RayC

And perhaps also because it is a bit close to the truth?

Why do you consider it to be an insult? Definition of an apologist: Someone who offers an argument in defence of something controversial. Seems pretty apt to me.

Why would an "undefeatable opponent" need to negotiate? If Russia is undefeatable, why would she stop once Ukraine is conquered? Unfortunately there are already a lot of widows and fatherless children. As others have pointed out, a simple way of avoiding adding to their numbers would be for Russia to cease hostilities and withdraw from Ukraine immediately. The events in the Middle East and the political debacle that currently exists in the US certainly doesn't further the Ukrainian cause. Hopefully, Congress will soon be able to pass a bill approving ongoing assistance to Ukraine. If the US, NATO and Europe stand together in support of Ukraine, then imo the conflict is unlikely to end any time soon as Ukraine is unlikely to back down. Sadly, there will more loss of life. The simple - and morally correct - solution which I suggested above, is for Russia to withdraw. Unfortunately, I accept that this is also unlikely to happen. You have raised this point before and I offered evidence to counter it. To repeat, Hungary has always been lukewarm in its' support. Polish support is more complex but, in any event, with the likely formation of a Tusk administration imo support from the Polish government will solidify: There is little evidence to suggest that the other EU states and the UK will withdraw support. Public support from continuing aid to Ukraine still remains well above 50% in most EU states and in the UK. Not a baiting question at all; just an obvious comparison: You state here that Russia is undefeatable. Many in the UK political elite e.g. Halifax believed the same of Germany in 1940 and were in favour of a negotiated peace. If that had happened, I very much doubt that we would be engaging in this type of free speech now.

A very long time ago, 'The Express' could claim to be a passable imitation of a serious newspaper. Nowadays it ranks below 'The Star' wrt publishing anything resembling a fact.

So Ukraine should just capitulate and give in to Russian demands? It appears that acting as an apologist for an invading aggressor makes you happy. As an (off-topic) aside, do you think that the UK should have just capitulated in 1940?

Assuming this is correct, do you consider it to be a positive development?

You could reduce your expenses!😱

Suella won't be happy. As I write she's probably looking for a reason to deport Nige.

That's very generous, Jonny🙏 My life is now complete.

😂😂😂😂😂 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I hope that you don't have any more corkers like that. I'm not sure my heart will be able to take it next time 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Imo disappointing news if it is correct. Hopefully, the legislation cited in the Guardian article has been postponed rather than abandoned.

So damned if they do, damned if they don't. A very balanced view.

That's an interesting point. The average playing area in cricket is 50% greater than a baseball field. They may have to build new stadia? (Bolding unintended) Haven't Americans suffered enough? They already have American football, baseball and ice hockey. Why add to their torment by inflicting Aussie Rules upon them😉

You're wrong about Churchill's view of the EU. The likelihood is that he would very much approve of it. (First link is Churchill's full Zurich speech. Second link is a summary) https://winstonchurchill.org/resources/speeches/1946-1963-elder-statesman/united-states-of-europe/ https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/history-eu/eu-pioneers/winston-churchill_en

Confirmed that suspect has died. I can't shed any tears about this news.

The threat from extremists is taken seriously in Belgium but, unfortunately, terrorists slip through the net. The attacker in this instance lived in Schaerbeek, not Molenbeek, although there's no denying that Molenbeek has its' problems. However, having grown up in what was considered at the time by many to be a crime-infested slum (Brixton), my experience is that the overwhelming majority of people are decent and law abiding.

According to Le Soir (Belgium), unconfined reports that a man, thought to be the perpetrator, has been shot by police.

Thanks for the explanation. Fair point. There are ways to circumvent the issue though. When I worked in Belgium, pension contributions - up to a ceiling, - lowered one's taxable income significantly (Income tax rates in Belgium are very high) and an individual's pension pot was then taxed at maturity (@10% if I remember correctly?). All hypothetical of course. Imo there is next to no chance of any UK government either agreeing that 1) a UK national's (pension) income should be taxed where they reside and/or 2) the 'triple lock' being applied to expats residing in countries where it is not currently in operation.

Indeed. More paperwork involved in transporting horses between the UK and EU states post-Brexit.

That was UKIP's idea (serve Article 50 the day after the referendum result). They also believed that the EU needed us more than we needed them. Presumably, this strategy was based on the belief that two wrongs make a right?

Stanvac, The official guidance is as I stated previously https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/spouse-and-family-visa LiddleJohn seems to believe otherwise. My experience with the London Embassy was also different to his. I found them very helpful, albeit that was some time ago (pre-Covid) and about 'legalising' our UK marriage certificate in Thailand. Good luck.

Proof of onward flight is a requirement according to the details on the London Embassy website. The extract at the end is also taken from the website (relates to 'O' family visa): For what it's worth, I applied for the same visa last month. Took 3 weeks for visa to come through. My bank statement showed +/-£10k. I got asked to resubmit itinerary - probably because I plan to stay +/-120 days? - but no further questions. "closing balance of £500 (for individual single entry) £1,000 (for family single entry), £5000 (for individual multiple entries, and £10,000 (for family multiple entries) , proof of earnings (payslips) or sponsorship letter from your sponsor with official ID and their Bank Statements. (Do not send the screenshot)"

Very good???? You claim not to be a lawyer???? If that's the case, can I suggest that you change career: You'll make a fortune.

I don't expect any UK government to change the law so that only residents are taxed on their income, but I don't understand why the law governing pension provision should be a barrier?

I would guess that the overwhelming majority of people are opposed to wars in general. However, as Stevenl implies, in this instance what was the alternative? Passive acceptance that an aggressor can effectively take what it wants? There are almost countless hypothesis and commentaries attempting to explain the background and rationale for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Imo Dr. Sachs' is among the least persuasive. A completely different take on matters can be seen here. https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/08/russias-longstanding-problem-ukraines-borders