Chippy Minton

Otta - it looks like the papers agree with you about the pensioners

:)) Perhaps you're right. I can't see a Tory-Lib Dem coalition at the next Parliament and it's a Lib Dem policy so may be it will wither.

No mansion tax yet but they're introducing a 15% stamp duty on homes over ?2m purchased by "non-natural persons." I assume this is to try and stop people avoiding stamp duty altogther by buying something in a company name. Once this is implemented, they're going to "consult" on introducing the mansion tax on properties valued at over ?2m owned by these people, with the intention of legislating in Finance Bill 2013 for commencement in April 2013. Sounds like they are laying the groundwork for a mansion tax "proper."

I think the hope would be that the momentous changes that are being proposed won't have had a chance to get too embedded.

Yesterday was a sad day for the NHS, but the Tories have already been introducing changes for the last 18 months or so. Thousands have already lost their jobs which has meant restructuring was already underway. I agree largely with what SJ says, although I do hope he is wrong that the Bill (or at least some of it) is irreversible. These changes are huge and, as such, can only be introduced gradually. For example, private sector involvement, whether you think it is a good thing or a bad thing, will not increase overnight - it's likely there won't be any significant rise for a number of years. And now matter how much some people refuse to admit it, there is no buy-in from the professionals that work within the NHS, which will inevitably affect implementation. At this point in time, the Labour Party is pledging to repeal the Bill if it was re-elected. Of course, no one knows when this will happen and politicians have been known not to keep their pre-election policies ;-) but it is conceivable that Labour could regain power in three years time and could repeal some aspects of the Bill in that Parliament.

Tom - presumably a couple of grand is worth more to you than watching sport for an hour and a half ;-) Have you tried this site? http://www.rentforthegames.com/

You'd be willing to bet! Well no kidding! Not a particularly a long shot when the OP actually provided a link to Unison's website is it!

Ehh? What is so wrong with people chosing where they spend their money? Should people have said "We think Le Moulin isn't very good, but we have to go their because it's a local 'indy' even though we'd rather go another local 'indy' that we actually really like" ??

MM - "rejected by all" - what, you mean by 3 of the 17 people that contributed to that thread? gamerr - the blog is based also entirely on investigations and reports by the Mirror newspaper. The connections and figures are all factually correct. It is obviously not clear if/how much those listed could gain if the Bill is passed.

LodshipLang - MM is right, it's been done a couple of times on here already http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?20,840902,page=1 and http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?27,816423,page=1 Obviously he is not correct about the scaremongering ;-)

Errr...yes I have, but I don't recall ever having to sit on a windowsill, order two pints at a time to avoid having to try and get back to the bar or queue out of the door for the gents all of which I've done whilst watching footy at the old CPT.

I didn't know whether *Bob* was referencing Bob Dylan or talking about fat footy fans :)

If politicians should be concentrating on other matters, why are you calling for a referendum on it? You are aware that if, in the extremely, extremely unlikely event, a referendum was called on this, politicians would have to be involved aren't you? And don't worry, there is absolutely no conceivable way allowing gay marriage can go "pear-shaped" and I certainly won't need your shoulder to cry on when it happens.

So after your very first post on this thread when you stated "Let's have a yes or no vote to decide the issue" you've completed a full U-turn then!

Damm nanny state! We can't do anything can we?

Not if Foxy's theory that "football draws in the crowds and they tend to drink" is right. Personally, I've never seen a pub packed out for a pub quiz or a singalong like they are for big matches, especially big football matches. BTW, before the PM's start again, I'm not anti any other particular event, just that if the pub is looking maximise revenue it will probably show a fare bit of football.

Seems like a no brainer for the pub...get a massive HD telly and show as much footy as possible = kerching!! There are not enough options in ED to watch football so this is a surefire winner.

Hopefully TheGreatExhibition, Dan, Darren and his team will make full use of the "What's on in East Dulwich" section of the forum so we all know when to avoid the pub and when we want to use it.

Suarez isn't in the Ronaldo / Drogba / Klinnsman diving league yet, but he's getting there so I think it's a fair comment from Wenger. He might have gone ape if someone had said that about one of his players, but that's because there isn't really anyone in the current Arsenal side that makes you think "diver" when you hear their name.

Shakespeare couldn't careless about spelling....just ask Topshop http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/03/05/article-2110534-120A039E000005DC-488_468x673.jpg

Anyone else fancy this? It's going to be a mighty statement that the world is awakening and we are not taking it anymore. Should be fun ;-) http://www.davidicke.com/images/stories/2010-02/wembley_top.jpg

Am I understanding this correctly? Are you actually proposing the state would be able to compulsory purchase any property that was subject to the tax?

Just because the law states people are equal, it doesn't mean they are in practice. There's countless examples of discrimination in our society based on so many different things - race, religion, gender, disability, sexuality etc. If you don't object to gay marriage because you think gay people are already equal under the law, you don't appreciate the discrimination many gay people have and continue to face in our society. Whilst obviously not solving the problem, gay marriage will be another step to help end discrimination and will help to advance our society.

Measures that improve equality, advance our society - we will be better off.

East 17 > Take That