International Relations

News that Rubio won't attend the London Ukraine peace talks leads me to believe, the US is going to walk away.  Rubio prefers to go to Moscow.   

The US will then probably recognise Russia's annexation of Ukraine and remove all sanctions.

My prediction is therefore that all US aid will stop and Europe will have to deal with it alone.   The minerals deal Trump pushed will be 100% dead on arrival.

Trump won't get any significant negative feedback domestically in the US for pulling out.  People won't be happy but they won't make any difference to his direction of travel.

I expect military relations with many of the US partners in Europe and worldwide will plummet to almost non-existence.

New epidemic – you now face a fine of up to 2,500 euros

Shortly before Easter, another case of foot-and-mouth disease was reported in Hungary. Violating the import ban can be costly.

Austria's neighbor is unable to contain the highly contagious and untreatable viral disease foot-and-mouth disease ( FMD ): A few days before Easter, Hungary reported a fifth outbreak among cattle. This occurred on a dairy farm with 874 animals in Rábapordányi , about an hour's drive east of Oberpullendorf in Burgenland. The animals were culled on the night of Good Friday . In Slovakia, the fourth and, for now, last outbreak of the disease on a farm was reported in early April.

No cases of FMD have been reported in Austria so far. To ensure this remains the case, Austria has imposed an import ban on live animals of species susceptible to the virus, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, from the restricted zones surrounding the affected farms. This also applies to fresh meat, raw milk, animal products, liquid manure, dung, hunting trophies, and game meat from these animals, as well as feed of plant origin and straw. For this purpose, 23 smaller border crossings to the affected countries have been closed. Increased controls are being carried out at the border crossings that remain open .

Anyone who violates the import ban will have to dig deep into their pockets – whether knowingly or inadvertently. According to Section 70 of the Animal Health Act, knowingly importing animals, animal products, feed of plant origin, and hay into Austria in violation of the regulations constitutes an administrative offense. As a result, a fine of up to €2,500 can be imposed, or, in the event of non-payment, a prison sentence of up to twelve days.

New epidemic – you now face a fine of up to 2,500 eurosShortly before Easter, another case of foot-and-mouth disease was reported in Hungary. Violating the import ban can be costly.Austria's neighbor is unable to contain the highly contagious and untreatable viral disease foot-and-mouth disease ( FMD ): A few days before Easter, Hungary reported a fifth outbreak among cattle. This occurred on a dairy farm with 874 animals in Rábapordányi , about an hour's drive east of Oberpullendorf in Burgenland. The animals were culled on the night of Good Friday . In Slovakia, the fourth and, for now, last outbreak of the disease on a farm was reported in early April.No cases of FMD have been reported in Austria so far. To ensure this remains the case, Austria has imposed an import ban on live animals of species susceptible to the virus, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, from the restricted zones surrounding the affected farms. This also applies to fresh meat, raw milk, animal products, liquid manure, dung, hunting trophies, and game meat from these animals, as well as feed of plant origin and straw. For this purpose, 23 smaller border crossings to the affected countries have been closed. Increased controls are being carried out at the border crossings that remain open .Anyone who violates the import ban will have to dig deep into their pockets – whether knowingly or inadvertently. According to Section 70 of the Animal Health Act, knowingly importing animals, animal products, feed of plant origin, and hay into Austria in violation of the regulations constitutes an administrative offense. As a result, a fine of up to €2,500 can be imposed, or, in the event of non-payment, a prison sentence of up to twelve days. - @SimCityAT

Oh dear, no more dung imports.  I feel for the Austrian and Hungarian people.   

I never understood why animals cannot be vaccinated against FMD.

I wonder if the farmers will be compensated by either the EU or Hungary or Austria?

@fluffy2560
I'm following the Iran and US nuclear weapons discussions supposedly taking place indirectly in Oman. It looks like there's a strong chance of military action and escalation with Israel joining in. Is there a chance for peace and disarmament or is it all bluff and propaganda?

It's been reported in mainstream Ukraine that two Chinese nationals have been captured fighting for Russia. Is this a sign China is more involved than anyone previously thought?

What say you? - @fluffy2560

Iran seems like never will have a notable bargain.

Near the sure energy production they try also nukes production, but it hardly do any good for them. They hoped that it would deterre others, including Israel, but they made the mistake in past year to actually send ballkistic missiles and it was a disaster: no more fear or uncertainity from their rockets. For exchange Israel sent just one rocket: but that hit the target, and reach the desired effect.

Iran can trust only in geography and their traditional city planning (save one port area hardly any easy targets), and by tradition since Xerxes they did rely on defensive wars.

Up to date that is true: some defensive capabilities, but they would be unable, or even mad to actually attack - a sure way to lose (any offensive war).

As for China - they not especially a mercenary country.

Based on losses, recruitments, contracts, still 1. Georgia, 2. Colombia, anyone else lacks behind.

Even Colombia starts to decrease, as former mercenaries presenbt a different picture than the tales / recruitment.

Iran seems like never will have a notable bargain. Near the sure energy production they try also nukes production, but it hardly do any good for them. They hoped that it would deterre others, including Israel, but they made the mistake in past year to actually send ballkistic missiles and it was a disaster: no more fear or uncertainity from their rockets. For exchange Israel sent just one rocket: but that hit the target, and reach the desired effect. Iran can trust only in geography and their traditional city planning (save one port area hardly any easy targets), and by tradition since Xerxes they did rely on defensive wars. Up to date that is true: some defensive capabilities, but they would be unable, or even mad to actually attack - a sure way to lose (any offensive war). As for China - they not especially a mercenary country.Based on losses, recruitments, contracts, still 1. Georgia, 2. Colombia, anyone else lacks behind. Even Colombia starts to decrease, as former mercenaries presenbt a different picture than the tales / recruitment. - @sjbabilon5

It's a relatively short hop for Iran to reach sufficient enrichment to have the bomb.   It's hard to say they are all fanatics and they'll launch a weapon at any cost, even their own destruction.  I think they are not that fanatical.  It'd be a one off bomb and many thousands would die somewhere.  Either in Tehran or Tel Aviv or both.

I don't know about Ukraine and nuclear weapons.  They might be working on a bomb as well.   They certainly had the knowledge previously.   They don't have (yet) a ballistic delivery system but they will eventually have one.  Then Russia will have to decide just how far it wants to go with its territorial ambitions.

US is on the verge of pulling out of talks apparently.  It could be just a Trump tactic but blaming Zelenskyy is just plain silly.  Who would believe that?  We all know what went on with Crimea.  Trump's base believes him but no-one else does.   I would expect Zelenskyy to ask the European powers for their opinion on Trump. 

For us here, in Hungary, in the interim, nothing much will change until Orban is out next year or better goes somewhere else far away.  Ukraine will fight on with everyone else's support except Hungary which is largely irrelevant to the bigger picture.  In the East, Poland is far more important.  Experts say on the news channels, the Russian economy will collapse within 1 year.  We'll see.   

As for the Chinese troops, it'd be interesting to know if they or the North Koreans will get repatriated.  Probably for the North Koreans, arriving back there will probably mean certain death for not killing themselves for the Dear Leader.   

Germany Joins France, Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Bulgaria, Poland, and Czech Republic With New Schengen Border Controls: Here’s What Travellers Need to Know

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

In 2025, Germany, France, Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Bulgaria, Poland, and the Czech Republic have all reintroduced internal border controls within the Schengen Area, significantly impacting travel and tourism across Europe. This move, triggered by migration concerns, national security threats, and major public events, is reshaping how travelers experience cross-border movement within the region. While Schengen has long been known for its open borders, this shift requires more preparation, potentially causing delays and extra checks, particularly for those on multi-country trips. Though permitted under Schengen Borders Code Articles 25 and 29, these changes have introduced delays, documentation checks, and more uncertainty for travelers.

For tourists, frequent business travelers, digital nomads, and even locals commuting across borders daily, these new protocols require additional planning and patience. The reimplementation of border controls does not revoke Schengen travel privileges, but it alters how travelers engage with the system. For many, this marks a new phase in European mobility, one that blurs the long-standing promise of open borders.

More details on individual countries.....

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news … d-to-know/

It's a relatively short hop for Iran to reach sufficient enrichment to have the bomb. It's hard to say they are all fanatics and they'll launch a weapon at any cost, even their own destruction. I think they are not that fanatical. It'd be a one off bomb and many thousands would die somewhere. Either in Tehran or Tel Aviv or both.

I don't know about Ukraine and nuclear weapons. They might be working on a bomb as well. They certainly had the knowledge previously. They don't have (yet) a ballistic delivery system but they will eventually have one. Then Russia will have to decide just how far it wants to go with its territorial ambitions.

US is on the verge of pulling out of talks apparently. It could be just a Trump tactic but blaming Zelenskyy is just plain silly. Who would believe that? We all know what went on with Crimea. Trump's base believes him but no-one else does. I would expect Zelenskyy to ask the European powers for their opinion on Trump.

For us here, in Hungary, in the interim, nothing much will change until Orban is out next year or better goes somewhere else far away. Ukraine will fight on with everyone else's support except Hungary which is largely irrelevant to the bigger picture. In the East, Poland is far more important. Experts say on the news channels, the Russian economy will collapse within 1 year. We'll see. 
- @fluffy2560

It is not hard to create a nuke, that is old technology, more likely an industrial and cost question.

We are agree: they would like to use it as a false protection - which cannot work, because would discourage no one. USa or Russia is different, they have thousands, that can bring a mutual destruction with their rockets/ 3 delivery method. All the others altogether are at most minor players.

As Robert C. Castel said: even the French "nuclear umbrella" would be similar to the umbrellas in a coctail, unlike the US - Nato provided one.

While Israel need no nukes to make damages which are painful and crippling.

Ukraine would have the knowledge, technology, industrial background to create nukes. Would make more damage than good.

Poland is an emerging power, fine ecxonomy, industrial background, developing military.

Russian ecomomy collapsed cc. 300 times in the past 3 years according the reliable media.

Also Mr. Putin died in several times in various cancers, and deposed by the Wagner boss.

It is not hard to create a nuke, that is old technology, more likely an industrial and cost question. We are agree: they would like to use it as a false protection - which cannot work, because would discourage no one. USa or Russia is different, they have thousands, that can bring a mutual destruction with their rockets/ 3 delivery method. All the others altogether are at most minor players. As Robert C. Castel said: even the French "nuclear umbrella" would be similar to the umbrellas in a coctail, unlike the US - Nato provided one. While Israel need no nukes to make damages which are painful and crippling. Ukraine would have the knowledge, technology, industrial background to create nukes. Would make more damage than good. Poland is an emerging power, fine ecxonomy, industrial background, developing military. Russian ecomomy collapsed cc. 300 times in the past 3 years according the reliable media. Also Mr. Putin died in several times in various cancers, and deposed by the Wagner boss. - @sjbabilon5

The economics of Russia are not very visible but estimates are that its economy is tiny.  If it did collapse, then Putin will probably fall out of a window.   

Question is if Russia is prepared to test the chance on Ukraine's capabilities if it had a nuke.  I think they wouldn't do it.   They are getting better at delivery by drone of conventional bombs to Russia.  The very large ammo dump east of Moscow they hit the other day must have been hit by one of their larger drones or possibly an adapted/enhanced longer range Neptune cruise missiles.  Certainly made a mess.

Russia have it's own economy, which became far more robust since 2022 and far more national, no longer makes the international ones rich.

As for industry they never actually demolished it, unlike in Western Europe.

Especially in military industry they have an improved capacity.

"Ukraine's capabilities if it had a nuke."

The very same true for Ukraine as for Iran: nukes would offer no protection, but at least major concerns from dozens of countries, and would make it a target (actually did in the end of 2021/ early 2022).

In my opinion it is foolish from any country to produce nukes, old, expensive, offers no protection, but makes them a target.

Anno Sweden had the same conclusion, so they discontinue their program, and decided better off without nukes.

The only exception is maybe China, as it have the industrial and economy background to jump to the level of thousands which can effectively match Russia/ USA.

But to have a few dozen (and a single delivery method) is pointless and cripples the economy - needs a trident system and destruction power which compatible with the two major players.

Russia have it's own economy, which became far more robust since 2022 and far more national, no longer makes the international ones rich.
As for industry they never actually demolished it, unlike in Western Europe.
Especially in military industry they have an improved capacity.
"Ukraine's capabilities if it had a nuke."
The very same true for Ukraine as for Iran: nukes would offer no protection, but at least major concerns from dozens of countries, and would make it a target (actually did in the end of 2021/ early 2022).

In my opinion it is foolish from any country to produce nukes, old, expensive, offers no protection, but makes them a target.
Anno Sweden had the same conclusion, so they discontinue their program, and decided better off without nukes.

The only exception is maybe China, as it have the industrial and economy background to jump to the level of thousands which can effectively match Russia/ USA.
But to have a few dozen (and a single delivery method) is pointless and cripples the economy - needs a trident system and destruction power which compatible with the two major players. - @sjbabilon5

We're about to see more about it.  India and Pakistan are sharing insults and skirmishes over the recent attacks in Kashmir.   They've said war is a possibility and they are ready for it.  I wonder how this will work out on the world stage considering all the other conflicts going on.   Let's see if Trump bleats about it.

I'm thinking differently about how much a bomb costs and effects in the economy.  Having the bomb is going to make people think twice attacking another country.  If Ukraine had had the bomb, Russia would never have tried their luck there.  They'd never have been sure the other side, at an existential crisis, wouldn't press the button. It's the MAD doctrine that's served the world well for decades.  Today we saw Ukraine was able to kill one of the Russian generals in Moscow.  That shows sophisticated abilities to hit the regime. 

Russia is currently a military economy.  About 50% of their GDP goes to the military-industrial complex.  If the war stops, the economy would implode.   They would still not have access to Western finance.  No-one is going to lend Russia money to rebuild their economy.   I doubt even the Chinese would do it.   Not in the short term anyway. 

According to media reports today, Iran and Russia have signed up to an agreement on agriculture and oil production.  That could be a cover for other operations.

I'm watching the Pope's funeral while looking at other news events.

I'm not of that RC persuasion but it's certainly a spectacle.  And the goings-on are not familiar to me despite having attended a couple of RC funerals in recent times.

High TV production values.  Must have 50 cameras on the proceedings.

Despite Hungary being a Catholic country, some locals not paying attention hereabouts as I can hear multiple lawnmowers going.

Trump wears a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral instead of black.

Trump wears a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral instead of black. - @SimCityAT

Fairly typical of Trump  to screw up protocol.   Remember when he laid hands on the Queen? 

I think he was wearing a penguin suit back then and smiling like someone without all their marbles.

Not much changed.

Trump wears a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral instead of black. - @SimCityAT
Fairly typical of Trump to screw up protocol. Remember when he laid hands on the Queen?

I think he was wearing a penguin suit back then and smiling like someone without all their marbles.

Not much changed. - @fluffy2560

There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.

Perhaps blue was deliberate.

Trump wears a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral instead of black. - @SimCityATFairly typical of Trump to screw up protocol. Remember when he laid hands on the Queen? I think he was wearing a penguin suit back then and smiling like someone without all their marbles.Not much changed. - @fluffy2560There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.Perhaps blue was deliberate. - @Fred

He has to be the centre of attention. Remember him barging to the front during that group photo thing of world leaders?

Some people cannot handle being talked about. I am talking about Virginia Giuffre. RIP.  That encounter with Epstein was fateful.  Defined her for the rest of her life and death. We'll never know the truth about sweaty Prince Andrew now.

Some people cannot handle being talked about. I am talking about Virginia Giuffre. RIP. That encounter with Epstein was fateful. Defined her for the rest of her life and death. We'll never know the truth about sweaty Prince Andrew now. - @fluffy2560

In Trump's defence, he wasn't the only one wearing the wrong gear.

However, he is the only one likely to have done it for publicity.

As for Trump and the Prince, there's a better than average chance both are into underage sex.

Andrew we know was there and has been accused, and we have Trump on record saying very dodgy things about little girls, including his daughter.

Whilst there is no proof in the public domain, I can quite happily believe it of him because of recordings about pussy grabbing and video recorded comments about young girls.

Men who brag about such things, and who are known associates of a convicted kiddie fiddler, are to be treated as suspect.

I met a pedophile in KL some years ago. Creepy little sod who one of the other guys ended up smacking in the mouth.

Frankly, seems fair to me. Trump has the same sex pervert vibe as the KL man.

In Trump's defence, he wasn't the only one wearing the wrong gear.However, he is the only one likely to have done it for publicity.As for Trump and the Prince, there's a better than average chance both are into underage sex.Andrew we know was there and has been accused, and we have Trump on record saying very dodgy things about little girls, including his daughter.Whilst there is no proof in the public domain, I can quite happily believe it of him because of recordings about pussy grabbing and video recorded comments about young girls.Men who brag about such things, and who are known associates of a convicted kiddie fiddler, are to be treated as suspect.I met a pedophile in KL some years ago. Creepy little sod who one of the other guys ended up smacking in the mouth.Frankly, seems fair to me. Trump has the same sex pervert vibe as the KL man. - @Fred

There was a HU nutcase right wing loon of a politician who was also there.  In his shorts! 

Yes, well, you'd think both of them would have been advised differently.    Melamine seems to have done the right thing and worn the right clobber (US: gear).   She was wearing the necessary head gear.   The Bidens went as well and they were properly attired.

With all the crazy nonsense going on with Trump (and his bosses Musk and Putin) at the moment, we tend to forget that he's still on the hook for millions for sexual assault now going to appeal and deferred until his presidency is over plus all the other charges and cases stacked up against him.   

And of course, there's the grabbing tape and his apparent interest in types who look like his daughter.  And in the Trump movie he sexually assaults his wife.   He couldn't challenge that as it's in the public documents used in divorce court. 

There's got to be some definitive evidence on these people.  It seems to have been a ring of like minded people.  I can imagine some people - like Trump - being in awe of the Royal family.  Like they have the aristocratic secret sauce he can never have but he aspires to.   

I agree that there's quite a lot of smoke and significant fire when it comes to the Epstein circle.    Trump may never have to pay the price.  If he manages to get the weak minded members of Congress to extend to a third term, he'll likely die in harness and then he'll be off the hook forever.   

Just read Putin has announced a ceasefire for May 8-10.

It seems to me, since May 9 is "Victory Day" in Russia, he's going to declare victory of some sort. 

Victory over what?

I find it really nuts that news reports say Trump "thinks" Zelensky will give up Crimea.  First of all, it's against the constitution of Ukraine.  And secondly, Ukraine has always rejected loss of territory to Russia.

I also read that Trump seems to be thinking the USA is all powerful and can strong arm everyone else over tariffs, particularly China. But I'm seeing commentary that everyone else is just seeking a world where the USA is not longer the major player.   They're marginalising themselves (like the UK did when it voted for Brexit)  China it seems is capable of weathering the Trump storm. 

hasn't any legitimate way for asylum seekers to get in the country except by small boats. We all know what happens if you demonise minorities or certain types in the population. - @fluffy2560

Demonising criminals for criminal behaviour is fine.

Imagine 3 men from Somalia

The first is well educated and ends up in the UK legally doing a productive job.

The second comes in illegally, but works in a Somali restaurant, never asking for anything he doesn't earn through honest labour.

The third is also illegal, but he stays in a UK government funded hotel, and lives on UK government handouts.

I only object the the lazy grabber, not the minority as a group.

Anyway, our opinions are of little consequence because the UK electorate has sent a clear message - change your policies or you might well be out on your ears in favour of a far right nutter.

That's the dangerous result of an idiotic policy on illegal immigration. - @Fred

I don't see the current UK policies as being any different to the previous administration.  I'm not sure it can ever be solved regardless of who is in power. 

We can see how extremist thinking starts to encroach on everyone's human rights. 

Trump is now saying the border areas are military bases and is now saying Venezuelans are enemy combatants and their rights do not exist.   

Will  it ever happen to the UK? 

With Reform, maybe, just maybe.

There's an interesting article in The Economist about Taiwan, China and the USA.  It's behind a paywall so not posting the actual article here.

It basically says, China will take advantage of the tariff war to ramp up threats to Taiwan.

In the end the article asks if Trump has the cojones to take on China over Taiwan.  He wants Taiwan to bring its powerful TMSC chip manufacturing to the USA.   That's not his decision to make.

The writer doesn't think he'll know what to do as it's a disaster of Trump's own making and he will ultimately probably just roll over and let China tickle his tummy.    Trump's traditional friends in the region are not happy with the tariffs and will likely not support him.

There's also an analysis of the Chinese aircraft carrier bases and the aircraft carriers they have under construction.  It looks quite bad for Taiwan.   

hasn't any legitimate way for asylum seekers to get in the country except by small boats. We all know what happens if you demonise minorities or certain types in the population. - @fluffy2560Demonising criminals for criminal behaviour is fine.Imagine 3 men from Somalia The first is well educated and ends up in the UK legally doing a productive job.The second comes in illegally, but works in a Somali restaurant, never asking for anything he doesn't earn through honest labour.The third is also illegal, but he stays in a UK government funded hotel, and lives on UK government handouts.I only object the the lazy grabber, not the minority as a group.Anyway, our opinions are of little consequence because the UK electorate has sent a clear message - change your policies or you might well be out on your ears in favour of a far right nutter.That's the dangerous result of an idiotic policy on illegal immigration. - @Fred
I don't see the current UK policies as being any different to the previous administration. I'm not sure it can ever be solved regardless of who is in power.

We can see how extremist thinking starts to encroach on everyone's human rights.

Trump is now saying the border areas are military bases and is now saying Venezuelans are enemy combatants and their rights do not exist.

Will it ever happen to the UK?

With Reform, maybe, just maybe. - @fluffy2560

For once I took an interest in the TV and watched Farage giving Sky an interview after Reform won Runcorn, he made an interesting comment regarding illegals and how the Government had a propensity for shifting them all to the NW and NE of the country, where Reform now control all the local councils; he told the reporter that Central Government depends on local government co-operation to make this work and that Central Government may just find it a bit more difficult in the future.

We can see how extremist thinking starts to encroach on everyone's human rights.

- @ffluffy2560

It is not a human right to break the law.

As I mentioned, I knew a lot of illegals that caused no harm, thus I simply didn't see a problem.

Grabbers cause harm to the country, but also to hard working, and totally harmless immigrants - legal and otherwise.

As the grabber lot increae in number, the public get more and more pissed off, and even more so when the left bleat on about how racist they are for not thinking grabbers are acceptable.

That crap allowed the extremist right to massively increase its support.

If you want serious harm, carry on telling the UK's voters they are racists. You get a racist government run by a nutter.

My days in the Labour party were valuable because I get a first hand, close up look at how stupid the left are. Seriously, that bunch of Marxist farts are way too wrapped up in dogma to see how stupid they are and, worse, how they feed votes to the equally dangerous political far right.

If you want F and his racist arses in number 10, carry on regardless.

If you don't, get some common sense into politics, and do it quick.

We can see how extremist thinking starts to encroach on everyone's human rights.

- @ffluffy2560
It is not a human right to break the law.
....

It's always been the case that the law provides for punishment proportional to the offence.

So if I nick Doris's handbag while she's at bingo, 3 months and reparations sounds appropriate.  But if I bash Doris over the head and put her in hospital for a month and grab her handbag, 5 years and reparations and damages doesn't seem at all unreasonable.

Anyway, asylum seekers are entitled to protection.   Many countries (including the UK) have signed up to the UN conventions and seeking asylum is not a crime despite what some people further up the food chain may try to imply.

hasn't any legitimate way for asylum seekers to get in the country except by small boats. We all know what happens if you demonise minorities or certain types in the population. - @fluffy2560Demonising criminals for criminal behaviour is fine.Imagine 3 men from Somalia The first is well educated and ends up in the UK legally doing a productive job.The second comes in illegally, but works in a Somali restaurant, never asking for anything he doesn't earn through honest labour.The third is also illegal, but he stays in a UK government funded hotel, and lives on UK government handouts.I only object the the lazy grabber, not the minority as a group.Anyway, our opinions are of little consequence because the UK electorate has sent a clear message - change your policies or you might well be out on your ears in favour of a far right nutter.That's the dangerous result of an idiotic policy on illegal immigration. - @Fred
I don't see the current UK policies as being any different to the previous administration. I'm not sure it can ever be solved regardless of who is in power.

We can see how extremist thinking starts to encroach on everyone's human rights.

Trump is now saying the border areas are military bases and is now saying Venezuelans are enemy combatants and their rights do not exist.

Will it ever happen to the UK?

With Reform, maybe, just maybe. - @fluffy2560

For once I took an interest in the TV and watched Farage giving Sky an interview after Reform won Runcorn, he made an interesting comment regarding illegals and how the Government had a propensity for shifting them all to the NW and NE of the country, where Reform now control all the local councils; he told the reporter that Central Government depends on local government co-operation to make this work and that Central Government may just find it a bit more difficult in the future. - @Cynic

I don't see how Reform led councils can obstruct central government. They make the rules.

Anyway, asylum seekers are entitled to protection. - @fluffy2560

In the first safe country, but the boat lot all pass through France.

Why do they skip France and pay smugglers a fortune to get to the UK?

Perhaps this will help you answer that countion

https://domasile.info/en/what-social-ri … e/#housing

France makes things hard work for them, so they want into soft Britain

hasn't any legitimate way for asylum seekers to get in the country except by small boats. We all know what happens if you demonise minorities or certain types in the population. - @fluffy2560Demonising criminals for criminal behaviour is fine.Imagine 3 men from Somalia The first is well educated and ends up in the UK legally doing a productive job.The second comes in illegally, but works in a Somali restaurant, never asking for anything he doesn't earn through honest labour.The third is also illegal, but he stays in a UK government funded hotel, and lives on UK government handouts.I only object the the lazy grabber, not the minority as a group.Anyway, our opinions are of little consequence because the UK electorate has sent a clear message - change your policies or you might well be out on your ears in favour of a far right nutter.That's the dangerous result of an idiotic policy on illegal immigration. - @FredI don't see the current UK policies as being any different to the previous administration. I'm not sure it can ever be solved regardless of who is in power. We can see how extremist thinking starts to encroach on everyone's human rights. Trump is now saying the border areas are military bases and is now saying Venezuelans are enemy combatants and their rights do not exist. Will it ever happen to the UK? With Reform, maybe, just maybe. - @fluffy2560 For once I took an interest in the TV and watched Farage giving Sky an interview after Reform won Runcorn, he made an interesting comment regarding illegals and how the Government had a propensity for shifting them all to the NW and NE of the country, where Reform now control all the local councils; he told the reporter that Central Government depends on local government co-operation to make this work and that Central Government may just find it a bit more difficult in the future. - @CynicI don't see how Reform led councils can obstruct central government. They make the rules. - @fluffy2560

That's what the reporter (Beth Rigby) said, saying this was a new Reform policy, Farage's response, "Let's wait and see"; the former Tory Minister who is the new the Reform Party mayor in/for Lincolnshire mentioned tents being appropriate accommodation.

I don't see how Reform led councils can obstruct central government. They make the rules. - @fluffy2560
That's what the reporter (Beth Rigby) said, saying this was a new Reform policy, Farage's response, "Let's wait and see"; the former Tory Minister who is the new the Reform Party mayor in/for Lincolnshire mentioned tents being appropriate accommodation. - @Cynic

I can see the tents getting nowhere fast especially in the winter. Tantamount to abuse. We British don't generally go in for abuse on specific sections of the population.

One of my relatives works for Lancashire County Council and its now Reform led. Early days, but I will have to ask if any DOGE type policies are in the offing.

Anyway, asylum seekers are entitled to protection.  - @fluffy2560In the first safe country, but the boat lot all pass through France.Why do they skip France and pay smugglers a fortune to get to the UK?Perhaps this will help you answer that countionhttps://domasile.info/en/what-social-ri … e/#housingFrance makes things hard work for them, so they want into soft Britain - @Fred

On the other hand, there's  no way for them to ask for asylum legitimately from a remote location so there's no alternative but to try by boat.

On the other hand, there's no way for them to ask for asylum legitimately from a remote location so there's no alternative but to try by boat. - @fluffy2560

or they could stay in France.

Ner, France makes it hard work for them to scrounge, so they go to the UK.

Anyway, asylum seekers are entitled to protection.  - @fluffy2560
In the first safe country, but the boat lot all pass through France.
Why do they skip France and pay smugglers a fortune to get to the UK?
Perhaps this will help you answer that countion

https://domasile.info/en/what-social-ri … e/#housing

France makes things hard work for them, so they want into soft Britain - @Fred

I don't see how Reform led councils can obstruct central government. They make the rules. - @fluffy2560
That's what the reporter (Beth Rigby) said, saying this was a new Reform policy, Farage's response, "Let's wait and see"; the former Tory Minister who is the new the Reform Party mayor in/for Lincolnshire mentioned tents being appropriate accommodation. - @Cynic
I can see the tents getting nowhere fast especially in the winter. Tantamount to abuse. We British don't generally go in for abuse on specific sections of the population.
One of my relatives works for Lancashire County Council and its now Reform led. Early days, but I will have to ask if any DOGE type policies are in the offing. - @fluffy2560

They were going about recalling all home workers back to the office and ceasing any gender directed posts/departments.

One of my relatives works for Lancashire County Council and its now Reform led. Early days, but I will have to ask if any DOGE type policies are in the offing. - @fluffy2560 They were going about recalling all home workers back to the office and ceasing any gender directed posts/departments. - @Cynic

That's going to impact my relative directly. Everything is done via MS Teams from home offices and remotely managed.  It's not going to help much as they'll have to clawback the office space they've given to other departments.  Plus heating/lighting/IT services/waste management/parking and most importantly, the canteen.  Going to make it more expensive, not less.  Like to see how it's cheaper to provide an office space for a worker or if it's more expensive for them to pay for their own office (at their home).

The equality stuff reduction won't work as they'd be hit by countless lawsuits. It's not the USA where El Gordo potentially has the ultimate word. We should be thankful for not being stuck with the Orange Blob.

Update on Reform's control of local government:

My relative says there's discussion amongst the staff concerning control  of local government going to Reform.  People were shocked and surprised by the result.

Apparently it was always an issue getting on the wrong side of councillors and it's an even hotter topic hearing what Reform is now planning.   

The general thought is to wait and see but there is trepidation.

Update on Reform's control of local government:
My relative says there's discussion amongst the staff concerning control of local government going to Reform. People were shocked and surprised by the result.

Apparently it was always an issue getting on the wrong side of councillors and it's an even hotter topic hearing what Reform is now planning.

The general thought is to wait and see but there is trepidation. - @fluffy2560

Apparently it's not in the remit of local councils to say where a migrant can be placed; the Home Office having entered deals directly with Hotels to take these people.  What the council can do is refuse to authorise the change of use (from a hotel to an immigration hostel), so, no change of use, then business insurance is no longer valid, so they can't trade; it then gets tied up in legal knots, in the meantime, the immigrants have nowhere to go, except to a place with a more friendly (Labour/Conservative/Liberal) local council; the issue then becomes just how long will the locals put up with becoming the "solution".

the issue then becomes just how long will the locals put up with becoming the "solution". - @Cynic

This happened where I used to live. They were going to change a failing, old people's home into an asylum hostal.

The public meeting was fruity to say the least.

The councilors were told in a very forceful way, they must reject the planning application or forget being councilors.

A bunch of Marxists from Shefffield helped a lot when they called all the locals racists.

In fact, the upshot was the home was to house 50 men - no women, and no kids.

Free housing and free cash for 50 unknown illegals when locals were struggling to pay every increasing council taxes.

The biggest single question was - Why were they all men?

If they really had to escape what whatever nasty government, how come they left their mothers, wives, and children behind?

I actually have the answer - they are a bunch of grabbing liars. They were there for the cash, not safety from whatever they were lying about.

Pretty much everyone know a few guys at the local Chinese takeaway were illegal - it was far from a secret - but nobody cared. Why? Easy, they asked for nothing, and they were polite and well behaved. Racism, apart from a few local nutters, was never the problem.

Nobody likes a scrounger, much less 50 lying scroungers.

the issue then becomes just how long will the locals put up with becoming the "solution".  - @Cynic
This happened where I used to live. They were going to change a failing, old people's home into an asylum hostel.
The public meeting was fruity to say the least.
The councillors were told in a very forceful way, they must reject the planning application or forget being councillors.
- @Fred

Who told the councillors they had to reject the planning application or forget being councillors?

The electorate in the fruity meeting or did the central government have a hand in it?

Central government has sweeping powers.  NIgel isn't going to be able to  do a DOGE and Trump despite his wishful thinking.  Wayward and bankrupt local governments have been taken over and run centrally multiple times in history.  And the central government doesn't need the courts, it can just do it anyway.

Apparently it's not in the remit of local councils to say where a migrant can be placed; the Home Office having entered deals directly with Hotels to take these people. What the council can do is refuse to authorise the change of use (from a hotel to an immigration hostel), so, no change of use, then business insurance is no longer valid, so they can't trade; it then gets tied up in legal knots, in the meantime, the immigrants have nowhere to go, except to a place with a more friendly (Labour/Conservative/Liberal) local council; the issue then becomes just how long will the locals put up with becoming the "solution". - @Cynic

Yup, my understanding is the same.  The Home Office is responsible.   The government can put them on old military bases.  I know that's been tested but it was organised to be BS.   And they've spent millions on upgrading inadequate facilities which were still found to be inadequate on all sorts of grounds.  I personally don't understand why they bother to even lock them up.  Even on that notorious barge down Portsmouth way, the inmates could leave for the day and wander the area.    No-one wants a gulag on their doorstep.  Maybe if the called them integration support centres, then that could work out more acceptable in locals' minds.   

BTW, I just read, the US is now trying to deport Afghans who supported the US back to Afghanistan.  They are revoking their protected status. That is truly retarded.  British are no better.  It's a horror show.   

EU announces €500 million package to woo scientists away from Trump's America

Good start but not nearly enough. 

I could see US universities like Harvard setting up arms-length European research arms to take advantage of these funds.

Quite an interesting consequence of Trumpism.

And where is the UK on this?  Left behind is where it is.

@fluffy2560

I don't think the EU needs to encourage them..... Trump will push them away by himself. There is already increased activities on the site with Americans looking at moving away from America.