ecuk268

The Tories in Government (as opposed to the membership) have never been serious about immigration control. In the years leading up to Brexit, net immigration was about 300000 per year split roughly equal between EU and non-EU. They always had the power to control non-EU immigration but did nothing. They made tough-sounding noises (get it down to the tens of thousands) but that's just to placate the Mail and Express readers. Numerous studies have pointed out the net contribution that immigrants make to the economy and, while EU immigration may decrease, I doubt whether it will amount to much.

We need the French to help prevent the immigrants leaving France. Once the agreement lapses, the French can just let them leave as they wish. It's not their problem anymore. They would probably be glad to see them go.

So what? Why should the French cooperate when the the current agreement lapses at the end of the year?

The Home Office are seeking "tougher action in France". I thought that Brexit meant controlling our borders (that was always a myth) so we're asking the French to do it for us. As we've left the EU, I doubt that the French will be very sympathetic. Somewhat ironic, but at least Britain First are doing their bit: https://newsthump.com/2020/08/09/britain-first-launch-english-channel-patrol-boat-hms-diffendor-of-are-cuntry/

When I was a nipper, it was my job very Saturday evening to go off to the newsagents and get the footy Echo. But that was when all games were played on Saturday at 3.00pm. Now, with games being played virtually every day of the week, a Saturday night football paper isn't really feasible. The Echo is in slow decline. It seems to be run by one man and a dog and does very little real journalism. Most of it is regurgitated press releases.

To draw a meaningful conclusion you would need to know the breakdown of those tested. Age, location, health, ethnicity etc.

How many people were tested?

Your'e being a bit harsh here. Everyone knows that the best way to check your eyesight is to load your wife and young child into a car and go off for a drive. If you don't kill anyone (or yourselves), then you must be OK.

Somewhat enigmatic guitarist with Fleetwood Mac has died aged 73. Probably best known for "Albatross".

Met MLT at the launch of the first SFC website at the University. There were loads of Junior Saints there and he was very patient signing endless autographs. Met Frannie at a funeral and Steve Baker in the local chippy. Also Mark Dennis in a local shop. Chatted with Barry Horne on a train to Waterloo. He was off to Harley Street to get his knee looked at. Had a long chat with Andrew Cowan about building St Marys and, to digress, met Eric Cantona while waiting for the Eurostar.

That can't be right. In 2016 Johnson and Gove promised us staying in the single market and frictionless trade. They wouldn't tell lies, would they?

Exactly, I didn't call anyone thick, you seem incapable of accepting that.

When people can't put forward a cogent argument without resorting to childish insults, they'd be better off keeping quiet.

You were complaining about me calling people "thick", even though I didn't say that, and now you're calling another poster "a bit dim". Touch of hypocrisy there.

But we've got our country back (whatever that means).

In the early 70's my wife-to-be did 3 years of teacher training in London and managed quite comfortably on her grant. What percentage of families couldn't afford for their children to stay in education? "Most" is a bit vague.

Where did I call anyone thick? I was just pointing out the statistics. I've not drawn any conclusions. I was of University age in the late 60's and I know many girls who went to University so your statement about half the population not being able to go is groundless.

No, I was referring to my post regarding the breakdown by educational attainment. Those figures were from YouGov who poll thousands in a representative sample.

How do you work that one out?

It's nothing to do with changing the result. It's a statistical analysis of the voting pattern. If you have any evidence that disproves it, kindly let us know.

You seem a trifle sensitive regarding educational achievement. Where did I call anyone thick? How do you measure intelligence? Is it IQ score? We could start a new thread on that. I wouldn't necessarily equate making money with intelligence (Donald Trump). I just pointed out the statistical reality.

if you plot out the percentage of voters who voted leave, there it shows that leavers were older and had lower educational qualifications. 68% of voters who were graduates voted remain whereas 70% of those with GCSE or lower voted leave. Those with A-levels were evenly split. Of the 30 areas with the fewest graduates in the UK, 28 backed Brexit. 29 out of the 30 areas with the most graduates voted Remain. I wouldn't call anyone "thick" but the pattern is clear.

Failing Grayling in charge of the Intelligence Committee. A good example of an oxymoron.

After their fulsome praise of the NHS the Tories seems now set to reward them by making them pay for parking at work. However, this should soften the blow: https://newsthump.com/2020/07/09/government-announces-new-parking-meters-will-clap-for-nhs-staff-while-charging-them-10-to-park-their-cars-at-work/