Trump again!

[baggieal]

Had Iran posed a genuine imminent threat as claimed by Trump then pre-emptive strikes may have been legitimate but they weren't and his actions have only inflamed tensions in the region and the oil issue will impact on many. I truly believe Trump (who is also on record over the years for both denouncing America's meddling in the Middle East and coming out as against getting involved in conflicts with Iran) does not have a thought out plan here. I can't but feel that Netanyahu has also had an influence on him. No doubting the hatred and heinous crimes of Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel, but it is disingenuous at best to ignore Netanyahu's own actions or that of right wing Zionists against Palestinians.

As for domestic issues, Starmer is certainly right to want to increase defence spending (which has been allowed to fall woefully low over the years of comparative peace following the end of the Cold War) but you are dead right over concerns as to how this will impact on the finances of many already struggling financially. Of course costs can be saved by far better managing immigration levels but this is only a comparatively small amount and whilst a genuine concern, ok is also too easily used to deflect from the root issue which is of growing inequality in the country.

I also totally agree with you about the need to better manage our benefits system -especially in regard to rooting out those who exploit it- and have long thought that some long term unemployed should be used on public service/ community works (just as we might also adopt the US system of getting prisoners to work to help pay for their keep). The counter argument, of course, is that if public/ community works were done by technically unpaid labour, then this would further cut job opportunities.

Moreover, in too many parts of the country, jobs are not easy to come by especially now that traditional "entry level" jobs such as in supermarkets or hospitality are no longer there. For too many-almost regardless of qualifications-the most numerous vacancies are in the minimum wage paid care sector -and these are mostly only part time. Yes, they are better than no job at all but they offer little if any prospects and forcing people into this occupation who are unsuitable for the job won't benefit the clients needing that help.

No easy answers are there Al 😞

No easy answers Omeg whatsoever and you could add - can you blame those on benefits for not working if they are no better financially. Again this is down to the government - I would be ruthless with the amount of benefits payments as they are in Spain including reversing the two cap. One of my friends is a bank manager and she is getting lots of customers coming in saying they can not afford this that or the other. One look at their bank statements shows lottery, take aways, booze, shop debts, Sky TV etc etc. Should those on benefits for more than a year have a car, holidays, booze, fags, take aways etc. For me NO so maybe they will find a job and yes there?s always jobs albeit some you would not choose. There should be a rule that anybody on benefits loses their entitlements if they go on holiday or overseas unless they can prove there?s a valid reason ie seeing a sick family member.

I do not consider the costs for illegal immigration to be small because estimates for 2025 are around 14 billion. That?s huge so perhaps as almost all these young men are under 30 they should be conscripted into a new national service. If that was the case we know numbers would massively drop. Nothing wrong with this either because many would say it?s pay back if of course they wanted to stay in the country.

Some European countries are mega tough but we are just soft and weak!

Anyway Omeg - let?s hope for a win tomorrow or it could be a trip to see Phil in Blackpool next season 😭