JonnyF

Actually, she was approved by a very slim majority of MEP's. She scraped though after a secret ballot (how transparent!!) after being nominated by the European council. No citizens of the EU directly voted for the failed politician, Von Der Leyen to be President. Thank goodness we've left the failing, undemocratic federalist project.

The electorate know who they are voting for. Nobody voted for Von De Leyen. She was "selected" by technocrats about 3 layers above the votes of the people.

The Conservatives were elected by the British people. The electorate voted to leave the EU. Democracy. I know it's annoying for the vocal, extreme minority but that's how it works.

But they are elected into parliament by their constituents.

The EU criticising Hungary for a lack of democracy? ???? Pot meet kettle. More headaches for the failing federalist project after the Swedish election results.

Maybe you could have a "people's vote" to try to reverse the Democratic will of the Swedish people?

Come budget time, funds will no doubt be diverted to countries with a more “appropriate” government.

Severe shortages of sparkling wine ????.

Indeed, sniping at the UK while too ashamed to admit what country she is from. Andrew, a man convicted of no crime was heckled at his own mother's funeral. A shameful act. Yet the 'be kind' people are lauding the heckler because they have decided that Andrew is guilty. As I said before, they'd fit in better in 1692 than 2022. They don't care about due process, they've already made up their minds and support any action against him.

Meanhwhile, popping sounds are being reported in the industrial zones of Vietnam.

Incredible scenes. So fitting for a fantastic Monarch.

I'm pretty close to putting down a deposit on one of these. Just one issue is bothering me, these issues with the 10 speed transmission. A colleague had a Ford Everest (2020?) that left him stranded on the Chalong Rat highway due to a gearbox issue that the Thai technicians told him was apparently a known fault, and when I googled it there seems to be a lot of issues with that gearbox. So does anyone know if this transmission issue has been resolved for the new Raptor?

One doesn't have to break the law for one's actions to be considered inappropriate for that of a member of the Royal family. His behaviour at times has been ill judged and unbecoming for a Prince. But there is no evidence that it was illegal.

Going over old ground here. I believe he paid out to avoid weeks of exaggerated, sordid headlines that would have no doubt caused his parents a great deal of grief in their final months. Criticizing everyone else's nationality and their government, Royal Family, populace etc. while trying to keep your own nationality hidden seems a bit lily livered to me. But if that's your nature, carry on...

Just as the words of a self confessed procurer of girls for sex trafficking does not constitute the guilt of a man who may have had a photo taken with her. I don't know why you Americans are so obsessed with the British Royal family. Jealousy?

You'd think if she was really a victim then she'd want justice. The offer of a cash payout to see her abuser go free would have been an insult. But no, little Miss "it's not about the money" couldn't drop the charges fast enough once a few million quid was waved in her face. Tells you everything you need to know about the woman and her false accusations. That's before you consider that she herself is a self confessed sex trafficker.

No facts there, just your biased opinions based on a dislike of the Royal family. A man is innocent until proven guilty. What we have here are people acting like it's 1692. What is it with you guys? Wishing to bring back racial discrimination (rebranded as positive discrimination), wishing to shut down freedom of expression (rebranded as outlawing hate speech), and now declaring people guilty without even having a trial. Doesn't sound too progressive to me.

Covid is old news. I was in the UK last week for a holiday and there were no masks, no talk of Covid, no concerns of catching it, life back to normal. Coming back to Thailand and having to mask up was a real pain. It feels like they're about a year behind and they look quite foolish to be honest having spent a week over there. It seems they just can't let it go.

No evidence to suggest she was trafficked. Or that he had sex with her. Maybe better you stick to the facts rather than indulging in celebrity gossip and conspiracy theories.

It's not a conspiracy theory. He died in custody. That is an indisptable fact. Even if you believe he comitted suicide that is a huge red flag against the New York authorities. Why would we have confidence to send a Prince over to a system that has proved itself utterly incompetent in keeping alive high profile defendants awaiting trial in the very same case?

So the results are in. Massive shock as the Swedes made their feelings known about the uncontrolled immigration allowed by the previous government by voting in the right wing parties. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62908902 More bad news for the EU.

Like I said, it's an imperfect system. One of the imperfections is that you are beholden to luck in some ways as to the nature of who gets the number 1 spot. I mean, if Harry had been first born he may have been next. Fortunately it will be William and I suspect his sons will be raised to be decent human beings as well. But again, look at the alternative. Biden was elected and look at the embarrassment he has become. Just because they are voted in and can be removed, doesn't mean you get decent people. Look at Blair and his war crimes. Using another system he could well end up as our Head of State. Canada would probably have Trudeau and his WEF tripe.

It's an imperfect system no doubt. However, just like Democracy being imperfect, it's better than the other forms of government IMO. If we were a Republic there's every chance we'd end up with someone like Blair as President. Look at France with Macron. The US with Biden for gods sake. Is that any better? I also agree that shutting down sport was inappropriate. But I don't believe that the decision of the family. That was down to the broadcasters, the Premier League, the BBB of C etc. I mean, the rugby and the cricket was still on, very weird. I was back in the UK last week for a short holiday and was looking forward to the PL games, Shield vs Marshall etc. so I was annoyed when it was all cancelled. But I don't believe the Queen would have supported that. Apart from the sport, things were pretty normal, pubs and clubs open. The TV coverage was OTT but again that was down to the broadcasters, not an edict from the family. I certainly don't idolize them as individuals either. I had an awful lot of respect for the Queen, Charles is OK when he's not lecturing on the climate, Anne is OK, I like William and Kate, not a fan of Andrew, have disdain for Meghan's husband. But on the whole they perform a function and I do believe that the scenes of the funeral, the pomp etc. will be a positive image for the country. Certainly better than anything else coming out of the place right now. I also believe they pay for themselves in terms of revenue generated but I think those numbers are difficult to quantify. I genuinely believe that most of the rest of the world looks upon us with a degree of envy compared to what those countries have in place. I know here in Thailand they have a great interest in our Royal family and I get asked about it a lot by colleagues in the office, they always have questions about which one is my favourite etc. In contrast, they mock Trump and Biden. Never even heard of Macron.

People settle out of court all the times, for various reasons. He made no admission of guilt. Maybe you are a tad biased against the British Monarchy? I know it's a bugbear for some that not every country can have such rich history and traditions...

Sounds like Salem in 1692. No need for proof, no need for due process - just tarnish their name and punish because "he looks guilty".