RayC

What Putin wants - as a minimum - is a 'Greater Russia' encompassing Ukraine and Belarus (the latter is as near as damn it part of Russia already).

Well articulated gibberish.

Heard anything back from the restaurant yet?

Seems to be at odds with the stronger stance suggested by Melani which Trump was reported to support?

That would be a significant hardening of the US's and Europe's stance.

On the Ukraine issue that is, unfortunately, probably true. It also appears that Putin doesn't care what Trump has to say which is more significant. While Europe (EU and UK) is still dependent on the US for its' security and, to some extent, economically if the US is not considered a reliable 'guardian', then a re-evaluation will take place in Europe as well. Imo Starmer's government has been a disappointment to date, but it is complete nonsense to suggest that it is working to some (unexplained) hidden agenda.

It is ridiculous to imply that this government has become a dictatorship. It won a democratic election last year and has a mandate to govern until 2029. It is equally ridiculous to suggest that the government has become untenable. Once again, to state the blindingly obvious, there is no way that the parliamentary opposition can force it out. You have also previously agreed that there will not be a mass revolt from the public to force it to resign. Which leaves what? A coup of some sort? The chances of a ragtag band of extreme- left or extreme-right nutters successfully organising an uprising are approximately zero. So an 'establishment' take over? Consisting of who? The monarchy? The Army? Why would they do so? This government is no threat to either. So, to summarise, much as you wish it were not the case, the idea that this government is a dictatorship and/or is untenable is complete and utter nonsense. QED.

Leave it out, guv😉

Funnily enough like most people I don't get my news from 'Conspiracy Theory' today. I did some shopping locally in Lambeth this morning. People of all shapes, sizes and races going about their business No hint of racial warfare. Guess that we're just lucky.

I can't tell what a relief that is to me

In the meantime, I'll file it under Conspiracy Theory or Uninformed Opinion. TBD which one.

What (combination of events) will cause the government to resign or force it from power. You need to explain that.

The government did not resign following 7/7. Why should another terrorist attack lead to the government resigning and calling an election?

Where is this threat to the government then? You have already agreed that the change will not result from street protests and/or parliament.

Which was the point that I was making. I'm pleased that you agree with me. What events will cause a Government holding a majority of 170-odd to throw in the towel? Labour has nothing to fear from the parliamentary opposition wrt its hold on power. Given that we agree that a revolution is unlikely, I don't see how the Labour Party will be forced from power. I recall that you said that Starmer would be gone by the Autumn: While there is, of course, still time for that prediction to be proved correct, it looks increasingly unlikely. It is not in (m)any politician's nature to relinquish power voluntarily, and I doubt that Starmer bucks the norm in that respect: His opponents in the PLP will need to organise themselves if they are to have a chance of toppling him and there is little sign of that happening before the Autumn.

None of the above happened because millions of people took to the streets and forced a change. The changes occurred through the ballot box. You are going to be sadly disappointed if you think that the UK government will be forced from office by millions of people taking to the streets. Perhaps, let's see. We'll find out in 2027 or sooner if the government calls an early election.

Neither. I am being sarcastic which may be the lowest form of wit but, in this case, highlights how Islamophobia seems to pervade many unrelated threads.

Islamic foods a contributory factor in a pilot leaving the cockpit door open. Right.

Wishful thinking on your part. It would require millions of people to take to the streets in order to force the government to resign. It's not going to happen.

Amongst other things, this war has had a major negative effect on energy supplies in Europe, disrupted other supply lines, led to an influx of refugees from Ukraine and cost EU member states +/-$180bn to date in aid and grants to Ukraine. Other than a few defence companies whose profits have increased, pray tell what other benefits prolonging this war will bring for the EU (and/or the UK for that matter)?

A rant completely devoid of any facts or evidence which support it. TBF at least you admit to being an apologist for Putin's warmongering which I suppose is something.

Ah yes. That's right. It's easy to forget that you don't live in the UK given your vociferousness about everything - and that's a lot - that you perceive to be wrong with daily life here, and the negative effects it has on us residents. Still, it's nice to know that you are concerned for our welfare. These women eh? They'll be wanting the vote next! Enjoy the games.

Actually you do. There are plenty of alternatives. Excellent. A point of agreement. 😂 There really was no need to prove my point. You start the ball rolling. There really was no need to prove my point. (Cut and paste is so useful).

If you want to interfere in Europe's affairs, you need to give something back. Gibberish. Tough. Get over it. I wouldn't place too big a wager on that happening if I were you. Wow. Listen to the expert on all things European. No doubt you have an unrivalled knowledge of Flemish nationalism, the structural challenges facing German industry and the effects of the CAP on European ... I'll leave you to look up what CAP stands for.

No not again. Stop lying. I did not say that Orban was bad for Hungary. I implied that he was bad for the EU. Orban's views and actions are at odds with almost all the other EU member states. If Hungarians are happy with him as their leader, fine, but why should the EU put up with him? If Orban is so disenchanted with the EU then the honourable thing would be to stand on a platform of withdrawing Hungary from the EU at the next GE and let the Hungarian public decide if that's what they want. He won't do it of course, he will simply continue to undermine the EU from within. Don't ask me to give you specific examples: I'm not here to spoon-feed you, but I'm start you off. Look at Orban's page on Wiki and follow the trail from there. The EU and most people with an understanding of liberal democratic values.