Forum Topics

Why have Labour been so incompetent?

A list of some of Labour's errors since taking office:abandoning the Rwanda schemegiving striking doctors and train drivers inflationary pay awardswithdrawing winter fuel allowancepausing free speech protection in universitiesimposing the National Curriculum on AcademiesImposing IHT on family farmsraising employers' NI contributionsextending day-one employment rightsimposing a football regulatorgiving away the Chagos islandscancelling North Sea oil and gas explorationimposing VAT on private schoolsagreeing to enforce an ICC arrest warrant on Netanyahu.The cause of these unforced errors is to be found in Labour's move away from state socialism to what Tony Blair called ethical socialism, an ideology based on a market economy but characterised by a series of  anti-isms - anti-elitism, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, anti-sexism, anti-nationalism and so on. These 'anti-isms' are not wrong in themselves but are pursued with such unthinking fervour that they run counter to the government's economic objectives and the nation's interests and actually cause injustice.The anti-elitist strain in Labour, for example, regards successful entrepreneurs with suspicion, equating profit with exploitation. This has led to Rachel Reeve's decision to increase employers' NI contributions as well as to extend day-one employment rights for workers. These measures will result in reduced investment and slow growth, the very opposite of the government supposedly wants to achieve.. Anti-elitist ideology is also responsible for the unjust decision to impose VAT on private schools, a measure which will force parents of modest means to withdraw their children from efficient and much-loved schools even when adequate state provision is lacking. It is also behind the decision to impose unaffordable IHT bills on family farms, which will compel many asset-rich but income-poor farmers to sell up, jeopardising food production in this country.   

Steven Rose ● 8h1 Comments ● 6h

Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence.

Elon Musk jokes about Nazis after Netanyahu defends him as 'great friend of Israel' | The Times of Israel
Elon Musk @elonmusk Don’t say Hess to Nazi accusations! Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Gőring your enemies! His pronouns would’ve been He/Himmler! Bet you did nazi that coming 12:33 pm · 23 Jan 2025 · 53.5M Views

David Ainsworth ● 11h4 Comments ● 7h

Question

Could somebody explain why everything put on Putney Forum Philippa, twists to the way she wants it to read. Even though I know who has a brain Philippa twists everything to how she wants something to read. Hammersmith Bridge then goes on about Hospitals. Describing a person, Philippa turns into an argument.  Imagine a Police Officer asking her to describe a person. What would she answer, never mind about that the hospitals need gardens.

Barbara Stevens ● 16h5 Comments ● 7h

Palestinian terrorists release some female Israeli hostages

From BBC News.'Four female hostages who were held by Hamas in Gaza have returned to IsraelGunmen and crowds gathered in Palestine Square in Gaza City as the hostages were released to the Red Cross in a highly choreographed handoverThe four women - who are the second group of hostages released since a ceasefire deal was agreed - are Israeli soldiers who were taken on 7 OctoberIsrael is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners in return, 70 of whom are expected to be deportedHowever, the Israeli government accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire deal by not releasing civilian hostage Arbel YehudIn response, Israel said displaced Palestinians will not yet be allowed to return to northern Gaza, as had been scheduled under the dealMeanwhile, Hamas is expected to provide more information about the remaining 26 hostages due to be released in the coming weeks.Under the agreement, 50 prisoners are to be released for every Israeli soldier, and 30 prisoners are released for every Israeli civilian.During his press conference a little earlier, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari expressed concern for the welfare of two children still held by Hamas.The youngest hostages still in Gaza are part of the Bibas family. They are brothers Kfir and Ariel, aged two and four respectively.Kfir was only ten months old when he was taken captive alongside his parents Sheri and Yarden.****Hamas said in December 2023 that Sheri and the boys had been killed'****.The BBC report shows a graphic picture of today's handover event with the identities of the brave boys of Hamas hidden behind masks and balaclava helmets and who are carrying automatic weapons.The women are smiling but who knows what the Palestinians subjected them to.Hamas claim this as a sign of victory, particularly the release of those of their members tried and convicted for terrorist offences in the past such as bombings of civilians in Israel.But I wonder what lies in store for them once Israel has all its captured citizens back. BTW was there a pro-Palestine/anti-Israel 'peace march in London today ?

John Hawkes ● 20h4 Comments ● 9h

Chancellor swerves question over 'catastrophic' Heathrow runway expansion plans

Having lost any signs of growth (fell into a black hole apparently), the chancellor is now looking down the back of sofas for loose change.I think the government are going to move very fast on Heathrow expansion."Rachel Reeves was asked to comment on reports that the government was planning to back the expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports, as part of her growth agenda."https://news.sky.com/story/chancellor-swerves-question-over-catastrophic-heathrow-runway-expansion-plans-13293521

Ed Robinson ● 4d21 Comments ● 9h

Local Charity Home-Start Wandsworth Seeks Volunteers

This charity gives help and support to local families.Families are often living at great distances across the country and the world and need some support at various times in their lives.   Sometimes it can be just signposting where to go and how to get the help they need and sometimes it can be the help and/or advice of someone who is not family that is needed!  Childrens' early years are such a very important start and foundation for the rest of their lives.Please read the front page article about Home-Start Wandsworth to find out more.https://www.putneysw15.com/default.asp?section=info&link=https://neighbournet.com/server/common/wandcharity024.htmThere is training for volunteers available - the next session is on 6 March.PS:I myself have no personal connection to this organisation but remember well the difficulty of just trying to get out the housewith a new baby after months in hospital.  I was lucky to find several groups that I could join which helped me find other places to go out to make and meet new friends.

Philippa Bond ● 13d9 Comments ● 9h

Time For A Referendum On Restoring Capital Punishment

It has to happen!

Sue Hammond ● 2d33 Comments ● 10h

Scandalous Southport Cover-Up

So the truth is emerging, at long last. However last November Nigel Farage attempted to shine a spotlight on the Northern rape gangs scandal and bring it out into the open. He had long suspected that there had been, and still is, a huge cover-up about the Pakistani rapists and he was determined to expose it. He raised the subject in Parliament, he voiced his fears on television and radio and he was widely quoted in the media and the MSM. Fortunately the Daily Mail and the Telegraph were not afraid of reporting the truth and generally they did support Farage.
Well we all know what happened next: the Left wing media erupted with their usual, hysterical rhetoric accusing Farage of racism, and he was vilified by keyboard warriors on forums such as this one. You know who you are.
The Grandfather of one of the little girls who was brutally murdered by that evil POS, has spoken out too about the cover-up and he is fiercely critical of Starmer's part in it. 
I will post the MailOnline article later if nobody else has already done

Sue Hammond ● 3d21 Comments ● 11h

Putney

Came from Sainsbury's Lunch Time, ready to cross the road, a young lady about 40, I couldn't understand her, thought was going to ask for directions, asked for money for food.  the lady had a fantastic black coat and fleece underneath, clean shoe's.  I said your dressed better than me. with that she walked off to the bus stop by the old WH Smith, and was then asking a man at the bus stop.

Barbara Stevens ● 4d11 Comments ● 12h

Hammersmith Bridge Front page.

They reckon it will be shut for another 10 yrs. Fleur's banner didn't do much good.

Barbara Stevens ● 2d15 Comments ● 15h

It's Big Gardenwatch Weekend

Who knows what may have been blown in!https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch

Philippa Bond ● 15h0 Comments ● 15h

Victory Drive In London 25 January 2025

Yes, you read that right. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign are leading a Victory Drive in London tomorrow using cars, quad bikes and superbikes. I can't link the poster advertising this but have no reason to believe it is untrue. First question, how is a so-called genocide suddenly a victory? In whose mind  are the innumerable deaths of Palestinians and the destruction of Gaza a victory? Of course it could  be one, now that $$$ will be handed to Hamas to rebuild their arsenal and their tunnel city.Second question, how is it legal for a proscribed terror group, with which the PSC is aligned,to drive through London celebrating a victory?Third question, how is our gracious Mayor, the Met Police and our PM going to protect Londoners and the millions of visitors likely to be in central London tomorrow? It is no longer just Jewish Londoners who are afraid of terrorist sympathisers. And, make no mistake, those of you who have been on the countless marches, you have been hoodwinked. But get in your car or on your quad bike/superbike tomorrow by all means.

Lucille Grant ● 1d13 Comments ● 18h

Any roofer recommendations?

Does anyone know of a reliable and trustworthy roofer, reasonably priced?  Many thanks.

Ivonne Holliday ● 18h0 Comments ● 18h

Wow Trump’s speech

No doom and gloom, inspiring his nation.  Whether you love him or loathe him he gets his message across.

Robert Wheeler ● 5d34 Comments ● 20h

Murder In Putney?

Just heard on LBC that a man was murdered in Putney in the early hours and the police are looking for a 31 year old in connection with the death. I think I have got that right but my ears only pricked up when Putney was mentioned.

Sue Hammond ● 1d5 Comments ● 21h

Random pic 25 January 2025

Green Park - warm Sahara dust meets London's pollution (October 2017) https://flic.kr/p/Yqhunw

Michael Ixer ● 1d2 Comments ● 21h

Traffic Woes - No Change

As a frustrated bus driver pointed out to me after a grindingly slow journey from Barnes last Saturday the road works at Putney Bridge has made the situation worse. Whilst the continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge is certainly an important factor, the altered road layout at Putney Bridge has aggravated matters. So what was the point of all the disruption and expense? Would a spokesperson for Wandsworth Council or TFL like to comment on these matters I wonder?

Miles Thompson ● 10d8 Comments ● 1d

Darren Bingham is back

Serial scammer Darren Bingham is knocking on doors in the Putney area again. Usual story - needs money for hospital. He usually isn't aggressive but is whiny and persistent so alert any vulnerable people in your street that he might be calling.

Peter Higgins ● 8d7 Comments ● 1d

Our water

Is our water affecting the youngsters, how come so many are criminals, or don't think it is wrong to stab other children or people. Is our water poisoning their brains.   I thought this years ago, when certain areas have more criminal activity than others. But now it's everywhere, is something being put into our water. Or have some already been poisoned before they even come here.

Barbara Stevens ● 1d3 Comments ● 1d