IT'S ALL A LITTLE QUEER?

Early yesterday morning I visited a local Sunday market.  This is not a regular pursuit, ie two in one month, but a particular farmshop from deepest Sussex did not attend the former, but did the latter.  Nine jams. conserves, marmalades and six bottles of Apple juice later and I was ready to depart.  My attention was drawn to a stand where a chap in white artisan attire was talking with a female customer.  The name above his wares proclaimed, 'The Gay Butcher'.

Which way was the word 'Gay' to be read or taken, I pondered.  Is he gay in the 1930's manner?  Is he a naturally happy Chappy or as queer as kippers?  The analogy with kippers being queer has long fascinated me,  I say 'long', it's probably about as long as I've been writing this piece, but it does make you think back to all the kippers you've met over breakfast throughout your life and yet none have revealed their sexuality or their sexual preferences.  They just lay on the plate, tempting you into salivating mode with their freshly cooked, colourful hues awaiting consumption,  prior to toast and marmalade and a second cup of tea.  All this satisfaction before a brisk walk along the sea front hoping that your day will not be ruined by the sight of not-so-small boats decanting yet another overspill of migrants upon our shores - and all before ten in the morning!

I digress...  Why, oh why,  do these children of a far more selective god feel the need to tell you?  Many women really like the idea of having homosexual male friends.  They feel safe and gossip is on a par with that of their female 'besties'.  Perhaps it's also a talking point with others within their chattering bubble,  or possibly a status symbol?  Surely not? 

Perhaps if I had spent more time at the market I could possibly have spotted a sign proclaiming 'The Straight Butcher'?  Would he - or she - be allowed to call themselves by that description?  Would it not be considered provocative, possibly?  Inflammatory,  maybe?  I don't understand the Transwhatever movement harping on about 'inclusion' when at one and the same time they also wish to stand out from the crowd, be seen to be different, whinging continually that they are not always welcomed as equals in society.  Not surprising, I would have thought, when taking into consideration all the marches, the flags, the 'rainbow-painted' zebra crossings and only this week, a boatload of drag queens sailing gayly along the Seine as part of the Olympics opening ceremony - unbelievable...

Last month, whilst in B&Q, I happened to be casting my eye over their limited selection of roses with a view to purchasing a couple of specimens.  What caught my eye was a sign stating that for every rose purchased, said company would donate £1 to  LGBTransfarce (my word, not B&Q), or whatever clutch of letters they are living under at any one time.  Why?  Why would any company wish to donate money to a group of people whose sole agenda appears to be related to sexual orientation.  Whilst I am sure some would call it an affliction, it is not cancer, or indeed any other medical condition, research for which is in constant need of funding.  Is it pressure from certain political quarters on businesses throughout the country that encourage, nay, pressure them into promoting June as 'Pride' month?  Again I ask - Why?  How can a case be made for donations to this dubious cause when there are animal shelters crying out for support.  B&Q and any other business with money to squander would do well to consider the customers and their views before donating to such a worthless cause.  I journeyed on to Homebase in order to purchase my two roses - one yellow, one red, no pink!  

Back to yesterday, I just couldn't see myself discussing the price of sausages with 'The Gay Butcher' - it wouldn't sit comfortably!

                                               WHEN JUSTICE ISN'T SERVED

Are these JSO people bred to be disruptive and selfish?  Is there a gene secretly installed in embryos similar to a computer chip in order to muster  protesters/morons for Just Stop Oil?   Earlier this week a 60 year-old grandmother, Karen Wildin  - who appears to have lost a 'g' somewhere along her backstory - aged 60, was ordered to pay a £3000 fine.  This selfish, irresponsible and self-righteous cove - or Golden Oldie - depends upon your point of view - stopped a freight train before climbing onto the roof of a wagon waving the JSO trademark orange flag.  Having held up the train's journey and its staff for several hours, she then alighted.  How thoroughly pointless.

Whilst she was fined what might seem a reasonable amount for her action and the trains inaction, the cost of her petulant behaviour was considerably more, but don't worry, the taxpayer will pick up that tab! Network Rail had to pay £16,400 in compensation to rail operators for delays caused and 16 police officers were in attendance.  Why was she not made to pay every penny of both Network Rail's compensation and the cost to the public for the police attendance?  If that had been the case, she may then  think twice about her continuing in this puerile manner and it may even make her homeless.  I'm not vindictive by nature, as you well know, but these people need to be taught a lesson and in the pocket is where the lesson is generally taught the hardest.

                            

                           WHERE JUSTICE WILL HOPEFULLY BE SERVED

'An error of judgement' said Charlotte Dujardin as she spoke of the film footage that emerged of her whipping her horse on the back of the legs 24 times.  This is not training, this is cruelty performed on an animal.  I have always had mixed feelings about Dressage.  It doesn't sit comfortably with me that a horse should be subjected to this extremely disciplined act.   I see it more as a party piece for the rider,  I'm sure it makes them feel good about themselves, but I doubt if the horse feels the same way about the constant instruction and performance.  You wouldn't put a human being through that, well not before the 'Strictly Come Dancing's' revelations you wouldn't!  Why are people so competitive?  This desire to win at all costs makes monsters out of those who at one time were probably nice people I suspect, but success can breed and indeed feed the need and lead to greed, so take heed! 

As ever, once made public and looking to minimise the obvious backlash, both from within the 'industry' and from the public, the once 'Golden Girl' of last week, and swiftly-cast pariah of today, stated that she was 'deeply ashamed'.  In mitigation - and there is always mitigation when you've been found out and there's nowhere to go - the disgraced Dujardin added 'What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils'.  It never does when it looks as if your career is about to take a dive, hopefully never to rise again.  

 The British Olympic Committee and the International Federation of Equestrian Sports  have acted with purpose and authority.  She will not be representing our country at the Olympics and two of her financial backers - Equine LTS and KBIS - have withdrawn their sponsorship.  The first company states  that they are 'shocked and saddened by the video' and the latter company saying they 'cannot and will not condone behaviour that goes against providing the best care possible for horses'.

I do hope the resulting enquiry does not end with a metaphorical slapping of the wrists where she is allowed to 'get back in the saddle', so to speak once the furore is over and the training circuit dust has settled. Frankly, I would ban her from owning a horse for the rest of her life, that way she would most certainly suffer.  I'd imagine a lot of horses might vote for that punishment as well given the circumstances!

                                             JUSTICE SEEN TO BE DONE

How joyous to be able to write the above title in the knowledge that for once it has been seen to be done! Those responsible for holding up the traffic on the M25 in November 2022 have been held to account for their selfish action.  You cannot see the smile that permeates my face as I place digit upon keyboard.  Forget Christmas and birthday presents, this is one I will savour long after the metaphorical wrapping is discarded, for these contents fall into the category of the 'veritable present that keeps on giving' - well for a few years anyway.

Five protesters - Roger Hallam, 58, from Wales (There's lovely), Danial Shaw, 38, from nondescript Northampton,  Louise Lancaster, 58, from leftist Cambridge, Lucia Whittaker De Abreu, 35, from Derby, whose name sounds more 'Chelsea' than one originating from northern climes, and Cressida Gethin, 22, from Hereford,  whose name indicates she may well have one foot in Kensington and another in Cardiff, were all sentenced to four years imprisonment with the exception of Mr. Hallam who received an additional year.  Still not long enough in my book - see previous post entitled 'Just Stop Oil - Another Name For  Misguided Inadequates' and dated 25th June 2024 for  previous comments and thoughts.  The Hallam chap is co-founder of both  Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion.  The 'Gang of Five's' combined efforts cost the economy at least £765,000 prosecutors alleged in court, while the Metropolitan Police Force's costs were in excess of £1.1 million.  What a waste of public money and police time.  I doubt very much if any of the five deranged fanatics will see the common-sense light while doing porridge, but I hope they might reflect on the misery they caused to others and the pointlessness of their actions, other than to get their names in print and their obligatory fifteen minutes of fame.  

It didn't go unnoticed that The Guardian's headline ran with its typical namby-pamby offering:  'Just Stop Oil jail terms raise questions over harsh treatment of protesters'.  The article is written by one Haroon Siddigue. the paper's Legal affairs correspondent.  I rarely come across a traditional English name when reading an article in this newspaper.  It would be interesting to know what percentage of the editorial and journalist team are actually of true English heritage?  But then, it is not a newspaper known for standing back and looking at the bigger picture.  Below the heading are two sub-statements.  The first reads: 'Lengthy prison sentences seen by many as heavy-handed and prompt comparisons with other offences. The second advises that it is:  '"Not acceptable in any democracy"': UN expert condemns lengthy Just Stop Oil sentences.  

With regard to the first comment, it would be interesting to know just how many saw the sentences as 'heavy-handed', and were those, whose opinions the paper sought, friends or relatives of Guardian employees, or did they enquire outside of their opinion-closeted bubble and seek the thoughts of real people?  I doubt if it was the latter.  Not one person I have spoken to has considered the sentences as being 'harsh'.  Many feel that at best they should have been forcefully removed at the start of their shenanigans, and most felt that being run over would have eased the tailbacks within minutes and sent a message to their fellow morons that we, the British tax-paying public, will not put up with the work-shy dictating their views in such a destructive way without consequences.  I repeat that I agree with the protesters in regards to their concerns and where big business and governments across the globe are letting us down, but they will never get the public behind them with these acts of crass stupidity.

On to point two, what in the name of 'Outside Interference' gives a UN 'expert' the right to pontificate and comment on a situation that does not concern him or his dubious organisation?  Was he in the traffic queuing for hours while the police looked on?  Can't imagine so for one minute!  They would be more highly regarded if they concentrated on protesting against  the destruction of natural resources and the removal of native tribes by development corporations across the world that are causing ongoing damage to our planet.  

What you do know, is that if The Guardian  and all who sail in her feel aggrieved, outraged, disgusted, or any other form of anger or irritation at what they consider an injustice, it is extremely likely that the public at large will reckon that justice has been meted out to the offending cretins - a rarity in these times of rights without responsibility.

                                         IT'S ALL A QUESTION OF NUMBERS!

Rioting took place the last night before last in the City of Leeds.  Appalling scenes were shown on yesterday's early morning news.  The area known as Harehills is not a suburb I have ever visited, nor ever likely to.  It looks ghastly even without the efforts of mindless scum to make it a lot worse.  I noticed that little was mentioned about the society or heritage of the main protagonists during the BABC news.  

Only as I write these notes on the left hand side of the screen, with the right hand dedicated to my research pages, which include many pictures and videos, does it become apparent that there were an awfully large number of those from Asian backgrounds involved, or resident in the area.   No wonder there was no mention of this on the news, the last thing the left-leaning Beeb want to do is to upset a minority, even when it is an offending minority!  

Looking through the photographs taken during the flotsam-cultivated unrest, one swarthy character can be seen setting fire to a double-decker bus - the picture is very clear. I do hope he is arrested, charged and when found guilty,  made to pay the bus owners every penny that it takes to replace the one he has either destroyed single-handedly or helped to destroy.  Of course he won't be, as that is not the British way of dealing with crime.  For the sake of balance, even-handedness and that inscrutably English sense of fair play, a baseball-cap toting, tattooed white chap is pictured damaging a police car - why?  Other than allowing him the opportunity to vent his anger at the police, society  or life as a hole - and for many, that's what it is on a daily basis - what good does that pointless destruction do in the long term?  This is  why we have so many criminals and situations such as this.  The law is not a deterrent because sentences are far too lenient with redress to victims woefully inadequate.  If I were responsible for the City, tear-gas would have been brought into play very early on followed by water canons.  Why is authority so weak?

Nigel Farage MP, the voice of common sense commented:  'The politics of the subcontinent are currently playing out on the streets of Leeds.  Don't say I didn't warn you.'  He is not wrong and speaks for the vast majority of white, English citizens who have seen the face of Britain turn darker and more ugly.  It is all about numbers.  Do those in Parliament not understand that the greater the build-up of population in compressed geographical areas with a background and religion that is culturally alien to ours, the greater the confidence to create their own code of conduct, their own divorced society and ultimately their own laws.

Alex Sobel, the MP for Leeds Central and Headingly, was quick to admonish our Nige.  But then he would, wouldn't he...  Donald Trump's running mate, JD Vance made the astute observation that 'the United Kingdom could, under Labour, be the first Islamist country with nuclear weapons'.  Naturally, Angela Rayner, our newly installed Deputy Prime Minister opined that she  'didn't recognise that characterisation'.  But then she wouldn't, would she!  Baroness Warsi, the first Muslim to serve in a British cabinet,  said that Mr. Vance's comments represented 'the everyday Islamaphobia and anti-Muslim racism which is casually thrown around by some of the most powerful in our societies'.  This is opposed to those of certain societies who casually throw around bombs on busses, in streets and theatres indiscriminately killing innocent men, women and children, and all for their religion, their calling - ultimately their desire for power.  

Reversing the situation, would an Asian, or more specifically, a Muslim country allow an enclave of migrant Brits to riot, overturn their police cars and set light to public transport without serious consequences?  I think not! Can you see a situation where sub-continent suburbs crammed with white immigrant masses hailing from Harlow, Milton Keynes, Telford and Pratts Bottom form a Christian based society and demand rights over and above those enjoyed by the indigenous Muslim population?  No, exactly.  It just wouldn't happen.  That is not even taking into account the killing of innocent lives through a perceived idea that a Christian God is above all others in another country that follows a different religious path. Once again, I have absolutely no doubt that public anger would be far more severe and retribution much more extreme than that meted out in the UK.

The greatest threat to both the UK and Europe comes from the increasing influence of the Muslim faith and those within it who want it to take precedence over all others.  Europe is sleep-walking into a cultural war that could turn very ugly and costly if it doesn't wake up and listen to the people. France had the opportunity during its recent elections to do something about it.  The left, centre-left and all those with an agenda to continue to look the other way,  formed a collective that has brought French politics and government into a three-way stalemate.  It will be sorted, it always is, but imagine a government that actually listened to the concerns of the ordinary worker in France, those of French heritage who must be shaking their heads at the change in society that no-one voted for, few want but ultimately can do little about, such is the power in politics when backs are against the wall.

On a personal note, I have met with Muslim doctors in my local hospital.  They have always been respectful and courteous.  I would like to think they thought the same of me.  It is all down to numbers.  I had occasion some months ago to find myself returning from a talk in East London.  My sat-nav took me through Ilford.  The main thoroughfare was teeming with life, street markets, shops still open and all this at 9.30, maybe 10pm.  One could have been forgiven for assuming one was travelling through an Asian suburb somewhere in Pakistan.  I genuinely struggled to spot a white face.  At no time did I feel intimidated, but it came as a bit of a culture shock to see just how much the area had changed over a relatively short number of years.  Couldn't imagine hearing the phrase ''Ow yer doing me old china?'.

Still, I'm sure our left-of-centre Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper will sort out the mess and ensure that Britain's indigenous population has even less rights over the next five years.  The Labour Party could adopt the tag-line: 'Vote Labour - Where Work Doesn't Benefit, But Benefits DO!'  That should encourage the fag-burning, lager-consuming, scratch-card buying, designer-shoe wearing father of eight to get off his backside and vote for a more comfortable continuation of his life of luxury.  Can there be anything more profitable to the unemployed  and usually unemployable, than being classified by a newly-qualified social worker with umpteen degrees and no life skills, or experience, as 'living in poverty'?  For REAL poverty speak to those who lived through the 1930's.  Probably too traumatic for those with delicate ears and a needy disposition.

Right, that's it until the next time.  Bye for now...

 

LABOUR IN GOVERNMENT - THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR REMAINING COUNTRYSIDE AMID A BURGEONING POPULATION

Today will see the King's speech, where plans are laid out for the forthcoming Parliament.  Among the myriad of policies will be the intention to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years.  Those at the top of the Labour pile make this statement with pride, as if the public are supporting their quest to concrete over our remaining fields and orchards. The shares in house-builders and developers rose significantly as the election result was announced, that in itself is telling.  

I have held the view for some years now that any UK government must surely be sponsored by the National Association of House Builders, such is their mission to destroy thousands of years of beauty, while at the same time creating look-alike estates lacking imagination in design or quality.  No doubt the percentage target for 'Affordable housing' will increase with the Government's crusade in helping the helpless.   

The Labour Party has a history of fawning to the unemployed, the wastrel, seasoned benefit claimants and those with inflated families, many households spanning all the aforementioned of course!  The desire to take the two-child cap off of Child Benefit is a typical indicator of Labour thinking.  I suspect they consider large families to be more sympathetic to voting Labour at forthcoming elections.  They have traditionally cultivated support from the ethnic minorities over the past decades, although the ever-increasing Muslim vote, (brought about by the ever-increasing number of UK resident Muslims), went a tad awry at the recent elections. That discussion is for another post!

What concerns me most is the complete indifference all governments give to the very residents affected by these monstrous, bland estates.  You then have to consider the social standing, the quality of the tenants/part-owners/stakeholders/Gawdknowswhatowners that will inhabit these prize-winning developments that provide the trough of plenty for directors and shareholders alike!  I trust that doesn't' sound overly pompous, but no-one I have ever discussed future development taking place in their village has welcomed  'social housing' being 'at their end' of the road.  

Have we learnt nothing from the Russian invasion of Ukraine?  We need land on which to grow our own food.  We need to protect our own future.  We cannot keep taking in the world's displaced, the benefit-hunter, those discriminated against in their own country, be they homosexual, lesbian, transwhatevers or for any other reason to seek refuge here.  My policy is clear:  Bugger off and seek refuge elsewhere, we are FULL!  As I write this piece, another boatload will be setting sail from a French beach bound for Blighty and a future backed by a Labour government hell-bent on continuing the destruction of what we once regarded as British society.  

Ah well...  I think a cuppa is in order.  English Breakfast Tea, supported by a side-plate of toast  (Two slices), ladened with Lurpak butter and Waitrose Apricot Conserve.  This warming edible start-to-my-day will be consumed along with my seemingly ever-increasing colation of tablets for various ailments and age-related conditions.  Luckily none of the side effects listed in great detail on every pack appears to nullify one's desire to 'see things as they are' and speak out about them.  I wonder how long that will last before government agencies are employed to stifle criticism by even more nefarious means than our imagination can muster?

As an aside, can I say 'Welcome' to all readers of this blog.  Until recently it has been viewed mainly by UK residents.  I now see that readership has spread to Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Germany and the USA - Thank you one and all!  

Until the next time, Cheerio for now...

                                                         WHILE I THINK OF IT...

I visited a farmers' market yesterday.  Held on a monthly basis in a field behind a buzzing Surrey village centre, it was akin to being part of a time capsule.  Stalls neatly laid out selling all one could ask from such an undertaking.  From locally grown vegetables, home-cured meats to cheeses and fish, plus beer and candles, the market was heavily supported by villagers and visitors alike, many bringing their dogs with them.  It felt as if the epitome of Englishness had gathered for the morning.  From ladies dressed in expensive outdoor clothing to so-called designer attire, men sporting straw hats to those of a more rustic calling, it evoked memories of a more gentle age, certainly an England one would prefer to still be part of on a daily basis.  A neatly decorated caravan selling cream teas and other home-made delicacies round off the proceedings.  Tables and chairs full of the chattering classes taking tea with friends while dogs sat alongside without recourse to barking.  It was a very 'native' scene.  Not one ethnic face was spotted amongst the visitors, though a black Labrador appeared looking totally relaxed with its surroundings, but then it would do.  The canine world is not overly-populated with dogs of a black hue - lab or mongrel!

It was interesting, therefore, that an article in The Guardian caught my eye concerning a black female MP by the name of Dawn Butler - elected in 2015.  No, you wouldn't know she wasn't a native by her name.  There is a picture of a group of black women, all of whom have apparently been elected to serve their constituencies and more importantly, their constituents. Thankfully, it should be some time before they are likely to be representing the constituency in which I reside!  The sub-heading, placed above the sea of smiling, seemingly self-satisfied faces,  states:  MP says she 'won't be silenced' after posting on social media to celebrate ethnic diversity of her Westminster cohort.  The article is written by one Aletha Adu. The main thrust of this apparent excitement is that Ms, Miss, Mrs (delete as necessary) Butler has been reported to the police for 'showing off the melanin'.  Now, I have absolutely no idea as to what 'melanin' is when it's at home. Sadly, or more probably fortunately, I have not experienced the assumed pleasure garnered through the art of 'showing it off'!  I suspect I'd have to be 'ethnically inclined ' in order to perform that feat.  A reader responded to the lady's post on X by asking:  'Just imagine if a white MP celebrated the lack of melanin in a group photo..?'  The 'Butler' - and it's not a job I could see her applying for once she is hopefully relieved of her well-paid House of Commons seat - was elected to serve ALL constituents, not just the ethnic majority of Brent East.  This attitude does her no credit at all, though it comes as no surprise of course.  The ethnic shoulder chip is evident and such arrogance is displayed for all to see.  (Melanin, so I have just read, is a substance in the body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation - so now I know, having just looked it up!) 

How sad that standards have dropped so far and that those with 'racial agendas' can rise to such exalted heights.  Still, with mass diversity now playing out in such numbers in the once-hallowed corridors of Parliament, is it any wonder that 14.8 % of the voting public put their cross against the Reform Party?

As Lee Anderson, Reform's newly-elected MP for Ashfield pleaded, 'I want my country back'.  For a moment yesterday, in that quintessential Surrey village, I was back there, proud and relaxed to be part of an England I recall with warmth and fondness ...

                                           MR. STARMER AND AN OMINOUS FUTURE

That's the United Kingdom's future over the next five years I'm referring to, not the newly-elected Prime Minister. For him it's heady and bright, the tarnish is yet to come, but come it will!  Having read of his not-unexpected cabinet appointments, the one that fills me with dread and not a little loathing is that of Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary.  I never took to her or her other half, Ed Balls, during the 'Expenses scandal'.  They, along with dozens of MP's from all parties, were embroiled in claiming a wide-ranging and imaginative wheezes in order to inflate their income at the taxpayers' expense.  

Claims for second homes, false accounting, nannies 'moonlighting' as secretary's,  dubious gardening services and,  of course, the infamous 'Duck house'.  You can still 'read all about it' on Google ( other mediums are available!).  The list of culprits is long and head-shaking.  Messrs Blair, Brown and Cameron to name but three leaders who grubbied their mitts in the 'Trough of plenty'.  Unlike virtually all investigations of both MP's and House of Lords members that were upheld along with the appropriate repayments and admonishments, the case against 'Balls & Co' were dismissed.  Hopefully that served as a warning to the pair, though no smoke without fire,  I say!

YC's appointment, that of being in charge of the police and immigration, does not make for a confident start to life under the new regime.  The Rwanda plan is dead.  I see no problem with that -  I always saw it as a costly and unnecessary exercise.  Labour will always see it as an 'inhumane' exercise, although without a publicly-mentioned alternative to the burdensome problem    Ms. Cooper will no doubt open the flood gates if her previous stance on letting in the wastrels, the undeserving and the unwanted is anything to go by.  Released into our society to claim from our very generous benefit system, flout our laws and involve themselves in crime on a regular basis, it appears to fly in the face of Mr. Starmer's announcement that too many people are in prison!  My lack of faith in the Labour Party as a governing body has never changed despite internal swings from left to hard left and back again.  They are, and always will be the party of the the benefit claimant, lapdogs to the unions and weak on law and order.

I do hope the Labour Party will not assume that their large majority is in any way related to their popularity and turnout.  Their percentage of voters was 33.7% whilst winning 63% of the seats.  The Tories accrued 24% of the vote and 19% of the seats.  Whilst proportional representation would have been extremely beneficial to the smaller parties, I still favour 'First past the post'.  It's simple, and frankly, you know where you are, it's not difficult to follow.  However, one can sympathise with both Reform UK and the Green Party - that is if one could ever sympathise with the Green Party, who in my books are an exaggerated and far more worrying version of the Labour Party, in other words, not something to be recommended!  Luckily for those sporting 'common sense' and a 'sense of justice',  we Brits will not have to worry about the 'Greens' other than putting them to one side of the political plate for a while yet.  They did manage 7% of the vote and are up from one MP to four.  Reform UK ranked third in terms of voters  - 14% of the share -  but have only 5 MP's to show for it.  The Lib-Dems however, appear to have done their homework and now have a heady 70+ seats, which is quite a remarkable success when you bear in mind they only attained 11% of the share.  To me, both Labour and the L-D's are punching above the popularity rating.  I do hope they remember their share when preening like peacocks and crowing like cockerels. The problem with politicians is that they believe that their self-indulgent success will carry them through the next five years. They could do worse than to remind themselves of the Tories demise through similar failings.

The one aspect of British life that thankfully never fails is our ability to see the funny side of disasters, and that includes elections. I received several humorous pics and cartoons leading up to, and post result.  One was a poster advising: 'Vote Rick Astley for Prime Minister', with a photo of him beneath the headline.  Below are the lyrics listed as bullet points alongside 'tick boxes':  'We will never' - 'Give you up',  'Let you down',   'Run around',  'Desert you',  'Make you cry',  Say goodbye',  Tell a lie' ' Hurt you'...  How quick these quipsters are!  

Another pic saw Rishi Sunak in a takeaway clutching a carrier bag.  The caption reads: 'New Deliveroo driver on a practise run before starting 5th July.'   One pic appropriate to our new government's attitude to crime and punishment shows the rear panel of a white van pleading:  'DON"T steal my tools. I need then to pay for your BENEFITS!'.  The last is my favourite.  It shows  Mr . Starmer outside No.10 with the caption:  'It's not often a white family gets rehoused at the expense of an Asian family.'   Cue wry smile...

Until the next time, enjoy learning of the policies the Labour Party didn't make public until it was safe to do so!

                                         ALL OVER BAR THE INFIGHTING

With just six seats left to declare, the United Kingdom faces the certainty of a Labour government.  As I commented upon in an earlier post and supported by Conservatives MP's and interviewees as the results came in, the party's desire to spend countless months of public squabbling finally nailed the lid on their time in office.  If only the Tories had looked outwards instead of inwards they might have seen the frustration on the voters' faces and got on with governing for the betterment of the country.  I had a chance encounter with Jeremy Hunt late last year.  During our five minute meeting I endeavoured to get across to him the despair, disappointment and anger felt by so-called 'ordinary working people'.  I mentioned the uncontrolled immigration - both legal and illegal -  that is swamping our landscape.  Why are we paying £9 million a day to house these would-be settlers, I asked?  I said that most people, given the choice, would prefer to see the money spent on the NHS.  The lack of doctors and subsequent appointments, dentistry, the closure of services, community centres, youth clubs etc were making this country an unhappier place to live in with every cost saving measure.  And yes, I did mention the continued rape of our land for housing without the support facilities to go with them.  To be fair to the then Chancellor, he did not attempt to interrupt. His answer was party-line and predictable, certainly not inspiring.  Totally out-of-touch, I felt.  Ah well, it all came out in the wash, at least he retained his seat, albeit by less than 900 votes.

It is, however, what it is.  Labour have a thumping majority, the Tories have the least number of seats in its history and Reform have taken around 15% of the vote.  Unfortunately that sizeable percentage did not turn into more than four seats, but from little acorns...  The Lib-Dems, who I class in the same category as Lord Longford, Elton John and Sadiq Khan, such is my loathing and disdain for the aforementioned trio, did impressively well garnering over 70 seats.  My breakfast, which consisted of two slices of toast topped with Waitrose apricot conserve, accompanied by tea and tablets, was very nearly brought back up when confronted by the sight of their leader, 'Odious Ed Davey', 'Dad dancing' to 'Sweet Caroline' at their post-result celebrations. This type of action, when shown of TV to an unsuspecting public, should be preceded by a eye-catching warnings.  It was not an edifying sight by any strech of the imagination - and mine can be stretched quite considerably given a fair wind and 'Our Carol' talking about 'cold fronts' approaching from Urals - but that's another fantasy!   

In four to five years time, when the Labour Party has had its elongated moment of glory and Momentum are the driving force with the trade unions dictating policy, the phrase 'What goes around, comes around', may be very apt!   With Mr. Starmer struggling to maintain his grip on a party ever more embroiled with its Muslim supporters over Palestine, arms sales and support for Israel, uncontrolled immigration, yet-to-be-disclosed tax increases, inflation at record levels, Uniting Ireland - and more - the immediate future for our sceptic Isles does not make for comfortable thought.

I will rely on the true opposition, in the shape of Mr Farage and Mr Lowe (newly-elected member for Great Yarmouth), plus their fellow Reform compatriots to table questions on behalf of the British people that will make for awkward moments in th House of Commons.  

As for the coverage of the elections on television last night, it was without doubt the most amateurish and shambolic I have ever witnessed.  I watched the BABC for the first few hours before turning over to ITV to see if their coverage was any better.  Sadly, it was not. A return to the Beeb witnessed Clive Myrie 'umming' and 'arring' constantly.  For a seasoned journalist and broadcaster he looked and sounded totally uncomfortable. Not being the greatest admirer of Laura Kuenssberg, I have to say she should have been left to do the job by herself.  She was the consummate professional and could easily have held it together with Chris Mason as the political analyst by her side with guests coming and going during the night and early morning. What didn't go unnoticed was the large number of black and Asian reporters out and about. Other than the overly-excited Jeremy Vine, striding the length and breadth of the UK in his quest to show the projected state of play on his digitally-produced maps and models, (surprised he didn't cycle!). there were very few white males in evidence.  Such is the left-wing wokery of the BABC.  Oh for the days of David Dimbleby and his ilk.

Spare a thought for the likes of Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Penny Mordaunt and Grant Shapps, to name a few of the high-profile ex-MP's and Ministers who will be networking as I type, seeking out directorships and executive positions on boards within industry and commerce.  They will still never have to wait for a doctor's appointment, seek out an NHS dental appointment or find themselves trapped at a  railway station due to union strike action.  

And that is why they are no longer in power...

                 AN ELECTION COMETH   PART TWO - ALMOST THERE!

While Messrs Sunak and Starmer travelled the country mustering waverers to their cause, Ed Davey, the leader of the eleven seat-holding Lib-Dems was last seen doing exercises in a hall. Naturally placed in the front row for publicity and fame - within his party of course - he swerved and swayed to the music as regular members thought about this non-magical moment they shared with someone who will never make a blind bit of difference to anyone's life other than his own and that of his family.  To be fair, whether to have beef or duck as a Sunday roast is the stuff, not to mention stuffing, of family decisions!

In France, meantime, Marine Le Pen is making headway against the establishment, an establishment that has turned its back on the true French, their ideals and their traditions.  Politicians do that at their peril.  This coming Sunday's  second and final round of results could see the biggest shift in policies ever witnessed in modern times.  I am surprised it has taken the French this long to wake up from the acutely apparent threats to lives and French society in general.  

Back in Blighty, I for one received an impassioned plea in the shape and form of an e-mail promoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of the Conservative Party.  It was addressed 'Friend', which isn't as friendly as one's actual name, but as I don't know the fellow, it's about as good as it will get!  Anyway,  Several 'bullet points' are made about the evils of an incoming Labour Government. On taxes, it states that they will rise by £2094 per year for 'every working family',  Pensions will be raided by a retirement tax and motorists will be hit with pay-per-mile charges.  Our voting system will be 'rigged' apparently.  In Alan's words, 'allowing 16-year olds, prisoners and EU migrants to vote'.  I have heard nothing about these extremely important issues being discussed when interviews have taken place?  I certainly do not pretend to have listened to every debate or interview, there is only so much 'bull' one can be subjected to before it becomes a Japanese high-risk gameshow!  Could the media - BABC especially -  be avoiding any subject that might not go down well with their prospective masters?  Bearing in mind the Tories general lack of faith in both broadcasting bias and the continued funding by licence payers, perhaps there is a policy of not rocking any political - let alone migrants' -  boats until after the honeymoon period is over.  

Three points made in this e-mail are, however, crystal clear and sadly supported during interviews I have seen with Mr. Starmer.  One: Our borders will be opened up to even greater uncontrolled and unlimited immigration.  (If only the Tories realised that by plugging loopholes and stopping the boats they would probably be re-elected). Two:  Labour despise middle England, the middle-classes and they will do their damnedest to concrete  over the remaining green and pleasant lands of the Home Counties. Three:  Nuclear deterrents will be up for debate and the extreme left (Momentum) will take on the persona  of rabid dogs as they go for the left-of-centre jugular.  

The Tories have only themselves to blame for the mess they, and we,  are in.  Fourteen years to get just a couple of things right would have given them more than a fighting chance - NHS waiting lists, NHS dentists, doctors appointments, raising the income tax threshold to a meaningful level, cutting net migration so that services might cope, and not being hell-bent on destroying our countryside. Something memorable that the public could hang a vote on, but no.  If ever there was an example of clutching defeat from the jaws of success, it will be this election.  Perhaps a move to France may be the answer, let's see how next Sunday plays out huh?