vladi

Many MP's have been exposed by the media in relation to abuse of expenses over the years. Without doubt the Tories have the worst record on abuses of the system. As ambitious politicians climb the greasy pole to ministerial office or party leadership their past indiscretions become more widely known. Some of us have speculated about the prospects of Andy Burnham becoming party leader if Sir Keir falls on his sword but how many of us are aware that he claimed £17,000 in expenses to rent a London flat, despite owning another within walking distance of the House of Commons?

It shouldn't be a difficult DIY job. Replacement cylinders are available here are a couple https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/236294046742 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/177388193151 What is the make and model of your chair?? Unless its a Herman Miller then its worth fixing but some other may not be worth it.

If you are referring to his comments about Angela Rayner's dishonest declarations resulting in evasion of tax on her purchase of the flat in hove, then there is no hypocrisy on Farage's part. He funded the purchase of a property in his partner's name. This is 100% legitimate and makes good sense in terms of reducing IHT liability in the future - given their respective ages and individual wealth. Rayner's action was "evasion" which is illegal. Farage's action was "avoidance" which is 100% legitimate.

Dishing the dirt is generally fine when it comes to politicians and in Farage's case he often deserves it but nothing illegal has been done. It is not illegal for him to give his partner a sizeable amount of money with which to buy a house and have it registered in her name. He is 64 years old and his partner is 16 years younger and so he most likely is making plans to minimise IHT. There is a sliding scale for IHT but basically a gift is free of IHT if the gift is made 7 years before the donor dies. Farage is 64 years old and his partner is 16 years younger. In 7 years time, if he lives that long, he will be 71 years old. Given that he smokes like a chimney and drinks like a fish, his odds on getting beyond 71 years may be pretty slim. A similar process is followed by the "bank of mum and dad" where parents give money to their kids to fund purchase of a property. Many who are not cash rich will mortgage their home and so release equity to fund their kids property. We did it as have many of our friends.

I'd put short odds on that but who would be his likely successor?

Can't agree with that because he is a superb communicator - a really smart and smooth talker. He studied PPE at Oxford and was communications director for Labour for many years. Setting aside the "minor" indiscretions during his time in government he has all the smoothness and ability to flatter Trump without appearing obsequious. Plus he can manage and exploit Trump’s ego. He is highly polished socially, comfortable in elite circles, skilled at making personal connections. He can flatter and disarm, which is a useful tactic with Trump, who responds well to personal respect and praise. As a former EU Trade Commissioner and Cabinet minister, Mandelson understands international relations, trade, and diplomacy. He knows how to frame issues in terms of “wins” that Trump could claim credit for. I honestly hope that he survives.

Last December I made a post which said "Peter Mandelson has all the skills and abilities to make an exceedingly good diplomat" and up until yesterday he had undoubtedly demonstrated his abilities. I fear now that the story about relations with Epstein will run and run and the outcome may not be beneficial for either Peter or even Trump.

You might also consider windfall apples. There's lots available now and they make great compost when mixed with grass cuttings and pieces of cardboard. They generate a lot of heat which accelerates the composting process. As the nights are getting cooler I cover my compost insulation. This retains the heat and makes the process more efficient.

That assumption is not always valid

The chancellor is exploring new opportunities ( and rightly so) for raising tax revenue in an endeavour to tackle the debt burden facing the nation. One think tank has floated the possibility of taxing remittances sent overseas by UK residents using a mix of formal channels such as banks Western Union, MoneyGram, Wise and WorldRemit. The proliferation of Western Union agencies has become notable in recent years. It is estimated that around £28.5 billion was remitted to such countries as India, Pakistan, Nigeria and countries in the Caribbean. Imposing such a tax could reduce capital outflows and result in greater investment here in the UK. The USA is introducing a tax at the rate of 1% effective 1/1/2026. Canada, Oman and Saudi Arabia are expected to follow suit.

It's just flying a kite and a gutless statement that will result in no remedy to the situation. Surely the only way to get these countries to sit up and think about it is to bring in the measures immediately. Anything less just suggests that the UK is a soft touch - just a toothless , senile old tiger.

.......................... suspend visas from countries that do not "play ball" on returning over-stayers and illegal migrants. why "could" . Why not do it now? Getting it done now would undermine Reform's position and give Labour a "win" - even though the Tories had signalled they were going to do this before they got turfed out.

I really like the proper wood pigeons that visit our garden every day - plump and healthy with attractive foliage. But i dislike the flocks of feral pigeons that hang around St Francis Park on DKH. They are fed bread scraps by some well-intended lady but the result is hundreds of them perch on the benches and crap there so that no one can ever sit on them. This lady really should desist and think more about the amenity for the local residents.

Looking for around half a dozen concrete pavers ( the tinner ones) should measure 44c44cmx by 32mm thick