channel bath/shower water into usable containers for the garden (and toilet flushes!). Hopefully my plants will survive the drought conditions as they mostly have deep roots and have become well established (and moderate the climate of my house and garden).

However it is not a case of just inconvenience – Southern Water took time from counting their wages and bonus’s to apply to take more water from one of Britains almost unique chalk streams famed for its biological diversity. Bastards.

Elsewhere – Switzerland is suffering from glacier melt and rockfalls affecting many villages – presumably the same is happening in Austria, France and other mountain regions. But do not worry – Reform deny climate change as do MAGA supporters in the USA and BP shareholders and the rest of the fossils

Posted on

PERSEIDS

The meteor shower is reaching its zenith on Wednesday – well timed for the cool of evening it is good to be awestruck by the heavens above. Also look out for Despite being millions of miles apart, Venus and Jupiter will look as if they’re close to bumping into each other in the night sky this month.Looking up is something many have forgotten how, the sky at night is awesome, but so are the clouds. Too many people spend their time looking down at their phones – it is no wonder that so many phones are stolen in broad daylight. The world is much bigger and more interesting than the microism that is the world of our phones. Apparently stealing handbags is the latest trend in Paris where there is a market for leather designer handbags.

Are our streets safe? 50 years ago there were places I would not wish to walk alone at night – this has not changed. Phones should be kept in a pocket or a bum bag, and not used whilst walking the streets. Handbags used only for cosmetics and hygeine items. That would cut down on the street theft statistics. Jenprick and Farage would still try to incite violence against migrants anyway.

What else – Gaza. The fascist government of Netanyahu has plans for the Palestinians that they will not like. No fucking surprise there, and israel threatens the UK with a travel ban – no shit! Whilst there were over 500 arrests at a pro-Palestine demo in London (49.9% over the age of 60! – maybe my generation were not all bad!) there was also a small demo to promote the plight of the hostages. I have sympathy for them – in buckets – but what choice does Hamas have, but to keep them as hostages? They are probably at more risk from the IDF and air raids than Hamas anyway. But from the Hamas point of view the hostages are the only bargaining power they have left? We assume that destroying 69% of buildings and conduction over 50000 bombing missions that the Hamas military structure is fucked? 70000 deaths as well. The world stopped giving a fuck about Palestinian children long ago!

I know I have been swearing a lot more recently – but the world is fucked up, there are too many pricks with penis envy ruling the people sphere.

Posted on

PRICKS ALL AROUND!

First off Robert Jenprick – stating that ‘We MUST protect our children!’ warns Robert Jenrick as Britain’s women and girls ‘endangered by migrant crisis’. What a prick! There is a crisis in our society and it is caused by pricks like him. Domestic violence is rife in areas that support right wing aggressors. So RJ – my advice to you is to shut the fuck up until you have something positive and sensible to say. I guess we have a long wait … striped paint anyone??

Next up is Yvette Cooper – Minister for Israel and wasting police time. I am not a supporter of Palestine Action or some of their activities. But when did it become an offence to make and display a cardboard poster with I oppose genocide on it? The is an ass! I suspect that many of the more than 400 arrests will be challenged in the courts, thus screwing the judicial system even more, and for longer. We have more than enough laws in the UK that can be used against activities deemed to be against society. Even slow walking is an offense, but invoking the Terrorism Act with upto 14 years in jail – is beyond ridiculous. I suspect that most people were protesting, peacefully and quietly against the gross cowardise of our government against the genocide in Gaza, the continued supply of weapons and the continued non-recognition of the state of Palestine. Arresting people for having more compassion and bravery is bordering on fascism. And a Labour Government. The Police have better things to do than wheel and assist pensioners into the meat wagons!

TBH – I sometimes wonder why I was pleased to see the back of the nasty Party. There was something fulfilling about opposing the dreadful last government. But when hope and optimism disappear we are left with dispare. There are good people in the Labour Party – still. Angela Raynor is OK, Ed. Milliband too. and a few others of lower profile. But the cosying up to Israel and the USA of Trump and Vance is distasteful – like sicking up a mouthful of bile before propelling it into the toilet! The Labour Minister for the homeless having to resign due to exploiting tenants. Same old Westminster crap.

And Badencunt and Jenprick repeat the same old crap – what did they actually do whilst in power? Labour are enabling the immediate deportation of offenders – there may be civil rights issues here, but why did the tories not only do FA about it, but increaed immigration to record levels? Can we also see the voting records of those wet wipes going over to Reform?

Nice weather – although main water butt has run dry. Just oicked mulberries – but only a few; Pickled beetroot made and a fresh pineapple cookie. Next up is bbq spring onion wrapped in streaky bacon.

Posted on

DOMESTIC ABUSE DAY

I understand that there will be right wing demonstartions outside many asylum hotels today. the police will be busy, but hopefully they will arrest lots and give their poor partners a night off from abuse! We will recognise the people – lots of muscle and tattoos, a lot of searing and abuse. They will be violent to the police – who are there to prevent criminal activity. These people are too thick to realise the hypocrisy and stupidity of their actions.

Meanwhile – JDVance will visit London which he says ‘Is not English anymore” – neither is America! He should just fuck off, The USA Ambassador to Israel has also condemned Starmer for wanting to recognise Palestine, whilst also reverting to incredibly childish remarks about Dresens bombing in WWII – which many historians see as a huge mistake, possibly a war crime? Why Americans think they have a right to tell us what to think is ridiculous.

Meanwhile – Labour MP’s and Cabinet members have rental property whist claiming a philosophical allegiance to the poor, and working class people. FM – they include the Chancellor and the Foreign Secretary. I have nothing against landlords, but … anyone claiming to be a socialist should not be making money from unearned income (I know that many landlords work hard to create … actually I don’t). They should resign! Lammy has cossied up to Vance in a ridiculous manner – is he supporting his attitude on abortion clinics, London, free speech? We need to know. Should I be kind to him because he is black – so is Kemi Badenoch – and Jenrick, Tice, Farage at heart!

I am planning on growing some roses from hips – let me know if you want some and if they are successful you can have some.

Posted on

SUDAN

150000 dead and at least 1500 massacred at a refugee camp this week. Reported in the Guardian but elsewhere? Even the BBC web site required a search to find out more. So a major humanitarian crises, but with little attention. The question I have is who is funding the war? It seems that the rebel RSF is funded by the UAE whilst the “government’ forces are aligned to Egypt and therefore possibly rhetorical west? The latest attrocities are attributed to the RSF but the government forces are not blameless. Egypt has a vested interest due to the RNile and its path is currently controlled by the Govt. forces.

The war is being fought with planes and drones so some major funding is occurring, whilst the majority of people survive on a pittance. Girls are regularly abducted and raped. And the west watches with disinterest! TBH I think the only hope is a strong USA – no, of course not fucker Trump. But Russia is embroiled in its own conflict; China too has domestic issues that prevent it from becoming a world superpower (yet?) whilst the EU is 27 countries with their won divisions and also watching the bear in the East! So with America increasingly insular it seems that the Arab Nations can fund terrorist groups with impunity. And the slaughter will continue unemcubbered by the west? “For evil to triumph it only requires good men to do nothing” Edmund Burke.

Posted on

FACT CHECKING

Do we fact check enough? I was talking in the shop and pointed out that the number of people crossing into the UK was 25000. (fact check it was 36000 in 2024 and higher this year), My colleague then said “per day” and he was serious! The publicity has distorted reality by that much. My colleague is not right wing, and would classify him as reasonably intelligent but also someone who does not follow the news. He was shocked when I said per year, genuinely shocked! Also of the 36000 about 5000 (mostly from Albania) were returned and with about 68% granted asylum. they were mostly from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Albania, Syria, and Eritrea. 73 people died attempting the crossing.

International asylum law, primarily established by the 1951 Refugee Convention, protects individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries. It grants the right to seek asylum in another country and outlines the responsibilities of states towards refugees. Key aspects include the principle of non-refoulement, ensuring that refugees are not returned to places where they face persecution.  It is not true that they must seek asylum in the first country they visit. France in 2023 had about 167000 asylum seekers whilst the UK had 67000 in total. Asylum seekers in the UK typically receive £49.18 per week for each person in self-catered accommodation to cover essential living needs like food, toiletries, and clothing.If they are in catered accommodation (where meals are provided), they receive £8.86 per week

The latest scam by Reform is to highlight the number of illegal immigrants (those staying without permission. Obviously this number is unknown so there is a difficulty fact checking and it allows the hateful to elaborate and exaggerate. What we do know is that the last government were abject in this area, like most others. Hence this government suggesting a ID Card. Estimates put us as second only to Germany in the numbers of unregistered migrants. There seems to be some grey area here, in theory a 20 year residence in this country gives a permanent residence permission – but stories of the Windrush Generation and deportations by the Home Office vary with this interpretation! I am not sure about ID cards – they have them across most of Europe but I really do not have the info!

Statistics Showing the Impact of Immigrants on the UK Economy and Society. The economic and societal impacts of immigration in the UK are significant. According to the Office for National Statistics, migrants contribute approximately £83 billion to the UK’s economic output annually.

It is impossible to know the exact number of illegal migrants in the UK because some people successfully evade border controls and remain undetected, while others enter legally but their status becomes irregular later on. However, estimates suggest there are between 417,000 and 863,000 irregular migrants in the UK, including UK-born children.  farless than the figures quoted by Reform and Farage (the source of these stats admit that they are flawed!)

So these are the facts as provided by respected authorities.

PS. I just put inials on apples so that they rippen with my grandchildrens inials embedded in the skins as the ripen.n



Posted on

THERE’S OWT AS QUEER AS FOLK!

So considerable numbers of people can be persuaded to react violently to people who have risked life and limb and probably a fair wack of cash to get here; but are strangely quiet about the £100’s of millions embezzelled by companies during Covid. The fast track was developed for conservative supporters and at ties only supplied sub-standard equipment. So how can anyone with an ounce of humanity complain about the asylum seekers being put up in, often crowded conditions in hotels (which charge the government over the top rates, and being provided with a pittance and being barred from working. Whilst some people elevated tomthe HoLords and claiming £300 expenses per day are allowed to get away with massive fraud?

The same arguments are used against the unemployed. Indeed I have heard complaints about a single mum receiving more than a shop manager. The biggest subsidy on welfare is the exorbitant rents. The welfare budget could be slahed with a sensible realignment of the housing market. Second homes should have at least 75% occupancy or be financially penalised. WTF – and yes increase the tax on salaries/bonus’s to at least 75% – do these people really work harder or have more stress than doctors, nurses and teachers who earn less than 10% the average wages of city slickers. (Most of whom make money by glorified gambling on the stock market, currency markets and commodities. i.e. they actually do nothing productive to aid society (my first job was in a foreign exchange dealing room and nothing beneficial came out of it – well apart from me, of course!).

The police have said they will arrest any and all at any Palestine Action demonstration. Is this democracy under threat? PA have undertaken some dubious activities including vandalising Jewish offices and RAF planes (with paint!). These acts are illegal and the perpetrators arrested and brought before the courts. But Yvette Cooper has decided to ban people from even stating that they support a Palestinian state and she is wrong. The police have better things to do, and she will have increased the number of peple demonstrating anyway. Israel is bleating about the UK decision to recognise Palestine in the future – so it must be worthwhile. Hamas says it will not disarm until the Palestinian state is recognised. This reminds me of a sketch in a Monty Python film! That there is any Hamas organisation still existing is a phenomenon.

More waste of police time is ‘Tommy Robinson’ being arrested again – can we just lock him up and throw away the key – or deport him to join fellow wankers in Romania.

The Star leads with an article regarding Lucy Letby – there is much about her case that needs examination – rather than sensationalist bollocks. Storm Floris would have been a more usual headline!

And at present just 10% of our electricity is being produced by gas! Summer, sunny and windy. But wtf not. It will conserve gas stocks – so what has loopy face got against it? Oh and Rayner and Corbyn have a spat apparently. I like Angela, but she is wrong if she allows building on allotments. Whilst producing loads of food they also act as wildlife hotels/motels. We need to keep the wildlife corridors in our cities open.

Posted on

CHINA

Why now? The BBC website has 2 major articles about China – both vaguely hostile. The first was about Chinese plans for a new embassy. I am sure that all the embassies of major countries are riddled with spying equipment – even the so called friendly ones – all will have their spy networks. So the article seemed rather hostile. China is far from a beacon of democracy but more later. The second article was about Chinese students at Uni in the UK being asked to spy on fellow students. The article went further to state that university lecturers were being ‘encouraged’ to avoid certain topics.

Both these articles have elements of truth – China is bit of a mystery to most of us. When young in 1950’s my dad sowed the seeds of nightmares by saying that there were so many Chinese that if we went to war with them ‘they would just over run us’. As a geographer I know a bit about China, and a little of its history. But basically I am ignorant about it and try to avoid imposing my own beliefs when hearing about China. I am aware that China has been more than nasty regarding  alleged ethnic cleansing in China’s Xinjiang region. Hong Kong has also raised questions regarding western style democracy. Tibet is another issue, although huge investments in infrastructure have been made. The big issue is Taiwan. Here Trump needs to be very careful in withdrawing the US from its world power.

China is also used as an excuse for not pursuing green energy projects. Yet China has an indisputable lead in installation of renewable energy – and yes it has a lot of coal power stations. China  Over the past 40 years, the number of people in China with incomes below $1.90 per day – the International Poverty Line as defined by the World Bank to track global extreme poverty– has fallen by close to 800 million. That is fucking amazing! Maybe we should be pushing Chairman Xi for a Nobel Peace Prize?

In the realms of fairness as I have mentioned a lot of negatives about China. The USA is attempting to defund universities that have criticised Trump. ICE is arresting and deporting citizens born in the USA (with glee). In the UK an 80 year old woman was arrested and her house searched for – holding a Palestinian flag and a banner stating that Israel should stop killing Palestinians.

Can I make a philosophical comment here? And I have thought it through so it may be open to much criticism. “A nation should not be judged on its successes, but how it handles its failures”. I was thinking about the Windrush generations, Hillsborough, Grenville Tower, miners riots under Thatcher, bean field debacle, PollTax riots. Our recent history of dealing with civil disobedience and dissention is not great.

Posted on

NATIONAL GRID LATEST

Latest figures are as follows; other includes 15% nuclear and the rest is imports – mainly from France! Generation by type

Fossil fuels3.514.4
Renewables9.740.4
Other sources5.322.2

In the past year renewables have been 37.5% and gas 29.8%. With gas prices volatile it makes sense to continue investing in renewables. And with 2 nuclear reactors under construction gas may be finally losing its dominance. I do not understand the pricing of electricity as I think it is based on world gas prices? 2 new offshore wind farms have been pulled recently due to cost rises; presumably onshore wind farms require less metal? I still maintain that small is beautiful and every possible building should have solar panales and where appropriate wind turbines. Trump has called for a halt to wind turbines in Europe? Why? But then he is a jerk so whatever. We still wait to see the Epstein files G.Maxwell has been moved to a low security prison – which makes sense as she does not appear to be a violent danger to society – unlike the orange one!

Is Farage losing his mojo? His policies against the Online Safety Act and stating that he would revoke renewable energy licences are neither popular or sensible. His beer swilling and fag smoking persona also are wearing thin. Does he actually reside in the UK and pay taxes? His no.2 has a blonde bimbo who has moved to Dubai – does he or she pay UK tax? Councils who have swung to Reform do not appear to be making any announcements on improvements! the press may get excited by seeing Reform in the lead, but it is still a long time to the election, and I am sure steady Eddie (a.k.a. Starmer) will have found a way to appeal to the middle right wing that provides swaithes of the UK voters. Badenoch is a write off/ car crash but there is no one of ability to take her place. Still one should never write off the Nasty Party.

So my prediction is Farage disappearing noisily and screaming. Tories will make a comeback, Labour will maintain a grip on middle England. Corbyn/Sultana may well get a lots of votes but very few seats? Hopefully they can drag Labour back towards the left. But I believe that Starmer was wrong to expel Jez, as he was with Abbot and a prediction – Rayner! That leaves the LibDems and Greens. Both have worthy manifesto’s. LibDems will find it difficult to get over there co-alition period. They do have some excellent M.P.s though. Will the greens break through? Doubtful but an interesting leadership contest could propel them into the headlines?

What we really need is PR and that is unlikely with a party with a huge majority in power – especially as the power bases of the big 2 diminishing.

Just made ciabatta – but a few hours to go, so I might have to give Holly some dough and tell her to do the baking herself! 350g tomatoes picked – I reckon I am getting 2kg a week – and about 4 weeks more? Outside ones are also producing. I must remember to tell Martin and Holly to pick mulberries – maybe make some jam?