The Westminster Arms

Sanpro was classed as a luxury item and therefore attracted VAT.

Disposable razors were classed as essential items and so are VAT-free.

Either it was because the VAT-setters thought that girls and women could opt in or out of the whole menstruation cycle whenever they pleased whereas men have no choice but to be clean shaven, or it was because the VAT-setters at the time were men and just didn't think it through.

I'm plumping for the latter.

It was introduced as a purchase tax in 1973, in readiness for joining the Common Market, and was then converted to VAT under CM rules. Thereafter, it was not possible to change individual VAT rates without the agreement of the whole EU.

Yes, that’s the bit... it made me giggle because I thought, well not everyone in the country needs “period products” but fair enough! Lol. That said, obviously I am very happy at the prospect of VAT being dropped on them, what a ridiculous tax to apply. There’s no ‘Value added’ is there?

Epic - But he also said made available for everyone in the country

I'm not sure but wasn't that referring to scrapping VAT on sanpro? I was only half listening though.

Nor do I.... anymore. There's not a lot in favour of being post menopause but I don't miss the bleeding. It's one of the things I usually put into food banks, plus toothbrushes.

“I didn't notice that. Isn't it rather obvious period products are for women/girls? Did it need to be said?”

I think FWR explain this whole topic a lot better than I ever could! So I won’t attempt it here. It’s a ‘potential’ problem with an ongoing and subtle erasure of important language descriptors though. That said, again, I’m running with unintentional error unless I see more of it.

MY DH definitely doesn’t need them, neither does my DS. 😂😂😂😂

But he also said made available for everyone in the country (which made me chuckle), which makes no sense at all, so may just have been an unintentional error.

“Did anyone notice, during PMQ's, the prime minister's refusal to use the words women, or girls on the 'period poverty' question?”

Yes, I did. And I wasn’t keen... hoping it was just an error.

I've just watched on iplayer - he referred to young persons - don't see a problem with that.

I didn't notice that. Isn't it rather obvious period products are for women/girls? Did it need to be said?

Did anyone notice, during PMQ's, the prime minister's refusal to use the words women, or girls on the 'period poverty' question??

Most of my village is openly Tory although there are a few real socialists and a couple of card carrying libdems. It all works well and we are a very friendly place.
We rarely talk politics though.

I think Brexit was a clear line. People were/ are more entrenched over that than over other issues in politics.

Most people agree we need to sort the housing crisis, homelessness and the NHS.
We may disagree how it's done but Brexit is more fundamental. It is either in or out. So very little to discuss. In my village at least.

Another (recent) Tory here Silvery

Coppersulphate
"I don't remember LangCleg? Can anyone remind me or is that also against MN rules"

LangCleg is an absolute legend on the FWR board due to her expertise in safeguarding. Some people don't want women to talk about safeguarding, and appear to have succeeded in having her banned. Almost 1000 posts on a thread about it now on FWR.

Lily, they have literally just raised the issue of campaigner/candidate intimidation as an offence prior to an election.

Wow, Epic! Joking aside, that's quite right and proper. The Tower Hamlets scandal was never properly dealt with and didn't someone post a video of some poor Jewish chap being hounded on GE day when he went to vote?

The constituency chairman also laughed - rather nervously - when he came to see how I was doing and I relayed what had happened, Silvery. He asked solicitously if I was OK and would I need any support from CCHQ. I explained, nah, no need, I've been snubbed by serial killers and sent to Coventry by psychopathic rapists so a couple of weedy men who couldn't even look me in the eye were hardly like to worry me much.

That's when he laughed nervously and backed away...

PMQs should be good. Jezza can continue his masterclass for potential leaders in how to be an effective LOTO.

I agree surfer. It’s disgusting. You shouldn’t have to put up with that, none of us should. Yet we have. 😞

Timely! They are still discussing in HOC

Lily, they have literally just raised the issue of campaigner/candidate intimidation as an offence prior to an election.

Lily you had the last laugh with the election result and presumably your own Tory MP. I bet the incomers will soon be outgoers if they receive a frosty reception.

This name calling seems to me to be a relatively new occurrence, don't recall it happening in the past. I used to be able to have conversations with Labour voters without them feeling the need to tell me to 'Fuck off Tory C**t' as I was once told on here. It's a tad extreme and I've never felt the slightest bit inclined to say that or similar to a Labour voter.

Fortunately the majority of supporters on both sides can still have a civilised conversation.

Just turned on Politics Live. It's hosted by Jo Coburn, not a huge fan so may flip to Parliament channel to watch PMQT

I’m still shocked at how you were treated Lily. Shocked, but not surprised though. There are some dreadful, politically dogmatic arseholes out there.

Meanwhile, the subject of Oor Ian pops up in the Style&Beauty threads...

Jess Phillips backing Nandy now. Hot off the press. 😉

👋 at Jess! 😂

Silvery, Conservative Party member here too. I even got commandeered at short notice to be a teller at my village's polling station on 12 December and had the delightful experience of being called Tory Bitch and another (unmentionable) name by two voters for my troubles.

The name callers were not village people, or even Village People. They were incomers. However, the whole village knows and it is not best pleased. I'm happy to leave that one with them. They have l-o-n-g memories.

Dusty, Quentin Letts describes Keir Starmer as having all the charisma of a wounded kneecap.

Oh good - I agree Epic I think an effective opposition is important in our political system and has been somewhat lacking in recent years.