Latest news with #BritishIsles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
On illegal migration, Labour are either liars or fools
'The purpose of a system is what it does' is a very useful concept in systems thinking, especially in politics. It helps you see past the spin and lies and get at the revealed preference of what a politician wants. So whilst Keir Starmer may say he wants to 'smash the gangs' which enable large numbers of young men from alien cultures to arrive on British shores, the evidence is to the contrary. Yesterday saw nearly the largest ever number crossing. Close to 1,200 people came across the Channel, a number so high the Coastguard was forced to rely on fishing boats to help a yacht and kayaks in difficulty, as Border Force vessels and lifeboats were overloaded rescuing these migrants. The total number of arrivals this year has broken new records – up more than 30 per cent on the same point last year. This quite demonstrably smashes the illusion that Starmer was ever serious about 'smashing the gangs'. The purpose of a system is what it does. So either Starmer and his team are completely incompetent, and their plan is not working, or they are not disclosing to the British public their true intentions, and are ultimately happy with the status quo. Neither option is acceptable, given the increasing danger to our safety and security. There are now over twice as many boat people who have arrived on our shores since 2018 (at least over 150,000) as there are UK regular forces in the British army (74,400 as of April). Three Iranian men were charged last month with spying offences, after arriving in the UK by 'irregular means' including small boats and a lorry. How many extremists, or those who wish the UK harm, might be sitting in migrant hotels, plotting against innocent Brits? This is even more infuriating if you listen to Dominic Cummings, whose recent blog on the issue highlights how farcical a situation this is. Cummings says that after detailed conversations he had in Number 10 with the Royal Navy and special forces, smashing the gangs and stopping the boats would be trivially easy. The block? Government lawyers and civil servants, prioritising the ECHR and radical interpretations of laws, including Tony Blair's Human Rights Act. There is a chance, Cummings says, that the Prime Minister would even be arrested for ordering the armed forces to actually sort this out. The Civil Service, the international lawyers, and now clearly Keir Starmer, have all prioritised the ECHR and the 'rights' of those coming to Britain illegally, over the safety of our citizens. This isn't a bug. It is a feature of a rancid system operating as it is intended to. Starmer cannot 'smash the gangs'. In the first three months of this year, just five people were convicted for piloting migrant boats. The only way to stop the boats is to stop demand with an effective deterrent. It's an awkward truth for Labour, but also a simple one. The purpose of a system is what it does. And the purpose of the British state is to allow unlimited numbers of illegals in, and make the British pay for it, both in cash and, potentially, with our lives. James Price is senior fellow at the Adam Smith Institute Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
9 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
On illegal migration, Labour are either liars or fools
'The purpose of a system is what it does' is a very useful concept in systems thinking, especially in politics. It helps you see past the spin and lies and get at the revealed preference of what a politician wants. So whilst Keir Starmer may say he wants to 'smash the gangs' which enable large numbers of young men from alien cultures to arrive on British shores, the evidence is to the contrary. Yesterday saw nearly the largest ever number crossing. Close to 1,200 people came across the Channel, a number so high the Coastguard was forced to rely on fishing boats to help a yacht and kayaks in difficulty, as Border Force vessels and lifeboats were overloaded rescuing these migrants. The total number of arrivals this year has broken new records – up more than 30 per cent on the same point last year. This quite demonstrably smashes the illusion that Starmer was ever serious about 'smashing the gangs'. The purpose of a system is what it does. So either Starmer and his team are completely incompetent, and their plan is not working, or they are not disclosing to the British public their true intentions, and are ultimately happy with the status quo. Neither option is acceptable, given the increasing danger to our safety and security. There are now over twice as many boat people who have arrived on our shores since 2018 (at least over 150,000) as there are UK regular forces in the British army (74,400 as of April). We already saw how Iran smuggled terrorists over a few weeks ago; how many Isis and other extremists might be sitting in migrant hotels, plotting against innocent Brits? This is even more infuriating if you listen to Dominic Cummings, whose recent blog on the issue highlights how farcical a situation this is. Cummings says that after detailed conversations he had in No10 with the Royal Navy and special forces, smashing the gangs and stopping the boats would be trivially easy. The block? Government lawyers and civil servants, prioritising the ECHR and radical interpretations of laws, including Tony Blair's Human Rights Act. There is a chance, Cummings says, that the Prime Minister would even be arrested for ordering the armed forces to actually sort this out. The Civil Service, the international lawyers, and now clearly Keir Starmer, have all prioritised the ECHR and the 'rights' of those coming to Britain illegally, over the safety of our citizens. This isn't a bug. It is a feature of a rancid system operating as it is intended to. Starmer cannot 'smash the gangs'. In the first three months of this year, just five people were convicted for piloting migrant boats. The only way to stop the boats is to stop demand with an effective deterrent. It's an awkward truth for Labour, but also a simple one. The purpose of a system is what it does. And the purpose of the British state is to allow unlimited numbers of illegals in, and make the British pay for it, both in cash and, potentially, with our lives.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lorraine Kelly taken aback as Amanda Owen makes foul-mouthed swipe at ex-husband Clive
Our Yorkshire Farm's Amanda Owen did not hold back as she jokingly ranted about ex-husband Clive during an appearance on Lorraine on Wednesday morning. Amanda Owen left Lorraine Kelly stunned with a candid and somewhat irreverent remark about her ex-husband Clive as she opened up about raising their nine children together. Their children are Raven, 23, Reuben, 21, Miles, 18, Edith, 16, Violet, 14, Sidney, 13, Annas, 11, Clemmy, nine, and Nancy, eight. The 50 year old shepherdess and Clive parted ways three years ago after a 22-year marriage. Fans of Our Yorkshire Farm adored the couple, watching them and their children grow at Ravenseat Farm in North Yorkshire. Amanda, now starring in Channel 4's Our Farm Next Door, appeared on Lorraine to discuss her hectic life. However, the conversation took an unexpected turn, reports the Express. Amanda pondered, cradling a lamb: "Why have I got nine children? Because I never set out to have nine children. "It was never a big dream to have a big family that didn't come from anywhere. "Believe me, there was never a sit-down moment where we said, 'Let's try and repopulate Swaledale.'" She revealed that her children keep her spirits high and entertained during the chat. Shortly after, she confessed: "They run me ragged. They drive me mad." Then, she quipped: "I haven't got anything to complain about. Well, I have, obviously, Clive for a start... Yeah you can tell Lorraine we're in perfect f***ing harmony." Following her candid remark, the camera cut to Clive in the background, operating a tractor. Amanda shared: "I complain about him. I complain about the state of the houses. I complain about the kids throwing things everywhere. "I complain about the sheep that this lamb belongs to." Catch Lorraine every weekday at 9am on ITV1, with episodes also available for streaming on ITVX. The Owen family 's journey on Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive, and Kids reached its conclusion earlier this week. The clan made significant headway in their refurbishment of Anty John's abode. Amanda Owen confirmed there remains a long road ahead to see the renovation through to completion. As the episode wrapped up, it was revealed that the family are pressing on with the project, with Amanda confirming they were "forging ahead." "We're really on to the next stage," announced the mum-of-nine. In the programme's final moments, viewers were treated to an image of the house with all the workers gathered outside. The screen then displayed the message 'To Be continued...' While fans may be saddened by the series ending, they can look forward to a new offering hosted by Matt Baker. According to the TV listings, Matt Baker's British Isles will fill the 9pm Tuesday slot on More4, taking over from Our Farm Next Door. The synopsis for the first episode reads: "Matt Baker explores the four nations of the UK. In this first episode, he heads to Kent to meet the Englishman teaming up with one of the world's most prestigious champagne houses to realise a dream of making the first true Anglo-French sparkling wine. In the Highlands, Matt meets two ex-farmers whose lives are entwined with the village of Crathie's church." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Murder investigation launched after fatal incident in Ramsey
A murder investigation has been launched after a person died following an incident in the north of the Isle of services were called to the Close Drean area of Ramsey shortly after 15:30 BST on Isle of Man Constabulary said a person had been "arrested in connection with the investigation". It confirmed both people involved were local but no further details have been a statement, the force said it was "believed to be an isolated incident and there is nothing to suggest that the general public are at any further risk". Police have asked for witnesses or those with footage of the incident to come it asked people to "refrain from speculating" and "avoid sharing any imagery, other than with police".In a statement Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said he was "shocked and saddened" by the events and his "deepest condolences" were with the family and friends of the person who had also urged people to follow the request from police "not to speculate or share any distressing material online". Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The Ballad of Wallis Island review: This touching film is littered with hilarious dialogue & powerful performances
THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND (12A) 100mins ★★★★☆ THERE'S beautiful harmony in this story of love, grief and folk music. Written by the two leading men, Tim Key and Tom Basden, it's set on a remote British island where the boats are few and far between and most calls have to take place in a phone box. 4 4 It's where the wealthy and wonderfully eccentric Charles (Key) has chosen to make his home after losing the love of his life. Charles passes the time listening to the LPs of his favourite folk duo, McGwyer Mortimer. He decides to offer the pair — who have long since split up, both romantically and musically — a load of cash to play a gig on the island. The problem is, he doesn't tell Herb McGwyer (Basden) that ex-love Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), is also invited. She turns up with her new husband in tow. Oh, and the pair also don't know this big-money gig is to be for an audience of just one: Charles. These little white lies involve a bit of amusing toy throwing by Herb, but soon the pair knuckle down to rehearsing and we get to see the magic in their music that Charles sees. The songs, written by Basden, give an insight into their powerful and delicate love affair — one that we learn was not handled with care. Once Nell's husband goes on a trip around the island, the duo start to reacquaint themselves — sharing food, wine and songs in Charles' crumbling kitchen. They reminisce about gigs and visit the windswept beach to share their hopes and dreams, while watching the sunset. This might sound lightweight, but it's all littered with hilarious dialogue and heartwarming performances that make you unsure if your tears are through laughter or heartache. There's also a potential love interest for the shy and clumsy Charles in the form of the local shopkeeper (Sian Clifford, from Fleabag) and you want nothing but good things for this big- hearted superfan. Watching him watch his favourite duo sing is unbelievably moving — Key deserves huge credit for giving the character so many layers. And the friendship that grows between him and Herb is refreshing to watch. All the performances are powerful yet understated, making this gently touching and life-affirming film a very sweet song indeed. THE SALT PATH (12A) 115mins ★★★★☆ HAVING played an immaculately crimped Margaret Thatcher and Emily Maitlis, this time Gillian Anderson has dispensed with hair and make-up. Her locks appear windswept before she's begun a 630-mile trek along the southwest coastline in this movie adapted from the book of the same name. 4 Based on a true story, Gillian plays Raynor Winn who finds herself homeless with husband Moth (Jason Isaacs) after they're evicted from their house. With nowhere to go, the pair buy a tent and take the scenic route from Minehead in Somerset to Poole, Dorset. To make matters more difficult, Moth has been diagnosed with an incurable and fatal condition, making it difficult for him to walk. Along the way, they meet both generous locals and obnoxious old men. What could have been a long, depressing slog turns out to be a life-affirming experience for the couple. Raynor and Moth find joy in nature and in each other's company. The Salt Path is both beautiful and emotional, while avoiding being syrupy sweet. And England's rugged coast couldn't have asked for a better advert. Grant Rollings ★★★★☆ THE 'Wax on, wax off' spirit of Mr Miyagi lives on in this sixth big-screen instalment of the martial arts franchise. Young fighting talent Li Fong, (Ben Wang, impressively performing his own stunts) takes to the mat under the mentorship of Mr Han, (Jackie Chan). 4 After his brother dies in a street brawl Li moves from Beijing to New York with his Mum (Ming-Na Wen) where a meet-cute with Mia (Sadie Stanley) sees him begin training her Dad, Victor, (Joshua Jackson) for combat. But when that bout doesn't go to plan Li instead attempts to win a renowned tournament himself, coming up against Mia's ex in the process. No new ground is being broken and there are cliches galore in a predictable script but being formulaic doesn't prevent this martial arts caper from being plenty of fun. The cast all get stuck in, there's great choreography, and some good gags. Cameos from legends including the original Kid himself, Ralph Macchio, provide dollops of pleasing nostalgia. A feelgood black belter to make you smile. Laura Stott
