Thread 31 Starmer - September Rain

[DuncinToffee]

Pull up a chair for some friendly chit chat about politics and beyond

Taxes optional but greatly appreciated.

Previous thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5399546-thread-30-starmer-magic-roundabouts?page=40&reply=146834602

That’s awful.

It’s situations like this where I hope the fact the adults were identifiable and had children that intervention kicks in. Those children are at risk.

It’s absolutely shocking. Interesting that the takeover of the council by Reform seems to have emboldened these horrible people.

In contrast - shamelessly stolen from another thread - all isn’t gloom and despondency.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/uk-is-back-business-someone-forgot-tell-british-investors-2025-08-21/

Over half a million children to benefit from funded childcare

The government has delivered its pledge to fund childcare for 30 hours a week – saving parents £7,500 a year per child, and putting more money in their pockets
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/over-half-a-million-children-to-benefit-from-funded-childcare

I can take this one, as they say.

The distinction between US and UK investors is a simple one - the tax treatment on gains and dividends, as well as an FX angle (i.e. USD vs GBP). Meanwhile UK investors have understandably been derisking the UK, given their existing exposure via property, sterling etc., and the inherent risks stemming from this Labour government.

I work with a lot of financial journos, and just as you dont trust, say, the DT, the financial press often gets things wrong too.

That’s good news. I expect there will soon be someone along to rubbish it though.

Changed mind.

That is positive.

Will also be good when the government start releasing data concerning the 6,500 new state school teachers they have promised (unless I have missed that).

How did you know 😂Put that crystal ball away

Great news.

@BIossomtoes

Incidentally, would you by UK equities at the moment - where their revenue is generated from within the UK?

Don't bite.

I've just been adding to my playlist for in the pool and I've listened to "Love Shine a Light" by Katrina and the Waves. Very uplifting.

Hello, may I join? I have photogenic cats.

I also am very irritated because my daughter and I were harangued by idiots in balaclavas in my neighbourhood on the weekend.

I know Walking on Sunshine is probably a bit (!) over played, but every time I hear it I think about the film Longterm Companion.

It is about the AIDS pandemic and the last scene is about the characters remembering all the friends they have lost and imagining them walking along the beach together, to the soundtrack of WOS, though think a cover version, possibly.

I haven't seen the film in decades, but that scene still sticks in my mind. It was such a terrible time. Thank God for modern medicine.

It’s back to school isn’t it! Summer of racism is over for this year (I hope).

Now to Conference season and the budget…..

Sorry to read that Sambal2. Were the balaclava wearers ‘concerned parents’ by any chance?

itsgettingweird - sorry to read about the return of your cluster headaches.

The latest Crace - nobody goes unscathed.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/01/forget-orwells-two-minutes-hate-the-immigration-debate-shows-real-loathing

Thanks @Notonthestairs

I sincerely hope they weren't parents, they seemed a little young. My daughter thought she recognised one of the unmasked ones from her primary school :(

Although the main guy yelling at me was older.

Walking on Sunshine is my favourite song in my Aqua Aerobics class. I always feel better when I've had a little jump around to that. ETA I haven't seen that film. I must search it out - thank you.

Sambal2 that is bloody awful.

Trying again to add the photo. Their homemade balaclava decoration deserves wider recognition.

Welcome @Sambal2 . You have lovely cats.

I am so sorry that happened to you. You won't find many flag shagging balaclava apologists on these threads.

That’s awful @Sambal2,hope you’re OK.

Thanks for the recommendation of Longterm Companion, Pandora. I’ve just found it on YouTube, it looks as if it’s right up my street. It certainly gets off to a good start with Debbie Harry.

Yes, it is. I hope you're both OK.