malumbu

Why? What difference would it make. We simply aren't a flag flying country apart from special occasions, church parade and the like. It makes no difference to our patriotism.

There was a pile up on the M4 today. A tanker of milk, a van with vanilla essence and a truck of cornflower were involved. Fortunately nobody was hurt but I understand all of the drivers are in custardy.

I e-mailed them and they gave me a load of waffle back. As I have posted two times before.

Happy 80th Van the Man

BREXIT Stuffed the country. Massive self harm. Begat Reform. Tearing the county apart. Dreadful

I would hope that people buying second hand would be happy to pay more at a charity, than say, eBay. Particularly one as relevant as SCH.

A few people I have known spent their last few days at St Christophers. It is wonderful what they provide. Most charity shops have long since become more savvy about more valuable donations. As with a commercial organisation they have to price according to the market. Please continue to use the store.

That's a cop out. You are talking about managing the economy. Previous regimes are relevant. You are calling for austerity. I have questioned this. This is a forum not a soap box. Although it feels more like the latter on some other threads 😕

@vladi it would be good to hear your views on my comments (a) the damage to society of austerity and (b) how poorly the Tories handled our economy prior (and post if you like) Covid Do you believe in climate change and if so what should we be doing? I'd disgusted by Badenock aping Reform.

The Tories failed to invest when interest rates were very low. Irrespective of the current management of the economy, the party that is supposed to know most about the economy, growth and improved standard of living, failed.

You haven't addressed the impact of earlier austerity which led to a more divided nation. It's not the great depression, winter of discontent etc.

They can and do challenge claims. I expect the difference is where they have witnesses.

Unless anyone knows difference it is the "no win no fee" companies that get involved as the name and insurance of the rider are fake. Having said that the question is why the driver's insurers, should they get involved, not be able to check if the rider is using fake ID etc.

Look at the national debt of the US. It's ginormous. The US spent their way out of the 1930s depression. Which is what the UK should have done rather than the Coalition's austerity. Look at the harm and division austerity led to in the UK. If only it was simple.

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2024/southwark-becomes-first-inner-london-borough-have-100000-trees Link to Southwark Council's ambulance tree planting programme. Rather good wouldn't you say?

They are putting out a few ideas to see what the general consensus is. Whatever happens some will have issues. We had decades of reduced tax burden but the world has changed. I don't know the answer.

A Secret Santa gift you received I assume?

Thanks for a considered response. Unlike others.... There is a campaign to fly the flag that is fronted by people who don't like the impact of immigration on this country. Everyone and anyone can fly to flag to celebrate their Englishness, Britishness or whatever. Or perhaps just liking the colour and design. Your last two lines are the crux of my concerns. I think the minority is sizeable, and has been increasing since Brexit and the rise of certain political parties, extreme groups, individuals, enabled by social media and a fair amount of fake news.

999 straight away, I'm being threatened.... Sorry to hear and not helpful me mentioning this after the event but the more people aware the better. Taking photos of the license is their standard MO, he should have left a name and his home address by law. Don't talk to any ambulance chasers and only to the other parties insurance, which will no doubt be fake.

Why is that relevant? It would be good to have a proper discussion rather than some trivial comments. And good luck to him having a holiday and good luck to her having a vape. Ancient Greeks gave democracy o the world, I really don't know what you are talking about.

Thanks @Sue Here is the comment I responded to: "let's have blind faith in our council doing the right thing, with the right considerations for environment, for wildlife and for conservation, or let's not and expect them to be transparent and accountable" My point is that you need to let people get on with their responsibilities. That there are qualified people who are experts in their profession. And if you have an issue contact your ward Councilor. That is the democratic process. I did not comment about Dog Kennel Hill School. But if I was unhappy I would complain to them before going on social media.

So back to the topic please.

I'll be having my second visit to part of the country where the lampposts are festooned with flags of St George and the Union flag. I'm finding it uncomfortable. This is directly related to the Epping protest/far right groups. There is plenty of discussion on our rights to fly the flag and be proud of our nation. Slogans such as 'we got rid of Adolf, now we need to get rid of Abdul', do not give me pride in some of my fellow country people. There is much talk about communities that are 'left behind', I expect that they have more fear from AI in taking their jobs. Yet some of the pretty parts of Essex I cycled through were not left behind. And I expect had little experience of other cultures beyond the local takeaway. There are 11 million people born abroad legally living and most working in this country. Many providing vital high skilled services, as well as care and other jobs We all know that governments need to get on top of numbers arriving seeking asylum through irregular means. Around half will be granted asylum https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-march-2025/how-many-people-are-granted-asylum-in-the-uk The numbers are far lower than the 11 million above, There are 100,000s of potential sexual harassment cases every year. This is wrong, and whilst in my life I've seen generally greater respect between the genders there is a long way to go. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/experiencesofharassmentinenglandandwales/december2023 But the reaction to one court case is frightening. I wake up each morning to find out more deaths in Gaza and Ukraine (and other places currently considered less newsworthy). And more environmental disasters. That's what keeps me up at night. Ironically globally insecurities, rising temperatures and floods/droughts will mean even more want to come to 'safe' refuges. The flag flying during the 2012 Olympics when there was genuine pride is very different to now.

Why is much of this site turn into council bashing. If you have time to post, you have time to do a little research. This took 5 seconds: Local authorities in England have a statutory Duty to Consult on the felling of street trees, requiring public consultation on proposed management unless specific exemptions apply, such as dead or dangerous trees. They also have a duty to consider tree protection during the planning process and can issue Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to protect significant trees. Additionally, they must ensure the safety of the public by properly managing trees to prevent danger to people or property, exercising powers to inspect trees and, in emergency situations, to take action to make them safe There will be a team responsible for this. If you think you know better I posted a link to a job there. I've not studied arboriculture or have a relevant qualification, just have an interest in the natural and managed environment. I've planted hedging and trees in the garden. If you are concerned your first port of call is one of your local councilors.

Perhaps just let them get on with their job, their profession? Although I expect there are a number of experts on this forum who may wish to apply for an aboricultural officer post https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/jobs/arboricultural-officer-sc07537