sadoldgit

They haven’t climbed down though have they? They have just adjusted the level at which it kicks in. They haven’t ditched the bill.

The last couple of years I have made my own chutney. Tomato, apple, courgettes, onion and sultanas. Schoolboy error. Mrs SOG does not like sultanas and picks them out and puts them on my plate. Happy with any crackers but Jacob’s Cream crackers are my favourite.

I see that Daily Mail are now accusing the government on making “an embarrassing u-turn” on the farmed inheritance tax despite slagging them off for months for proposing it in the first place. As far as I can see they have not made a u-turn, they have just amended the point at which it becomes effective. Maybe give them some credit for listening, reappraising and reframing the Bill?

Which again is where you seem to be confused. From what I can see the majority of people here who post regularly vote LibDem. LibDems are centrists. There are also people who don’t seem to have an issue with the politics and attitudes of Trump and Farage, which is where I think it goes “wonky.” You and people with similar views to you find it hard to defend those kind of extreme views so you have to find a way to deflect. In this case it means pretending that ordinary, normal people who have issues with extreme views from either the left or the right are suddenly painted as “lefties.” You would have us believe that the UK and Europe in general faces serious issues from the extreme Left when anybody who has been taken notice will know that the main issue is the rise of the far Right both in the UK and across several European countries. If there was a real and serious issue with the rise of extreme Left agendas you would not only see me but I am sure the others who you label “Lefties” post against them. I don’t recall you or your wingman ever coming out against those who are championing far (extreme for those who have problems with the word “far” in this context) right views. In fact all your wingman does is to post laughing emojis on posts that he has a problem with as he seems to have lost the ability to stand up for his views with actual words. You really do have a problem with centrist views don’t you? Would it help if I told you that Starmer is having problems with many in his party because they think that his policies are too centrist?

Here, in four words, is your issue. There are no rights or wrongs, only opinions. You have this thing about “lefties” which shows how closed your mind is given most of the people you calls “lefties” are liberals which, you should know, are general centrists. So then, opinions. Cameron and Osbourne decided that austerity was the best way forward for this country over 14 years ago. Other had a completely different opinion because they were of the opinion that public services would suffer badly. Whilst they were of the opinion that was proved right in actuality, you won’t find Cameron and Osbourne backtracking on their decision because they will stand by their original opinion that was the only way forward given Tory dogma. It was the right thing to do in their opinion because social services were not their priority. There will be consequences of the new rent reform bill, some will benefit some people, some will benefit others. There will be knock on effects down the road too, just like every other reform bill. Politicians will either support it for xyz reasons or attack it for xyz reasons, there will all feel that they are right and the others wrong. The same goes for economists. The bottom line is that one group of people want a fairer, more humane world where the “haves” do more to help the “have nots” and another group of people are more of the Darwinism mindset, the survival of the fittest where the “haves” do what they can to keep what they can whilst throwing a few crumbs to the “have nots” to salve their consciences when they feel a bit guilty. I think I know which group you are in. And yes, I know, it is only an opinion. A Christmas message for you Ralph (let’s drop the “Sir” shall we?). In 2026 maybe try to be less Trump and more Ed Davey?

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/23/us/trump-new-battleships-analysis-intl-hnk-ml Several reasons why this might not be one of Trump’s better cunning plans.

If you like blue cheese and you like Brie you will not be disappointed!

Blue Brie. Best of both worlds. Grated Parmesan on pretty much everything.

Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

Indeed. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/dec/22/man-in-uk-charged-alongside-five-others-with-sexual-offences-against-his-wife

Sad news. It’s tough to lose a loved one but more so just before Christmas. The BBC gave the story prime spot and five minutes on the 6pm news tonight. With all due respect to Chris Rhea and his career, he was no Eric Clapton or Paul McCartney. RIP

As a dyed in the wool capitalist Sir Ralph, do you think it is ok that the oil companies continue to make massive profits or do you think that they should be taxed more to help pay for the crumbling public services that are desperate for more investment? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dzk4kz722o.amp

Do you recall when you told us that you asked the mods to change your name from Delldays to Batman because no one was taking your posts seriously? The above post is the reason why.

Our housing issues go all the way back to Thatcher who sold off council houses and failed to reinvest in new ones.

Sorry to disappoint, but just to state the obvious, there isn’t a goalkeeper on the planet who doesn’t let goals in.