This thread exists to discuss British politics.
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Recent political stuff:
- The vote to see if Britain should adopt Alternative Voting has failed.
- Lib Dems lose lots of councils and councillors, whilst Labour make the majority of the gains in England.
- The Scottish National Party do really well in the elections.
A link to the BBC politics page containing relevant information.
Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 3rd 2023 at 11:15:30 AM
A procrastination in of itself
And we’re in lockdown.
“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Figure of Hourai
• People are warned not to meet friends or family members who they do not live with
• Shopping is only permitted for essentials like food and medicine, and people are advised to do it “as little as you can”
• Police have powers to enforce the rules, including through fines and dispersing gatherings
• All shops selling non-essential goods, such as clothing and electronic stores, are ordered to close
• Libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship are to close
• All gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with - are banned
• All social events, including weddings and baptisms are banned
• Funerals are not included in the new restrictions
• Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed
• Restrictions “under constant review” and will be checked again in three weeks. They will be relaxed “if the evidence shows we are able to”
Makes me wonder where dogs fit into all this. The "one exercise a day" thing? It would actually be dangerous to try and keep most more active breeds completely confined for three weeks or more. And the UK has a lot of dogs.
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Pronounced YAK-you-luss
Not much of a formal enforcement structure (police can fine you for violating the rules, but there's no mention of how they'll assess whether you're violating the rules). Be interesting to see whether that's enough, or whether we get a Greek-style licence system in a while.
What's precedent ever done for us?
Figure of Hourai
I'd hope more like France than Greece. Greece's just looks weird.
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Captain of the Dead City
Fucking finally. I already see the bootlickers on social media defending this obvious U-turn as an "evolving response to a developing situation".
"...in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach."
Figure of Hourai
Well, it is. People weren't listening to being asked nicely, so ask less nicely.
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I have recollections from last year that commentators on the left predicted a large Conservative majority leading swiftly to the destruction of civil liberties and the imposition of a police state. They probably didn't imagine it happening quite like this!
(Though of course right-wingers habitually stoke the same fears of a socialist government and indeed Corbyn would likely still have been forced into imposing the same measures now.)
The Best Worst Psychonaut
Weird question, but - now that we're in lockdown for three weeks (at minimum), is there any sort of volunteering work that can be done from home? It would make me feel less like deadweight in a time like this. :V
"If you think like a child, you will do a child's work."
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Food banks will be pretty darned critical and likely in need of hands, if you're willing to brave the risk.
If in doubt, poke charities like the Sally Army for info. Alternatively, there's Citizen's Advice. They must also be feeling harried about now and needing mods and what not.
A procrastination in of itself
Hell I imagine that charities that help people with loneliness are about to get overwhelmed, they’d probably appreciate some help.
“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Help the Aged will have lists of people who need a good chin-wag... And, maybe somebody to help them work the arcane and occult mysteries of Amazon.
Organisations such as Silverline may appreciate the help — although that concept is likely to be expanded.
For those that don't know, Silverline is a charity service made up of volunteers who communicate with elderly people who are stuck at home to try and help ease isolation and loneliness. A lot of communities have been trying to set up networks like this to help people of all ages get through isolation measures.
This sort of thing has the benefit that even people who have self-isolate for being high risk can volunteer as it involves connecting with people without leaving your own home — and it benefits you in the process, too. Win-win all round.
If my post doesn't mention a giant flying sperm whale with oversized teeth and lionfish fins for flippers, it just isn't worth reading.
Figure of Hourai
I wonder if off-licenses fall under the food or newsagent exemptions? It's an odd thought.
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There's an international system for classifying businesses called the UN International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC). UK businesses have to use it when they register with Companies House. The EU version of ISIC is called NACE (La Nomenclature statistique des activités économiques dans la Communauté européenne) and the UK version (which is currently in line with NACE) is called SIC (Standard Industrial Classification).
Whether or not an off-licence classifies as food or newsagent will depend on how they've been registered with Companies House.
So, yeah, there's actually a hard-and-fast rule for that one.
If my post doesn't mention a giant flying sperm whale with oversized teeth and lionfish fins for flippers, it just isn't worth reading.
Oh, bother.
The Guardian: Prince Charles recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Edited by M84 on Mar 25th 2020 at 7:10:21 PM
Disgusted, but not surprised
Britain's embattled logistics industry calls for Brexit to be delayed
Oh dear.
"Yup. That tasted purple."
Isn't Britain already out of the EU?
They want the transition / negotiation period extended.
"Yup. That tasted purple."
Figure of Hourai
But following EU law until the end of the year to enable time for treaties to be negotiated.
Except it seems like with the current problem, industry wants that less than ever.
When last asked about it, I believe the government response was "there shall be no extension."
I think that was last week.
Edited by RainehDaze on Mar 25th 2020 at 3:48:07 PM
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I mean that's what happens when the country is run by disaster capitalists who want the worst outcome possible.
"Yup. That tasted purple."
We left the EU on 31 January. The transition period ends on 31 December, unless that gets extended because everyone's too busy with COVID to negotiate the next phase.
Some further detail on the Duke & Duchess of Cornwall [1]. Charles has tested positive, Camilla negative. They are self-isolating separately at Birkhall, Balmoral. Several of the estate's workforce are also self-isolating at their own homes. Charles is only displaying mild symptoms so far and remains at work. Staff and officials from Highgrove House and the Duchy of Cornwall, many of whom had private meetings with him in the last few days, have been alerted.
Jeremy Corbyn has made his final performance at PMQs as Leader of the Opposition. He was allowed twelve questions this time (and Ian Blackford four) in a double-length session.
The Lord Garel-Jones, Minister for Europe 1990-1993, died on Monday aged 79.
Edited by TommyR01D on Mar 25th 2020 at 9:11:18 AM
The Coronavirus Act and the Contingencies Fund Act received Royal Assent today. Parliament has risen until 21st April.
Captain of the Dead City
Good.
"...in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach."
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