Brexit, for once some facts.

[Danidl]

Ireland's system isn't remotely like ours and they mostly elect coalitions.

I've never argued for pure PR, only argued against our first past the post system. No other country in the EU has solely first past the post system, winner takes all in one stage, so they have many more coalitions which are a superior way of governing.

That's why they are so much more advanced than us, as I demonstrated to OJ with the facts.
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Actually Colations in Ireland is relatively new. The party which has been in power most often since 1922 is FF ,and it has been able to run governments on its own. FG generally has not been able to do that and needs coalitions. But unlike the UK, both parties are more central . With FF being marginally Left of centre and FG being slightly Right of centre..but its a close thing. It has been possible for FF to ideologically support ,but remain out of Government a FG Government ,for the last 4years.
Labour tends to be a junior partner, in the mould of the Lib Dems and usually suffers unfairly at the next election.
We would almost certainly have had a general election before now, but Brexit has required that we remain stable. We will however need to have it by mid summer, so late March is the expected date.

 

[OxygenJames]

Northern Ireland nurses striking...

Hmmmm..

Something that puzzles a little bit:

"Yet salaries of nurses in Northern Ireland have been allowed to fall far behind those of colleagues in the rest of the UK. A newly qualified band 5 staff nurse there, for example, is now paid £1,419 less than their counterpart in England and Wales, and £1,875 less than in Scotland, each year."

That’s about 5%. And NI wages are, generally, about 10% lower than whole UK average.
Further, NI nurses get their training fees paid for them and still receive bursaries.

That is, there are two good reasons why NI nurse salaries should be lower than mainland. In fact, taking both together, NI nurse salaries are currently too high.

So, why the whining?

 

[Danidl]

Your idea of facts not mine. There are plenty of places in Spain I'd not want to live - or Italy - or France - or lots of places. You say they have better railways - stations - roads - etc. Last time I changed stations in France at the Gare Du Nord from the Eurostar it wasn't a patch on St Pancras. Some of the French roads are terrible (those around Calais for example) - and look at the social problems in France compared to here - the slums and ghettos in Paris the police won't go in - the whole problem they still have with their immigrants from N. Africa/Morocco. The Netherlands dealing with drug cartels murdering people in the streets the amount of drugs money going through the place - Germany about to hit a massive economic crisis - the far right in both France and Germany a horrible spectacle. Then there's the basket cases of Greece and parts of Italy and Spain. The unemployment rates down there a consequence of insisting the Euro remains as the currency as it is. How the continual coalitions creates social disharmony because nothing ever changes. How fed up people are in many places - way worse than here. Look at M Le Pen - the support she gets. Look at the protests in France - how long have they been going on for? Italy still a basket case. You can easy present an opposite view to yours.

But the train service in France is just so much better than in the UK. It works!.

 

[Danidl]

Northern Ireland nurses striking...

Hmmmm..

Something that puzzles a little bit:

That’s about 5%. And NI wages are, generally, about 10% lower than whole UK average.
Further, NI nurses get their training fees paid for them and still receive bursaries.

That is, there are two good reasons why NI nurse salaries should be lower than mainland. In fact, taking both together, NI nurse salaries are currently too high.

So, why the whining?

Are you sure that the educational stipends for student nurses in NI are any different than in mainland UK?. .. I am not.

 

[flecc]

Actually Colations in Ireland is relatively new. The party which has been in power most often since 1922 is FF ,and it has been able to run governments on its own.

I was posting to Zlatan in reference to my earlier post to him saying since 1948, so didn't repeat that.
.

 

[flecc]

Your idea of facts not mine. There are plenty of places in Spain I'd not want to live - or Italy - or France - or lots of places. You say they have better railways - stations - roads - etc. Last time I changed stations in France at the Gare Du Nord from the Eurostar it wasn't a patch on St Pancras. Some of the French roads are terrible (those around Calais for example) - and look at the social problems in France compared to here - the slums and ghettos in Paris the police won't go in - the whole problem they still have with their immigrants from N. Africa/Morocco. The Netherlands dealing with drug cartels murdering people in the streets the amount of drugs money going through the place - Germany about to hit a massive economic crisis - the far right in both France and Germany a horrible spectacle. Then there's the basket cases of Greece and parts of Italy and Spain. The unemployment rates down there a consequence of insisting the Euro remains as the currency as it is. How the continual coalitions creates social disharmony because nothing ever changes. How fed up people are in many places - way worse than here. Look at M Le Pen - the support she gets. Look at the protests in France - how long have they been going on for? Italy still a basket case. You can easy present an opposite view to yours.

I haven't said everything is better, that would be impossible. I said they are more advanced on the important things I mentioned.

I've posted before that I missed an opportunity to live there long ago. Having left it too long until I was old and having lifelong friends and a comfortable life here, it's not worth bothering for my remaining time.
.

 

[Zlatan]

One note, it's going back to at least 28 soon.

Macedonia, renamed to get Greek agreement is joining the EU shortly:

"On 12 June 2018, an agreement was reached between Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras and his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev, known as the Prespa agreement,[7] under which the country would be renamed the "Republic of North Macedonia". As part of this deal, Greece explicitly withdrew its previous opposition, allowing the EU to approve on June 27, 2018 the start of accession talks with the future Republic of North Macedonia."

The accession of Albania is tied to that of Macedonia and they are likely to join the EU at the same time.
.

Albania should not be allowed in. We, ll see yet another influx of criminals. My experience of Albania is similar if not worse than Jamaica.
If its the case, we are far better out.

 

[Zlatan]

Your idea of facts not mine. There are plenty of places in Spain I'd not want to live - or Italy - or France - or lots of places. You say they have better railways - stations - roads - etc. Last time I changed stations in France at the Gare Du Nord from the Eurostar it wasn't a patch on St Pancras. Some of the French roads are terrible (those around Calais for example) - and look at the social problems in France compared to here - the slums and ghettos in Paris the police won't go in - the whole problem they still have with their immigrants from N. Africa/Morocco. The Netherlands dealing with drug cartels murdering people in the streets the amount of drugs money going through the place - Germany about to hit a massive economic crisis - the far right in both France and Germany a horrible spectacle. Then there's the basket cases of Greece and parts of Italy and Spain. The unemployment rates down there a consequence of insisting the Euro remains as the currency as it is. How the continual coalitions creates social disharmony because nothing ever changes. How fed up people are in many places - way worse than here. Look at M Le Pen - the support she gets. Look at the protests in France - how long have they been going on for? Italy still a basket case. You can easy present an opposite view to yours.

Flecc has bought into the propoganda of how great EU is. On the E9 around Barcelona there are regular hold ups, where vehicles are stopped and robbed. I, ve said all this before. The EU is just not the pleasant place made out on here by folk who have not been for years. Yes, our society is far from perfect but given choice with respect for grand kids being safe there is no comparison. With all its issues Rotherham is safer, more pleasant than numerous places I, ve visited in Spain, France and definitely Greece.
There are homeless beggars at every supermarket in Northern Spain and Languedoc Roussilon. Said itvso many times now, if thats what EU gives us, forget it. Thanks but no thanks.
Flecc. The EU you describe is the post card myth. Reality is different. Yes, there are fantastic parts but far it also has massive social inequality throughout.

 

[Wicky]

Just as well we'll have all the British crims and expats returning from Spain at some point in the future...

 

[Zlatan]

Just as well we'll have all the British crims and expats returning from Spain at some point in the future...

No we wont. They cant sell their properties. Know quite a few down there, they aint coming back. Spain needs them whatever happens. Southern Spain economy would collapse in a month without expat Brits. Benidorm would be a tiny fishing village again if we all left and stopped going. Its more English than Scarborough. Well a few Scots and Irish too.
Whats going to make them come home Wicki? Beer, wine, food, cigs all still cheaper. Still get menu del dia for 10 euro. Its still sunny. Brandy still dirt cheap. Time for a reality check. Your pension will still go further than at home in Marbella. Even with pound /Euro parity. And since house prices have collapsed there you can buy a cheap gaff. They let non EU citizens buy stuff you know. When I lived down there I was surrounded by Aussies. They aint in EU I, m sure. Money still spends.Whereever it comes from.

 

[Danidl]

Albania should not be allowed in. We, ll see yet another influx of criminals. My experience of Albania is similar if not worse than Jamaica.
If its the case, we are far better out.

When you leave,you leave, you get no say in who we invite ..so on this topic just shut up!.

 

[oldgroaner]

It's not been a good week for you has it?

On the contrary, everything is going as predicted, the seeds of Brexit failing are now sown
And here is your proof in the Telegraph
"
Boris Johnson insists there will be 'no alignment' with the EU after Brexit
Boris Johnson insisted that Britain would not follow any EU rules after Brexit as he set up a showdown with Brussels over a trade deal.

The Prime Minister made clear that he would pursue a hard Brexit by saying there would be “no alignment” between the two sides, defying the EU’s claim that it was a “must” for any future relationship.

On a historic day for Britain’s relationship with the rest of Europe, the Brexit “divorce” Bill sailed through the Commons with a majority of 124 on Friday, and will become law on Jan 9, enabling a Jan 31 exit and for trade negotiations to begin in earnest

Trade deal? who with? the man is an even bigger fool that those who voted for him.

But it's no good complaining about the monkey when the organ grinder (Cummings) isn't even elected, is it?

 

[oldgroaner]

If you think it's so much better you could just move there.

How come you stay here?

How come you to ask such a question, has Brexit encouraged it?
It does seem to have encouraged the worst possible elements of society
You are undermining your position with little Englander remarks

 

[Zlatan]

When you leave,you leave, you get no say in who we invite ..so on this topic just shut up!.

Says the man from RoI, whose been passing judgement on UK for past 3 years. Nice one.Very pleasant.
But you are right, when we, ve actually left but for time being I, ll carry on, so I, ve changed my mind, let Albania in will it just make EU even more lawless and unpleasant. Should suit your type nicely.

 

[OxygenJames]

How come you to ask such a question, has Brexit encouraged it?
It does seem to have encouraged the worst possible elements of society
You are undermining your position with little Englander remarks

You could join him.

 

[OxygenJames]

Says the man from Ireland.. Nice one.
Very pleasant. But you are right, when we, ve actually left but for time being I, ll carry on, so let Albania in will just make EU even more lawless and unpleasant. Should suit your type nicely.

Danny's talking out his butt. No way will the EU kick the Brits out of Spain - or anywhere. Like you said - they need the money. For a start they have a £9b+ hole in their budget to fix now.

 

[OxygenJames]

You could join him.

I would encourage anybody who does not like the situation here - to leave. Seriously. It will make the place much more pleasant for those that do like the situation here.

 

[50Hertz]

When you leave,you leave, you get no say in who we invite ..so on this topic just shut up!.

‘That’s the spirit. Greece and Italy will be delighted when Albania join the EU. It will solve their under population problems overnight.

 

[OxygenJames]

From the CEO of Phones 4 U.

"Throughout the build up to the election I made my position clear regarding my political values. I am proud of Britain, I am happy to pay my tax, but my fears of what Labour would do to the fabric of this country had they got in, were increasing.

My view was and is, that if Labour had gained power, that it would not only be devastating for the wealthy people who want to stay in Britain, but would be devastating for all classes, including the poor.

Hence I made my decision to donate £500,000 to the Conservative Party on the Monday before the election. I have never donated to any political party, apart from a single donation to Bill Cash's campaign for Brexit. However, I felt that I could no longer stand by and do nothing, as the rhetoric spun by both Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell was so abhorrent and terrifying, in terms of what it would it would do to a “Great” Britain.

My well publicised interview with John McDonnell in his constituency the week before, only affirmed my views that the Labour Party attaining power would be catastrophic for Britain. John McDonnell did nothing to change my views. His arguments were flawed and weak and, worse still, I saw him as a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Labour's manifesto was completely unachievable and unfinanceable, and would have thrown the country into turmoil. They were trying to buy votes by taking money off the rich and giving it to the poor. Unfortunately, they would have driven so many rich people out of the country that the UK's tax base would have been reduced dramatically. Far from helping the poor, Labour would have had to increase taxes on everyone who remained.

The following day, I met Boris Johnson at the Conservative headquarters, to discuss my commitment to helping make Britain great again, and two days following I made my donation of £500,000.

Brexit was a big part of this decision to donate, because we just had to get Brexit done and Boris is the only man to do this.

The Government has only got so much money to go round and whether they put it into social services or health services, they have to operate within budget or raise taxes. That is a fact of life. Corbyn's rhetoric was anti-rich, anti-billionaire, anti-aspirational, anti-inspirational and negative in every way. Labour would have not only been divisive to our society, undermining enterprise in every way – they would have sucked the life blood out of the economy. I do want to see the health service improve - but we have to find different ways of doing it.

I want to see the poor better off by making the country wealthier and for there to be increased tax revenue to be able to afford these improvements, but whilst still encouraging the wealthy to stay in Britain. I want to see the NHS prosper. I see no reason whatsoever why every hospital cannot have a private area which deals with people who can afford it or have got private health insurance. Any profits from this private work would contribute towards an improved health service for the rest of society.

Of course, this retains a two tier service - but why not use tier one to make tier two much better? It would be the same doctors treating people privately as treating people on the NHS. There is no Utopian solution to this - life can be unfair. We already have the super-wealthy like me, and we have poor people. We just need to do everything we can to bridge this divide.

I am not anti-Labour. I am anti the dreadful policies and the practices of Corbyn and McDonnell. What I want is a very credible Labour party. Hopefully, after Brexit we can get back to two party politics with a much strengthened rejuvenated Labour party with sensible and productive policies. I have always voted Conservative, but I never felt so paranoid about the destruction of Great Britain, as I have felt about this Labour Party coming to power.

Had the policies of the Labour Party been more sensible, I almost certainly would not have felt the need to donate. "

John Caudwell founded mobile phone retailer Phones4U

 

[50Hertz]

How come you to ask such a question, has Brexit encouraged it?
It does seem to have encouraged the worst possible elements of society
You are undermining your position with little Englander remarks

‘It’s a valid question. I think that if you went to live in France for example, you would want to return to England pretty quickly.

I speak from first hand experience when I say their general food shopping is appalling. supermarkets smell unclean and i believe the food they sell is of a lower quality than that in the U.K. Their retail after sales is shoddy, particularly technology and electrical good, and if a product develops a fault within warranty, it’s standard practice to give you the FO. They literally laugh at the European Consumer rights legislation. I’m talking about the Equivalent of Curys & John Lewis here as well as small independents.

French government departments, health care, law, social care are all hostile. They will refuse point blank to converse in English or to provide any form of interpretation.

If you went to France, you’d be back here within six months asking to live in Boris’s Brexit Land. You’d do that because it’s better here when you are a needy and vulnerable person. They all return when they reach that stage, because we look after people better here.