Current Affairs - 2026

[david63]

So Sir Hindsight strikes again. If he had known at the time that there were potential problems with Mandelson's security clearance then he would not have appointed him to be US ambassador. Well the answer is simple - get the security done before you appoint him then you will not have the problem and stop blaming everyone else for your own shortcomings. I thought that when Labour came into government that Starmer promised that non of this type of behaviour would happen on his watch - got that one wrong!

Having watched quite a bit of Olly Robbins before the select committee yesterday I have to say that he gave a far better account of himself than Starmer did the previous day. The problem was that the MPs on the committee appeared incapable of dealing with someone who actually answered the question that they were asked instead of the usual waffle that comes out.

It was evidently clear that the MPs had little understanding of how the Civil Service works

[CaroleF]

Again, unusually, I find myself in agreement with Onelife, in as much as talking about youngsters having some sort of military experience, not with the other comments he made obviously! Both my older grandchilden, 14 and 16, as a matter of course at their grammar school had to choose one of the services to participate in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). For those unfamiliar with this it is an educational partnership between the school and the Ministry of Defence and includes the Royal Navy/Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. My grandaughter opted for the Navy as we live near Portsmouth and she had some amazing experiences which included being involved in the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day held on the common at Southsea and being introduced to the First Sea Lord. She had some adventures while sailing with the Navy out on the Solent. My Grandson has opted for the Royal Marines CCF and is already thinking of the possibility of a career with them but it's early days. The CCF certainly offers extra-curricular experiences that no other activity can offer. They also learn discipline as well. So maybe yes all youngsters would benefit from this but unfortunately not all have the opportunity.

[Stephen]

Hung drawn and quartered first if you please. I like to be thorough.

There are some who would say… "that's stretch too far”

Well if you want the rack a well it can be arranged……for a small fee

[Mervyn and Trish]

When Boris said all the Covid rules had been followed in Whitehall because that's what they told him, apparently he should have asked more questions and had lost control of his government.

When Starmer's golden boy gets the job Starmer wanted him to have despite failing his security vetting and nobody told him it's apparently okay that the country's former top lawyer didn't ask any probing questions.

[Jan Rosser]

Unusually for me as I tend to avoid politics I watched Sir Ollie being interrogated by the committee yesterday and agree with David he gave clear and concise answers but the “thickos” on the panel just didn’t listen to him. If I could understand his responses surely they could but they didn’t want to and that Emily Thornberry needed a slap - she’d made up her mind that he should have been sacked before the session started.

This is why I avoid all the arguing - life is too short - I think Sir Kier’s days are numbered!

[Onelife]

Hi Jan, I agree with you about Emily Thornberry…she’s the kind of woman I would like to see having a doughnut shoved in her gob while in full flow.

Like you Jan, I prefer to sit on the fence when it comes to politics, royalty and religion.

[Ray B]

Another £662 million to the French to stop the boats.

[Onelife]

Another £662 million to the French to stop the boats.

Mini Markets coming to you soon.

[Onelife]

There isn’t anything you can’t buy in Birimingham…

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62l429w2pko

Mini Markets coming to you soon.

[Stephen]

There isn’t anything you can’t buy in Birimingham…

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62l429w2pko

Mini Markets coming to you soon.

I've heard they're putting up thier prices now they are in Shropshire.

[oldbluefox]

If under cover reporters from the Beeb can find these places why can’t the authorities? And have these people been rounded up and their shops closed down/confiscated? More than likely given a slap on the wrist and told they are very naughty boys

[oldbluefox]

Back to Sir Ollie I think he was holding back on much of what he knew judging by the number of times he said “at this time “. His adviser sat behind him had clearly told him what and what not to say since I expect more will need to come out at a later date possibly a case of unfair dismissal.

[Stephen]

Depending on the pay off he may have got he might not be too keen to push it further.

[david63]

Depending on the pay off he may have got he might not be too keen to push it further.

There were reports earlier in the week that he was seeking legal advice and based on other similar "dismissals" we are talking seven figure sums of compensation.

I wouldn't be surprised if he has been inundated with job offers - probably paying more than he was on in the civil service.