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Sainsbury's Faces £140 Million Hit from National Insurance Hike, Warns of Rising Inflation
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Thinking about a sex change before trip to Malaya: Any words of advice?
Maybe thread should be moved to the Gay forum. -
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The Mystery of Prince Andrew's Wealthy Backers: Why the Elite Keep Bankrolling the Duke
Filth protects filth. -
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The Mystery of Prince Andrew's Wealthy Backers: Why the Elite Keep Bankrolling the Duke
The answer is as obvious as the sun in the morning. -
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The Mystery of Prince Andrew's Wealthy Backers: Why the Elite Keep Bankrolling the Duke
Despite his diminished reputation, Prince Andrew continues to find benefactors willing to fund his luxurious lifestyle. For years, he has relied on wealthy friends and contacts to sustain a high-profile existence, even after his public disgrace and King Charles’s withdrawal of financial support. The Duke of York seems perpetually able to lean on others, from former associates to well-connected figures, sparking questions about why they remain willing to pay his way. Support for Andrew has come from surprising sources. Years ago, an oligarch connected to Kazakhstan’s then-president paid £3 million over the asking price for his former marital home at Sunninghill Park. Then, the late Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, lent the duke’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson £15,000 to help clear her debts. These figures, controversial in their own right, maintained close ties to Andrew even as his public image faltered. After King Charles ceased paying for Andrew’s security costs, the Duke reportedly tapped “other sources of income” through his contacts in international trade. As royal journalist Robert Hardman’s biography delicately phrases it, Andrew’s networking with powerful figures worldwide has somehow kept him financially afloat, allowing him to retain some trappings of his former role. And just as his finances became increasingly precarious, another unexpected benefactor stepped in, paying to maintain his residence at Royal Lodge—a lavish 30-bedroom estate in Windsor Great Park. As yet, this latest benefactor’s identity remains undisclosed, sparing the Duke from relocating to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s more modest Frogmore Cottage, which reportedly has a mere five bedrooms and a yoga studio. According to reports, Michael Stevens, keeper of the privy purse, reviewed and approved this arrangement, a development that raises questions about transparency in public life and private funding. This undisclosed assistance invites scrutiny: such opacity over large donations to high-profile individuals has often led to complications and ethical concerns. Prince Andrew’s connections to affluence are not new. His tenure as a “trade envoy” involved globetrotting and engaging with influential figures, leading some to speculate that his royal connections were a central part of his networking appeal. Now, even without a visible income source—except his navy pension, as his annual allowance has reportedly been withdrawn—Andrew seems to maintain his royal-adjacent lifestyle. Many might wonder if it’s his personal charm or his connections that keep attracting support. Some of his wealthy friends have stayed loyal even after he paid an estimated £12 million to settle a civil case with Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein’s trafficking, a case in which Andrew denies any sexual relationship with her. Speculation about the origins of that settlement’s funds has also lingered, adding to the mystery surrounding Andrew’s finances. The saga prompts further questions about Andrew’s supporters and their motives. In an era where back-door entry into the British establishment and access to power hold sway, the prince’s ongoing connections raise the possibility of murky interests at play. Some benefactors may see Andrew as a pathway to influence, while others may have personal or political motivations for sustaining his position. Given the complex web of global wealth, political power, and royal influence, the support behind Prince Andrew calls for greater scrutiny. Perhaps it’s time for Parliament to investigate with urgency and foresight, shedding light on the forces that enable him to maintain a lifestyle many veterans—and indeed most citizens—could never afford. Based on a report by the Guardian 2024-11-13 -
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Jewish Youth Football Team in Berlin Attacked by Knife-Wielding pro-Palestinian Mob
In Berlin, a Jewish youth football team from Makkabi Berlin was placed under police protection after they reported being pursued and attacked by a pro-Palestinian mob wielding knives and sticks during a recent match. The team, composed of teenagers aged 13 to 16, described the harrowing incident, which took place in the Neukölln district, an area known for its large Arab and Turkish communities. According to accounts shared by team members and their families, the Jewish youth felt they were “hunted down” following the game against local rival Schwarz-Weiss Neukölln. One father reported his son returned home visibly shaken after being spat upon and followed by a group of adults and young people who harassed the team as they left the field. A screenshot posted on social media from one of the players detailed how they were chased by “Arab youths” who allegedly shouted, “Free Palestine” and “F---ing Jews,” while brandishing knives and sticks. Alon Meyer, president of Makkabi Germany, spoke with witnesses and confirmed reports of threats and intimidation, stating, “threats, including chasing people with knives, undoubtedly took place.” Schwarz-Weiss Neukölln condemned the assault and pledged to ban those responsible, affirming that “incidents like this don’t belong on soccer pitches – and certainly not on ours.” Berlin’s Staatsschutz, the division responsible for investigating politically motivated crimes, has opened an inquiry into the attack. Makkabi Berlin’s adult teams have already been under police protection since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel last year, and officers were dispatched to secure the club’s matches over the weekend in response to this recent assault. Founded in the 1970s by Holocaust survivors, Makkabi Berlin was established as a sanctuary and a symbol of Jewish life after World War II. Its founders saw the club as a continuation of Bar-Kochba Berlin, a prominent Jewish sports club that flourished in the 1920s. The attack on Makkabi’s youth team highlights a troubling rise in anti-Semitic tensions in Germany. Authorities have warned that the threat to Jewish life in the country has reached unprecedented levels since the Nazi era, with some local officials advising Jewish residents to avoid displaying religious symbols in certain neighborhoods. In commemoration of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, Berlin official Ms. Springer stated, “These acts show that anti-Semitic violence and discrimination have not disappeared in our city either.” Her remarks referenced the tragic events of November 9, 1938, when Nazi mobs burned synagogues and Jewish businesses across Germany in a night of violent anti-Semitism. Today, the echoes of that dark history serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and solidarity against ongoing discrimination and violence. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-13 Related: Israeli fans violently attacked after Amsterdam soccer match -
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Trump Moves Forward with Hardline Immigration Strategy
President-elect Donald Trump is making good on his campaign promises to implement sweeping immigration reforms, taking concrete steps toward a rigorous crackdown on undocumented immigrants and heightened border security. On Monday, he appointed two prominent figures known for their hardline stances to senior positions in the incoming administration. Stephen Miller, a former advisor and speechwriter during Trump’s first term, is expected to serve as deputy chief of staff, according to sources familiar with the selection. Miller, who played a key role in developing previous policies such as the travel ban on Muslim-majority countries and family separation at the border, will work under White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who co-managed Trump’s campaign. Tom Homan, a former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will assume the role of “border czar,” tasked with overseeing border security and deportation efforts. Trump announced Homan’s role on social media late Sunday, signaling the importance he places on the position. Homan is known for his uncompromising stance on immigration enforcement, and his role as “border czar” suggests a move toward intensified deportation operations. While spokespeople for Miller and the transition team declined to comment, the appointments reflect Trump’s intent to follow through on his campaign rhetoric. In addition to his immigration team, Trump is expanding his foreign policy and national security roster. On Monday, he requested that Rep. Mike Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret and an outspoken critic of China, serve as national security advisor. Trump also intends to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance, as secretary of state, according to sources. Rubio’s experience and position as a Florida Republican align with Trump’s goal of presenting a tougher stance on foreign affairs. Trump also named Rep. Elise Stefanik from New York as his pick for ambassador to the United Nations, along with former congressman Lee Zeldin, another New York Republican, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Each appointee brings a reputation for strong policy views, hinting at the potential for notable shifts in both foreign policy and environmental regulation. Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to close the U.S.-Mexico border and enact one of the largest deportation initiatives in American history. His plans include implementing a mass deportation strategy modeled after President Eisenhower’s 1950s-era “Operation Wetback,” which involved military-style tactics to remove migrant workers under hazardous conditions. While the scale of Trump’s proposed operation has raised logistical concerns—such as shortages of ICE officers, detention centers, and immigration judges—he remains undeterred. In a post-election interview with NBC, Trump asserted his commitment to this sweeping immigration overhaul, regardless of the costs involved. “They’re going to go back to those countries because they’re not staying here,” Trump said of undocumented immigrants. “There is no price tag.” His statement reinforces his determination to enforce strict immigration controls, sparking debate on the implications for immigrants and for those who will execute the plan. Based on a report by WP 2024-11-13 -
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Bernie Sanders Criticizes Democrats for Avoiding Joe Rogan’s Platform
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has openly criticized Democrats for their reluctance to engage with Joe Rogan and other prominent podcast hosts, arguing that this hesitation is a missed opportunity to reach large and diverse audiences. Sanders shared his views during an interview on CNN’s *State of the Union*, responding to host Dana Bash’s questions about the backlash he faced after appearing on Rogan’s show and receiving Rogan’s endorsement in the 2020 primary race. Reflecting on the controversy, Sanders defended his decision to engage with Rogan, saying, “Yeah, I think that’s fair enough. Look, you’re going to have an argument with Rogan, agree with him, disagree with him. But, what’s the problem with going on those shows? It’s hard for me to understand that.” Sanders pointed out that Rogan’s platform reaches “millions and millions of viewers” and emphasized the importance of candidates connecting with a wide range of media audiences. Rogan recently endorsed former President Donald Trump shortly before Election Day, following a lengthy interview with Trump on his podcast. The interview, which spanned nearly three hours, covered a range of topics. Trump’s ally and tech mogul Elon Musk also made an appearance on Rogan’s show just ahead of the election, strengthening ties with Rogan’s audience, which skews younger and male. Vice President Kamala Harris, in contrast, opted not to travel to Rogan’s Texas-based studio for an interview, though her campaign did not explicitly decline the opportunity. Instead, Harris’s team suggested that Rogan would need to come to her, offering only an hour-long slot for the interview. The meeting ultimately fell through, with some Democrats later criticizing the decision, suggesting that Harris missed a valuable opportunity to connect with Rogan’s extensive audience. In the aftermath of a disappointing election, Democrats have engaged in intense self-reflection, trying to understand what went wrong. Some party members argue that Harris’s decision to skip the Rogan interview was emblematic of a broader disconnect with younger, independent voters, particularly young men who make up a significant portion of Rogan’s listeners. Sanders has remained vocal about the need for Democrats to engage with alternative media outlets. In January 2020, Rogan had expressed his support for Sanders in the Democratic primary, a gesture that sparked backlash from some members of the Democratic establishment who were wary of Rogan’s sometimes controversial commentary. Despite the criticism, Sanders maintains that his decision to engage with Rogan was a sensible one, saying on Sunday, “I don’t see a problem in doing that.” Based on a report by the Hill 2024-11-13 -
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David Lammy Under Pressure to Apologize for Past Comments on Trump
David Lammy, the UK’s current foreign secretary, faces pressure to apologize for comments he made about former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. Ezra A. Cohen, who held the position of acting under-secretary of defense for intelligence during Trump’s first term, has publicly suggested that Lammy owes “an apology to the American people” for his critical remarks. Cohen’s criticism specifically targets a 2019 tweet from Lammy, who, at the time, was a Labour Party backbencher. In the post, Lammy referred to Trump as “deluded, dishonest, xenophobic, narcissistic,” and claimed the U.S. president was “no friend of Britain.” He further asserted that Trump was “not fit to hold public office” and dismissed the idea of Trump being honored with a state banquet with Queen Elizabeth II. Lammy’s words underscored his deep concerns over Trump's policies and character, and he openly questioned the appropriateness of a state visit for the president. Now, as speculation grows that Cohen could take on a national security or defense role if Trump is re-elected, he’s underscored the importance of the U.S.-UK “special relationship” and its continuity. He took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to say, “Our special relationship with the United Kingdom is of the utmost importance and must continue. Thus I look forward to David Lammy’s apology to the American people who overwhelmingly chose President Trump as our leader.” This call for an apology comes as the newly-elected center-left Labour government in Britain seeks to strengthen relations with the U.S. amidst a likely return of Trump to the Oval Office. Lammy’s criticisms of Trump over the years have extended beyond that single tweet. He has used harsh language to describe Trump as a “neo-Nazi sympathizing sociopath,” “dangerous clown,” and “racist KKK and Nazi sympathizer,” even promising to oppose any Trump visit to the UK during his presidency. However, recent shifts in Lammy’s approach suggest a desire to forge new diplomatic paths. He recently visited Washington, D.C., where he engaged with prominent figures close to Trump and downplayed his prior remarks as “old news.” Lammy has expressed that he now prioritizes finding “common ground” with the U.S., a shift that has not gone unnoticed by UK conservatives. UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has seized on the controversy, urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Lammy’s superior, to issue an apology on Lammy’s behalf. The pressure from British conservatives reflects broader tensions around the political and diplomatic challenges posed by past remarks on Trump as his potential return looms. While Lammy’s comments continue to be scrutinized, British Ambassador to the U.S., Karen Pierce, has offered a perspective that downplays their significance. Speaking with CBS, Pierce remarked, “In my experience, politicians kind of absorb those sorts of comments as part of the wear and tear of political life. What’s important is the relationship now.” Based on a report by Politico 2024-11-13
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