So Brexit seems to be a good thing then.
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From: Wildberg, Germany/Reading, UK
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From: Wildberg, Germany/Reading, UK
Why do all these Brits want to come to the nasty horrible EU? I thought we would be safe from the drunken, shirtless, fat beer bellied lager louts after Brexit.
https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-...llers-12538316

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-...llers-12538316
Why do all these Brits want to come to the nasty horrible EU? I thought we would be safe from the drunken, shirtless, fat beer bellied lager louts after Brexit.
https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-...llers-12538316

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-...llers-12538316
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From: Wildberg, Germany/Reading, UK
"The fact is that we can keep on exporting to the EU, but also have the opportunities of securing trade deals with other countries around the world."
Sorry but that whole article is rubbish, fake new, scare tactics, these are the only lines in it that matter."But now, the situation is looking very good.
"The fact is that we can keep on exporting to the EU, but also have the opportunities of securing trade deals with other countries around the world."
"The fact is that we can keep on exporting to the EU, but also have the opportunities of securing trade deals with other countries around the world."
...oh wait no, that's a different queue!
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From: Living the dream
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From: The hell where youth and laughter go
Could anyone tell me why the EU raised the tax thresholds on solar (including the labour % vs material % to qualify for reduced rates)?
I previously thought it was HMRC's doing, but it seems it was adopted as part of the EU (who knew).
Just thought with the likes of Greta shouting how dare you, and codgers glueing themselves to roads, why didn't they maintain a zero rated policy?
Of course I'm a bit peeved as I had to re-insulate my loft after a rodent infestation and DIY that 20% vat being 0% would have been greatly appreciated.
I previously thought it was HMRC's doing, but it seems it was adopted as part of the EU (who knew).
Just thought with the likes of Greta shouting how dare you, and codgers glueing themselves to roads, why didn't they maintain a zero rated policy?
Of course I'm a bit peeved as I had to re-insulate my loft after a rodent infestation and DIY that 20% vat being 0% would have been greatly appreciated.
Could anyone tell me why the EU raised the tax thresholds on solar (including the labour % vs material % to qualify for reduced rates)?
I previously thought it was HMRC's doing, but it seems it was adopted as part of the EU (who knew).
Just thought with the likes of Greta shouting how dare you, and codgers glueing themselves to roads, why didn't they maintain a zero rated policy?
Of course I'm a bit peeved as I had to re-insulate my loft after a rodent infestation and DIY that 20% vat being 0% would have been greatly appreciated.
I previously thought it was HMRC's doing, but it seems it was adopted as part of the EU (who knew).
Just thought with the likes of Greta shouting how dare you, and codgers glueing themselves to roads, why didn't they maintain a zero rated policy?
Of course I'm a bit peeved as I had to re-insulate my loft after a rodent infestation and DIY that 20% vat being 0% would have been greatly appreciated.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/12/...proposed-list/
#BrexitBenefitsForTheEU
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: The hell where youth and laughter go
It's amazing what the EU can do without Farage and his cronies trying to stifle them...
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/12/...proposed-list/
#BrexitBenefitsForTheEU
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/12/...proposed-list/
#BrexitBenefitsForTheEU
I meant before that. And also the 60%:40% labour:material ratio which meant you HAD to use tradesmen to get the 5% and small jobs with minimal labour and high material costs wouldn't qualify. I'm trying to understand what benefit is there to the general public to levy tax in that manner...
Kind of smells like lobby group meddling akin to Monsanto.
Anyhoo, glad it's binned.
Just need to sort out an inverter that will zero export via a 80m cable run to the meter

I meant before that. And also the 60%:40% labour:material ratio which meant you HAD to use tradesmen to get the 5% and small jobs with minimal labour and high material costs wouldn't qualify. I'm trying to understand what benefit is there to the general public to levy tax in that manner...
Kind of smells like lobby group meddling akin to Monsanto.
Anyhoo, glad it's binned.
Just need to sort out an inverter that will zero export via a 80m cable run to the meter
Kind of smells like lobby group meddling akin to Monsanto.
Anyhoo, glad it's binned.
Just need to sort out an inverter that will zero export via a 80m cable run to the meter

Also, regarding solar panels, most EU countries still offer subsidies for installation so any additional taxes involved are largely offset anyway.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61259832
So Rees-Mogg now saying that adding checks to the border is an "act of self harm"! The same is surely true for the outgoing checks! So the minister for Brexit opportunities has finally realised that the best opportunity for Brexit is to not implement Brexit!
The problem with delaying introduction of checks on imports is it screws British businesses even more, in particular farmers. Exports from the UK to the EU are subject to checks making it harder for British businesses to export, while imports from the EU to the UK are free to come in without checks meaning the British businesses can't make up lost EU exports with increased domestic sales!
So Rees-Mogg now saying that adding checks to the border is an "act of self harm"! The same is surely true for the outgoing checks! So the minister for Brexit opportunities has finally realised that the best opportunity for Brexit is to not implement Brexit!

The problem with delaying introduction of checks on imports is it screws British businesses even more, in particular farmers. Exports from the UK to the EU are subject to checks making it harder for British businesses to export, while imports from the EU to the UK are free to come in without checks meaning the British businesses can't make up lost EU exports with increased domestic sales!
I heard large amounts cash had been squandered implementing these checks , that aren't going to happen yet
well not until US removes pootin / Russia or some other garbage Rees will come up with
well not until US removes pootin / Russia or some other garbage Rees will come up with
The NI situation is really interesting. In the assembly elections the other week, for the first time there was no longer a majority for unionism! Only a small gain for nationalist parties, but a huge swing to neutral parties! A clear sign that NI is heading swiftly in the direction of a united Ireland - something that was probably inevitable at some point, but certainly accelerated by Brexit.
The NI economy has been majorly out-performing the rest of the UK since Brexit struck and the cost of living crisis is not hitting NI (or the EU) as hard as the rest of the UK. The vast majority of people in NI are happy with the current protocol and see it as a best of both worlds situation which is clearly working for the NI economy.
Its only a small number of hard line unionists who want the NI protocol changed, not for any economical or social benefits, but purely because they are afraid of a united Ireland which they see as more likely with a hard border in the Irish sea. The Tories also have a problem in the sense that they are the "Conservative and Unionist Party", which means they are traditionally supposed to support the NI unionist side, although other than for image, I seriously doubt anyone in the current Tory party gives two ****s about NI remaining in the UK.
The bigger problem for the Tories is that the protocol in its current form clearly highlights how being in the customs union is far more beneficial than going it alone like the rest of the UK and that Brexit has been a complete failure! The clear sign of the Brexit failure, other than the NI economy out-performing the rest of the UK, is the fact that the UK has indefinitely delayed checks on incoming goods from the EU, knowing that doing so will significantly drive up prices in the UK during an already significant cost of living crisis! However, in doing so, it maintains an unlevel playing field for mainland UK businesses who can't compete against EU companies on either imports or exports.
The NI economy has been majorly out-performing the rest of the UK since Brexit struck and the cost of living crisis is not hitting NI (or the EU) as hard as the rest of the UK. The vast majority of people in NI are happy with the current protocol and see it as a best of both worlds situation which is clearly working for the NI economy.
Its only a small number of hard line unionists who want the NI protocol changed, not for any economical or social benefits, but purely because they are afraid of a united Ireland which they see as more likely with a hard border in the Irish sea. The Tories also have a problem in the sense that they are the "Conservative and Unionist Party", which means they are traditionally supposed to support the NI unionist side, although other than for image, I seriously doubt anyone in the current Tory party gives two ****s about NI remaining in the UK.
The bigger problem for the Tories is that the protocol in its current form clearly highlights how being in the customs union is far more beneficial than going it alone like the rest of the UK and that Brexit has been a complete failure! The clear sign of the Brexit failure, other than the NI economy out-performing the rest of the UK, is the fact that the UK has indefinitely delayed checks on incoming goods from the EU, knowing that doing so will significantly drive up prices in the UK during an already significant cost of living crisis! However, in doing so, it maintains an unlevel playing field for mainland UK businesses who can't compete against EU companies on either imports or exports.
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From: The hell where youth and laughter go
the cost of living crisis is not hitting NI (or the EU) as hard as the rest of the UK
Pardon me for butting in, but any chance of fact checking that?
Its ok, as "cost of living crisis" is the top buzzword of favour beneath Ukraine. And I'm not deny hardships don't exist. Nor am I denying thing are getting expensive, as well as gas/electric (despite falling gas prices and UK over-supply
). But what I am saying it's only a crisis to those already struggling.I work in part of the UK with both the highest (Birmingham) and the third highest (Wolverhampton) rates of unemployment (according local press..https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/new...untry-23390066 ).
Yet at the same time I see swathes of brand new electric cars on my commute, finance or outright purchase neither are cheap. Every fast food outlet is rammed with both customers and Ubereats drivers, quite possibly the most expensive way to eat basic food. Houses are selling the same week as going on the market. New houses are being built everywhere and sold before completion and existing houses are having extensions/renovations despite building materials costing so much more now.
This seems wide of the mark of a crisis or a recession and the general economic doom and gloom MSM are implying. So what exactly is going on?
I'll counter that the gap between haves and have nots has widened, and those struggling financially before are struggling more now, but I honestly think that the actually number of people "doing ok" before all this compared to now who have slipped below the breadline are few indeed. It certainly appears that way in this neck of the woods.
Last edited by ALi-B; May 18, 2022 at 01:37 PM.
Pardon me for butting in, but any chance of fact checking that?
Its ok, as "cost of living crisis" is the top buzzword of favour beneath Ukraine. And I'm not deny hardships don't exist. Nor am I denying thing are getting expensive, as well as gas/electric (despite falling gas prices and UK over-supply
). But what I am saying it's only a crisis to those already struggling.
I work in part of the UK with both the highest (Birmingham) and the third highest (Wolverhampton) rates of unemployment (according local press..https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/new...untry-23390066 ).
Yet at the same time I see swathes of brand new electric cars on my commute, finance or outright purchase neither are cheap. Every fast food outlet is rammed with both customers and Ubereats drivers, quite possibly the most expensive way to eat basic food. Houses are selling the same week as going on the market. New houses are being built everywhere and sold before completion and existing houses are having extensions/renovations despite building materials costing so much more now.
This seems wide of the mark of a crisis or a recession and the general economic doom and gloom MSM are implying. So what exactly is going on?
I'll counter that the gap between haves and have nots has widened, and those struggling financially before are struggling more now, but I honestly think that the actually number of people "doing ok" before all this compared to now who have slipped below the breadline are few indeed. It certainly appears that way in this neck of the woods.
Its ok, as "cost of living crisis" is the top buzzword of favour beneath Ukraine. And I'm not deny hardships don't exist. Nor am I denying thing are getting expensive, as well as gas/electric (despite falling gas prices and UK over-supply
). But what I am saying it's only a crisis to those already struggling.I work in part of the UK with both the highest (Birmingham) and the third highest (Wolverhampton) rates of unemployment (according local press..https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/new...untry-23390066 ).
Yet at the same time I see swathes of brand new electric cars on my commute, finance or outright purchase neither are cheap. Every fast food outlet is rammed with both customers and Ubereats drivers, quite possibly the most expensive way to eat basic food. Houses are selling the same week as going on the market. New houses are being built everywhere and sold before completion and existing houses are having extensions/renovations despite building materials costing so much more now.
This seems wide of the mark of a crisis or a recession and the general economic doom and gloom MSM are implying. So what exactly is going on?
I'll counter that the gap between haves and have nots has widened, and those struggling financially before are struggling more now, but I honestly think that the actually number of people "doing ok" before all this compared to now who have slipped below the breadline are few indeed. It certainly appears that way in this neck of the woods.
Its not the people buying new cars that you need to worry about and there is currently no recession (although that has a lot to do with Corona). Even the people on the dole will probably be ok. Its actually the in work poor who are hit the hardest. People living on minimum wage or even worse zero hours contracts. The number of people depending on food banks has increased massively in the past few months and many of them are in work. People at food banks are turning down potatoes because they can't afford the gas or electricity to cook them!
For people who have a decent salary, you may notice the bills rising, but you're right, its not really a crisis (yet), but for the poor its absolutely devastating! If you want to know what its really like for the have nots, then have a listen to James O'Brien on LBC, there are plenty of people calling in in tears, telling the stories you won't hear in the MSM!
As for the economy in NI and the EU, there is plenty of info out there detailing the relative economic performance and inflation relative to the UK. One key point for NI (as with the EU) is they have a different energy cost cap system and are not seeing the same energy price rises which in turn feeds into inflation of everything else! Food bank usage in NI is also not increasing at the same rate as the rest of the UK which is arguably the best measure of the impact of the crisis.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...d-protocol-spt
I don't get it! If they all knew what they voted for, how come 94% didn't get the Brexit they wanted?
I don't get it! If they all knew what they voted for, how come 94% didn't get the Brexit they wanted?
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From: Wildberg, Germany/Reading, UK
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...d-protocol-spt
I don't get it! If they all knew what they voted for, how come 94% didn't get the Brexit they wanted?
I don't get it! If they all knew what they voted for, how come 94% didn't get the Brexit they wanted?

Government says they industry oversold flights!
The travel industry says its Brexit related labour shortages!
Government says you can't have more immigrant workers because that would be admitting Brexit is the problem!
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61671835
Happy travels everyone
The travel industry says its Brexit related labour shortages!
Government says you can't have more immigrant workers because that would be admitting Brexit is the problem!
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61671835
Happy travels everyone
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From: The hell where youth and laughter go
Knowing a few people that worked as ground staff at BHX, their employment contract was not renewed during covid (not sure how long their contracts are but I guess it's the usual three to six month rolling renewal), so made redundant.
Its important to point out the short contracts that are repeatedly renewed as it's used across all industries as a means to sack off employees easily. And partly why staff given job insecurity will often not return to work under those conditions if the prior contract wasn't renewed. As it's broken the trust between employee-employer.
Anyhoo, they found other jobs. One in particular who was a ground equipment driver working back to back shifts at all hours which kept varying, now works as as a supermarket delivery driver and loves it - shifts during normal working hours which are flexible on his terms and despite working less hours overall he's actually earning more money!
After covid his employer at BHX called him asking if he wanted his job back, but due to "financial issues blah blah" it would be at a lower wage. Well you can guess the response (other than laughing at the HR person calling him). And of course after talking to his former work colleagues that were also sacked off and found jobs elsewhere - they didn't return back to BHX either.
Now what you have is airports on skeleton staffing but somehow thinking it can still manage the pre-covid passenger numbers during silly season (school holidays, half terms etc.). It was never going to work.
A six year old child probably could tell you that, but airlines still took bookings and rammed all their planes full and airports accepted them because nobody in the top offices had the guts and integrity to turn round and say we have to limit flights in proportion to staffing levels. Oh no, that might make them look bad, upset shareholders, investors and corporate image etc...no, wait that would happen either way...but they've took a load of cash off passengers so at least the accountants will be happy.
Its important to point out the short contracts that are repeatedly renewed as it's used across all industries as a means to sack off employees easily. And partly why staff given job insecurity will often not return to work under those conditions if the prior contract wasn't renewed. As it's broken the trust between employee-employer.
Anyhoo, they found other jobs. One in particular who was a ground equipment driver working back to back shifts at all hours which kept varying, now works as as a supermarket delivery driver and loves it - shifts during normal working hours which are flexible on his terms and despite working less hours overall he's actually earning more money!
After covid his employer at BHX called him asking if he wanted his job back, but due to "financial issues blah blah" it would be at a lower wage. Well you can guess the response (other than laughing at the HR person calling him). And of course after talking to his former work colleagues that were also sacked off and found jobs elsewhere - they didn't return back to BHX either.
Now what you have is airports on skeleton staffing but somehow thinking it can still manage the pre-covid passenger numbers during silly season (school holidays, half terms etc.). It was never going to work.
A six year old child probably could tell you that, but airlines still took bookings and rammed all their planes full and airports accepted them because nobody in the top offices had the guts and integrity to turn round and say we have to limit flights in proportion to staffing levels. Oh no, that might make them look bad, upset shareholders, investors and corporate image etc...no, wait that would happen either way...but they've took a load of cash off passengers so at least the accountants will be happy.
The problem that they don't want to talk about is that job vacancies are at record highs!
So, basically, there just aren't enough people in the UK to do all the jobs and that is a Brexit problem!
Ali-B is correct in his criticism of the airline industry screwing its staff during Corona. In the end, its a job-seekers market at the moment, they can shop around and find whoever is paying the highest. If the crunch wasn't hitting the airport staffing, then it would be hitting somewhere else. The problem started really with the truck drivers and it will continue to shift from industry to industry as each in turn put their wages up to attract new staff! That of course will even further drive UK inflation up which is already higher than the rest of Europe.
In this case though, you can't blame the airlines for selling tickets. They have booked flight slots with the airports and they expect to be able to fill those flights. The problem is purely down to staffing at the airports which are unable to handle the throughput of passengers for the flight slots they sold! If the airports hadn't have sold the flight slots, then the airlines/travel agents wouldn't have sold the tickets.










