bridge too far

Which is, of course, nothing to do with membership or not of the EU

Just been watching the programme about Churchill in the run up to the election after the war. Debunked a lot of myths about the man.

Just finished Dennis Skinner's autobiography - Sailing Close to the Wind. It was a compelling read, although a bit self-congratulatory in parts. But an interesting insight in to an MP's life, especially one who turned down patronage and a privileged life style to serve the people he represents. Not many MPs like that these days.

You would think so, wouldn't you. Somewhat cynically, I think probably the increased income, rather than being ring-fenced for services, is in fact being used to pay down the deficit.

That just doesn't work though for a number of reasons. Firstly, those coming in cost less than they pay in taxes etc. and certainly they claim far less in benefits. Secondly, those coming in do work that we, in this country, are unable or unwilling to do. Thirdly, we need a bigger population paying taxes to pay for our increasingly elderly care requirements. Our welfare bill is as big as it is, not because of benefit claimants per se, but because of the cost of looking after the elderly in terms of both pensions and pension credits.

I've just finished reading Dennis Skinner's autobiography (Sailing Close to the Wind). He makes a powerful case for leaving. I'm about to go out so don't have time to expand his position but it's made me think ......

I was wondering just this too. Here's a quote from Sajid Javid - government Business Minister. "Limiting the rights of EU migrants to claim tax credits is a key part of the renegotiation of Britain's relationship with the EU, Sajid Javid has said. The business secretary said ministers wanted to change rules that allowed EU migrants to receive £700 a month in tax credits - twice what Germany paid." I think he also said workers in France received less too. If France and Germany can do it then so can we, if that's what the Government wants. They've had 5 years to do so.

Mmmmm - Italy! Nice and they can actually sing!

They lost

The best fan-owned club in L2 is in the lead at Wembley!

You're right - I should have read the thread more closely. I assumed that we were talking about party leaders who became PM without election.

And we didn't elect John Major - he, too, was thrust upon us

This is the other article I was thinking of - written by a practicing GP http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dr-zoe-norris/nhs-cameron-hunt_b_7308144.html?1431977149&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000067

I didn't 'mean' to say anything Hutch - I offered the article up for consideration. I'm not the fourth most eminent economist in Europe as the author is so I wouldn't dream of 'saying' anything.

Good article about imminent changes to go with the ones that have already happened, to the NHS http://www.spinwatch.org/index.php/issues/lobbying/item/5769-nhs-the-foxes-have-control

, I'm not sure what you're on about. I've just read the Ts and Cs of forum membership. It doesn't say anywhere that opinions are to be posted. This is for information and education

http://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2015/05/19/the-uk-is-the-most-unequal-country-in-europe/#sthash.aWWJ9kOY.gbpl&st_refDomain=www.facebook.com&st_refQuery=/ UK is the most unequal country in Europe

This - every time

We always swore we'd only ever have a gas hob because of the instant control, but we have an induction hob (already installed when we moved in) and we wouldn't ever have anything else now. Mr TF does all the cooking and he says it's far more efficient than gas, immediate control, and you wouldn't believe how quickly things cook on it. Much safer too if you have children around. From my perspective, it's a doddle to clean - just a quick wipe with a damp cloth and you never get burned on gubbins.

Jordan Henderson has to be the ugliest bloke I've ever seen!

One report said journos were door-stepping his mother. Maybe he thought that was unacceptable.

Chuka has removed himself from the contest http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/05/15/chuka-umunna-withdraws-from-labour-leadership-race_n_7289936.html?1431683007&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000067

This is very disturbing http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32738655

Yes it was at the same wedding but not to each other lol.

I've met Dave and Ed (at a wedding about 5 years ago). Charming men, whether you agree with their politics or not. And certainly not morons.