BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 05 Jan 23 - 07:05 AM

I'm worrying myself here. I'm a member of the Labour Party but I'm too bored to listen to Starmer's Big Speech. And wasn't Rachel Reeves a mess on the Today programme?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Jan 23 - 05:00 AM

yes i am sorry back woodsman, but if you google
Rail strikes: RMT chief accuses govt of lying as transport secretary denies blocking settlement with union, it comes up

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 06:37 PM

i agree . today on the front page of the irish times people are advised to consider all opitions before going to hospitals

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 06:30 PM

Well we have to fight back. I'd like to think electing a Labour government would be a good first step. But liking to think it doesn't actually mean thinking it.

In the meantime, don't get ill this winter. I've had every bloody jab going but I'm scared stiff of getting a dose of cellulitis that I can't get on top of at home myself. I mean, how the hell has it come to this?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: DMcG
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 06:22 PM

For a decade or so, my children and their friends have been telling me they do not expect there will be a state pension by the time they retire. They regret it, but there is an acceptance of it.

More and more, I am hearing the same about the end of the NHS from people of all ages. There is a growing fatalism I fear.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 05:41 PM

It's been my severe misfortune to have had quite a lot to do with the NHS in the last three months. I've had three attacks of cellulitis since September, a condition that can turn life-threatening if not treated promptly. Kudos to my severely overworked GP surgery, who have prescribed the strong antibiotics I need just on the strength of my phone calls. They shouldn't need to operate that way but they have to get us all sorted. They have even agreed to let me keep a stash of a week's antibiotics at home so that I can start taking them at the first hint of symptoms (which happened to me last Friday - without them I wouldn't have been able to get a prescription until today, leading to God knows what). I got a severe attack in September and had to go to A&E (we drove there). I had to wait for over six hours to be seen, even though I hadn't urinated for almost 24 hours, a massive red flag for sepsis. My kidneys were severely damaged, mercifully not irreversibly. Following that were five visits to the medical assessment unit, each one consisting of anything between three and six hours of waiting in a stuffy, cramped waiting room. The cellulitis was sorted out very well by intravenous antibiotics, but I picked up a vicious acute bronchitis infection that took me almost two months to shake off.

Not in even the slightest way can I criticise the doctors and nurses who did their level best to get me sorted. I was dealt with at every step with love and care of the highest order. But I'll tell you what I think I've worked out, after seeing all the reports about the crisis in hospitals, the ambulance queues and the strikes by nurses at the end of their tether: this Tory government wants us to blame the NHS, to hate the NHS. They want the NHS to collapse so that they can privatise the lot and install a two-tier system, maybe even a three-tier system, fast-track for the rich and sod the rest unless you pay big-time insurance premiums. Let's all open our eyes, even you Tories here, and see what's really going on here.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 04:59 PM

200!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 04:58 PM

Huh? And...

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 02:19 PM

Moi Aussie.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 11:07 AM

”Page not found

We're sorry. The page you are looking for cannot be found. You may have followed a broken or outdated link, or there may be an error on our site.”

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 05:02 AM

Rail strikes: RMT chief accuses govt of lying as transport secretary denies blocking settlement with union

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jan 23 - 04:55 AM

mick lynch speaks
https://news.sky.com/video/rail-strikes-rmt-chief-accuses-govt-of-lying-as-transport-secretary-denies-blocking-settlement-with-u

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 07:50 AM

and this
According to the Office for National Statistics, UK exports in March 2022 grew across every industry. Total export of goods increased by 2.1% equating to an extra £0.6 billion in revenue. Exports to non-EU countries increased by 2.6% (£0.4 billion). While exports to the EU increased by 1.7% (£0.3 billion). These figures do not include the export of precious metals and non-monetary gold.

At AGI, we can arrange for the safe export of all types of goods and cargo. We can provide professional road, sea, and air freight services from the UK to the EU and across the world. Popular UK export industries vary year on year. There are, however, certain exported products for which the UK is world-renowned. So, what are the top 10 UK exports in 2022? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Precious metals production – £22.8 billion

The UK’s precious metals industry is involved in refining precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. Once refined the metals are used in a variety of applications including motor vehicle manufacturing, jewellery manufacturing, and computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing.

The precious metal production industry also produces precious metal alloys and metal foil laminates.
2. Aircraft parts – £17.3 billion

UK exports of aircraft parts includes complete aircraft and spacecraft, propulsion units, engines, and other related equipment and components. Customers include both commercial and military organisations, with craft specified for the transport of goods and passengers.

Despite the impact of the Covid pandemic on the aviation industry, exports remain high. This is due, in part, to the industry’s reliance on reserved orders. Airlines and governments often place orders for aircraft well in advance. This helps to insulate the industry from short-term economic instability.
3. Motor vehicles – £14.6 billion

Experts predict that UK motor vehicle manufacturing will continue to grow over the next five years. Demand for passenger cars, commercial vehicles like vans and lorries, and other specialist automobiles remains high.

Demand for new electric vehicles is also predicted to fuel a boom in the UK’s motor vehicle manufacturing industry. Motor vehicles are exported from the UK to locations around the world. At AGI, we work closely with several specialist sea freight forwarders that can offer competitive process on the wholesale export of motor vehicles.
4. Pharmaceuticals – £13.2 billion

AGI refrigerated trailer

The UK is world-renowned for its pharmaceutical production. Several well-established companies manufacture and export a variety of medicines including medical diagnostic preparations, biotech pharmaceuticals, vaccines, vitamins, and antibiotics.

At AGI, our Folkestone branch is heavily involved in the distribution of pharmaceutical products. Our refrigerated lorries are perfect for transporting temperature sensitive medication. And during the Covid pandemic, our lorries were used to import and export vaccination medicines.
5. Refined petroleum – £8.8 billion

UK refineries turn crude oil into products like petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and petroleum-based products including paraffin wax and white spirit. The refined petroleum market is often volatile. Prices fluctuate and the drive to more sustainable sources of energy is causing a reduction in demand.
6. Natural gas and crude petroleum – £7.4 billion

Crude oil and natural gas are extracted from fields both onshore and offshore. The gas and oil can then be exported around the world for refining and turning into usable products.
7. Jewellery – £5.5 billion

Jewellery exports include UK manufactured items using precious and base metals set with precious or semi-precious stones. Other items that incorporate precious metals include watch straps, cigarette cases, and technical laboratory equipment.
8. Clothing – £4.5 billion

Clothing manufacturing in the UK is internationally known for its premium quality. British made clothing is made from a variety of materials and items include workwear, casual wear, formal wear, underwear, and hosiery.
9. Organic basic chemicals – £4.2 billion

Basic organic chemicals include ethylene, propane, and butane. These organic chemicals are manufactured from refined petroleum and are used in a wide variety of consumer goods around the world.
10. Plastics and plastic products – £906 million

Plastics include plastic products such as packaging, building and construction materials and electric and electronic component. It also includes raw materials polymers and waste plastic for recycling.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 07:42 AM

i fdund them by googling uk exports , i am assuming they are correct ,perhaps they are not?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Raggytash
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 07:20 AM

Interesting figures Sandman, just where did you get them, what are the figures for banking, insurance and financial markets?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 06:48 AM

of course some decades ago industry that had been in the uk was moved by multi nationals to the third world or china where working conditions and environmental conditions were not unionised. however What are the top 10 UK exports?

    Precious metals production – £22.8 billion. ...
    Aircraft parts – £17.3 billion. ...
    Motor vehicles – £14.6 billion. ...
    Pharmaceuticals – £13.2 billion. ...
    Refined petroleum – £8.8 billion. ...
    Natural gas and crude petroleum – £7.4 billion. ...
    Jewellery – £5.5 billion. ...
    Clothing – £4.5 billion.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 06:37 AM

Mutual trade deals are great when each side has substantial things to offer the other. The US wouldn't exactly be in floods of tears if we weren't here to trade at all.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 06:31 AM

in response to Steve Shaws post
The person responsible for the situation was a Conservative leader called dodgy dave Cameron, then we have a so called "democratic" system which allows one side to spend more on its campaign than the other

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: DMcG
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 06:14 AM

"is it not in all parties concerned to have some sort of trade deal?"

Yes, but this is a classic - perhaps the classic - problem in game theory. It is in everyone's interest, but it is in each participants interests to hold out a little longer than the others because that will give them a better deal.

There are many versions of this, but the simplest is 'Chicken'. You can win everything. Or you can lose by backing down. But given two headstrong participants you crash into each other and both get hurt. However, even then, if one of you is in an Austin 7 and the other in T-10 tank ....

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 05:54 AM

is it not in all parties concerned to have some sort of trade deal?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 05:44 AM

We won't be rejoining. We have a pig-headed government and an equally pig-headed leader of the opposition. We have the EU, rightly, digging in. The US has no interest in signing a spiffin' trade deal with us and never did have, along with many others. We are the only member of the G7 with an economy smaller now than it was pre-pandemic. The Northern Ireland "protocol" is still all over the place, as we knew it would be, and is seriously affecting the people there. And hands up all those who think we've managed to "control our borders" (just look at the record-busting net immigration stats, and all this shower can come up with is an aeroplane to Rwanda that no-one has got on yet).

Backwoodsman came across several years ago as a bit mean when he said that those who voted leave after swallowing the lies that all sensible people recognised as lies were gullible and feeble-minded. Well he was dead right. if you voted leave you are collectively responsible for this mess and should hang your head in shame. We did try to tell you.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 05:15 AM

I never wanted to leave in the first place.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 04:01 AM

i think the first thing is to rejoin the common market to improve the trading situation. one ironic occurence of brexit has been the increase of more bureaucracy

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 03:39 AM

Although rejoining would be best all round, it would be far too divisive. Would they have us anyway?

I think the best we can hope for is some sort of association with the EU that gives us at least some of the benefits

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Senoufou
Date: 02 Jan 23 - 02:49 AM

I read online this morning that quite a large proportion of British people are keen to have a referendum about rejoining the EU. I'm not sure how I feel about this, but I'm tending to lean towards voting to rejoin Europe. Anyone else have mixed feelings?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 01 Jan 23 - 06:57 PM

I was at school with Danny Boyle (Thornleigh College in Bolton), though he was in the first year when I was in the sixth form. He also went to the same primary school as me, St Mary's in Radcliffe. I wonder if I ever bullied him.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: DMcG
Date: 01 Jan 23 - 06:35 PM

Are we name dropping for New Year?

Ok, My siblings and I went to St Philomena's Primary School, later renamed Sacred Heart. In my sister's class was Paul Rodgers, who was the lead singer for Free, Bad Company and other bands.

In my brother's was Chris Rea.

Mark Rea was in mine, so no claim to fame by association there.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 31 Dec 22 - 06:46 AM

Thora Hird? Is that the old lady that defrosts cattle?

I once spoke to Audrey Roberts (or Nadia Popov if you prefer) in Sainsbury's, Salford. The bloke who tried to kill Rita was with her as well but he didn't say owt. Mind you, he was run over by a tram in Blackpool...

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 31 Dec 22 - 06:10 AM

Well I once had dinner with Thora Hird and I once sat next to Esther Rantzen all afternoon at Make Poverty History at the Eden Project. But Mrs Steve's best friend once had a chat with Buzz Aldrin so I'm shutting up about this now.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 31 Dec 22 - 03:44 AM

Could have been worse - Piers Morgan!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 30 Dec 22 - 06:59 PM

I was at university with Sir Brian, though neither of us knew it :-( Unfortunately, we were also there with Piers Corbyn. Grr.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 30 Dec 22 - 06:27 PM

Well done Sir Brian May!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Dec 22 - 03:47 PM

SAVE THE BRITS https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/nov/18/british-people-poorer-ifs-uk-autumn-statement

Whales are saved.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 30 Dec 22 - 04:44 AM

Just 33 days left to file your 2022 tax return!!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Dec 22 - 11:26 AM

Bonzo if it rubbish, as you say it is, perhaps you can prove that is rubbish rather than just making a remark of no consequence

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 27 Dec 22 - 05:29 PM

Absolute rubbish

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 Dec 22 - 01:52 PM

Michael Walkers opinion on why king charles is not fit to reign
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qElmEr8RrLg

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 25 Dec 22 - 11:25 AM

True

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 25 Dec 22 - 11:23 AM

I thought so too bonzo. I hope Richie takes notice that even Charlie says that the nurses should be appreciated:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 25 Dec 22 - 10:33 AM

An excellent first Christmas message to the nation and the Commonwealth from King Charles.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 05:12 PM

Backwoodsman , good post

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 02:07 PM

Allowing yourself to be brainwashed by Extreme-Right propaganda, and indulging in proliferating it around the internet without a shred of evidence, is as ‘bonkers’ as it gets.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 12:16 PM

When it comes to bedding, homeowners are probably conscious about cleaning their bed sheets and pillowcases, but the same cannot always be said about their pillows. As pillows can house a mixture of dust mites, bacteria, sweat and so much more, it's important to make sure they receive just as much attention as anything else on beds. To ensure your pillows are fresh, clean and yellow-stain free, Karl Huckerby is a cleaning expert from Spare and Square spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk to share his top pillow cleaning tips.

He said: "Pillows can get dirty easily as they collect the likes of dead skin, sweat, forgotten makeup and other bacteria as we sleep on them. This means they need to be cleaned thoroughly often, to avoid the likes of yellow stains becoming a permanent feature.

If you notice a stain on your pillow, the first thing you need to do is check your pillow's care label, so you know how to wash it without damaging it. Although the majority of pillows can be cleaned in the washing machine, the likes of feather pillows and memory-foam often need to be hand washed instead."

Well, if bonzo can C&P random nonsense without crediting the source, I'm sure we all can.

As to "bonkers as trans loving starmer". I guess that just speaks volumes about his mental capacity :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 11:35 AM

The Taliban government on Saturday ordered all foreign and domestic non-governmental groups in Afghanistan to suspend employing women, allegedly because some female employees didn’t wear the Islamic headscarf correctly. The ban was the latest restrictive move by Afghanistan’s new rulers against women’s rights and freedoms.

The order came in a letter from Economy Minister Qari Din Mohammed Hanif, which said that any NGO found not complying with the order will have their operating license revoked in Afghanistan. The letter’s content was confirmed to The Associated Press by the ministry’s spokesman, Abdul Rahman Habib.

The ministry said it had received “serious complaints” about female staff working for NGOs not wearing the “correct” headscarf, or hijab. It was not immediately clear if the order applies to all women or only Afghan women working at the NGOs.

They are as bonkers as trans loving starmer.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 11:31 AM

Passengers have said they wish the Army could man the borders permanently after airports ran smoothly on Friday in an “embarrassing” blow to striking Border Force workers.

The Government had been braced for disruption as a week-long strike by 1,000 passport staff at six airports began.

Families with young children, who cannot use electronic gates, were expected to bear the brunt of delays at border control, but there was no widespread disruption as travellers arrived home.

Military personnel and civil servants filled in for Border Force at major airports, including Gatwick and Heathrow, with passengers who had expected “carnage” suggesting border checks were quicker than normal.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 04:29 AM

It is true, Monique. Thank you :-D

Steve - I'm all for widening the Watford gap and floating the part south east of it elsewhere :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 04:10 AM

You forgot to mention Yorkshiremen, Dave. Send 'em all 'ome then blow up th' M25, I say!

(It would take a Braverman than me to fix it...See what I did there?)

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: Monique
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 03:22 AM

Please note that Norman meant "North man" and that they were Vikings (Cf. The French History Podcast from Ep.72 and he's not finish yet). If we must all go back to where we started from, I wonder if Africa will cope with 8 billion people and some might be too white for their taste.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 03:01 AM

Bonzo what would be the cost TO TAX PAYERS of sending them back to a third country. , would it not be cheaper to send them to croydon CROYDON

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 2
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Dec 22 - 02:53 AM

Bonzo would you send them to Ukraine? What has caused the energy crisis Bonzo, was it the fault of the asylum seekers, would you send all stray dogs back to a third country?