vladi

Really? I made no comment on any of his facial features whatsoever. I observed that he was "expressionless" and suggested that "if only his face could break out into a smile occasionally then that would help ". These observations refer to behavioural aspects of Starmer's performance as he appears on the media. Where's the hate and where's the crime?

Without doubt, he is getting a bad rap from the media and no doubt he is a sincere well-intentioned person but he is so expressionless. If only his face could break out into a smile occasionally then that would help. The deadpan, dummy look does not inspire. I look forward to the day when he might venture out and make the odd humorous quip with a smile. Tony Blair could do that rather well. If I ever needed a defence lawyer and I had to choose between them both, I know which one I would choose. Anythings possible with the right determination and a good coach.

Sure, the last two decades have been notable for scandal and mismanagement but these days with multiple social media channels providing widespread and instant exposure plus cameras everywhere, it's more difficult to hide issues. Think of Matt Hancock. The media is ever vigilant to run with a political story and when they get a sniff of scandal they will dig and keep on digging.

Thanks for the tips. What do you recommend for treating Jasmine that has really overgrown the trellis it is on?

I think Labour can be much better. It's just that Starmer is so indecisive and boring. He has no presence, no charisma and no strategy. Also no vision of what he wants Britain to aspire to. He is being led by the nose by Jonathan Powell - a Sinophile. I would prefer John Healy or McFadden - they are much better communicators. They can think on their feet and that's something Sir Keir seems unable to do.

So why then are we appeasing China at every step? Now to get back to my OP and close off the tangent you introduced on Trump, let me state clearly I am no fan of his. He is unstable, unpredictable, misogynistic, dishonest, spiteful and a consummate liar. Oh, not to mention he is a convicted felon. Hopefully, as I predicted previously he will not live to see out his term.

To many Starmer comes across as weak, indecisive a lacking a plan. The complete opposite of a conviction politician. He can overcome these perceptions by having a clear foreign policy and staunchly safeguarding Britain's standing in the world. So far he has alienated our closest ally over the Chagos and the two traitors spying for China. The word on the street is that the leadership void has been filled by Johnathan Powell and that Starmer does everything Powell says. Powell should be sacked as his links to China go back 3 decades during which he was a frequent visitor and meeting senior Chinese officials. The other connection is through his brother -Lord Powell who was chairman of the China-Britain Business Council. Both Powells are members of the 48 Group Club whose stated aim is to "connect China to the world" Has Starmer got the guts to clear out the Augean stables?

Looks like current Chinese spying fiasco is going to fester on further now that the White House has come down hard with criticism. This follows on from the Chagos debacle where the UK has committed to giving up these strategic islands whilst paying out £101 million per annum to lease them back from Mauritius ( a staunch China ally) for next 100 years. The other on-going festering sore is approval for the proposed huge new Chinese embassy at the old Royal Mint site close to tower Bridge. Despite objections from MI5, this massive development in inner London is likely to be approved as a goodwill "gift" to Xi when Starmer visits China later this year. In return, Xi will probably release Jimmy Lai from prison. It begs the question - just why do we kowtow to China?

looking for reinforcing bar with a diameter of between 12 and 25mm to be used a ground pegs. Off cuts are OK if longer than 40cms.Need about 2 to 3 metres in total. Old and rusty is just fine. Willing to pay.

Looking for about 9 metres of blue polypipe . Used condition is OK.

Just wondering.... was Poundland holding a stock of cheap fireworks in readiness for November 5th?

Where's the big Tesco?

Sounds better than getting sent to Rwanda.

Looking for a wrought iron bench with wooden slats in need of restoration - something like this. Will pay for right bench!

If my understanding is correct, David Lammy asserted that Farage "flirted with the Hitler Youth". This doesn't quite compute because the Hitler Youth ceased to exist in 1945 with the end of WW2 whereas Farage was not born until 1964. Maybe Lammy confused the Hitler Youth with the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) because Farage was member of the CCF during his time at Dulwich College. Having informed us that Henry V11 succeeded Henry V111, we cannot but conclude that arithmetic was never Lammy's strongest suit. Then again, on a question on history, he claimed that Marie Antoinette won a Nobel prize