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I don't think Mr and Mrs Average are remotely capable of government, although I agree those seeking political success will often have somewhat skewed personalities. I like the idea of small government - but not no government. Central government should confine itself to that which is...

Although smoking, alcohol, obesity etc etc etc can be personally damaging, most may have secondary impacts on others, infection is very direct. Being fat is a personal risk - it is not catching! There is also the reproduction rate to consider (R number) which is basically the number of people...

True, but not necessarily right! However in assessing applications, appropriate regard should be had for the choice not to seek asylum earlier in their journey. A clear set of criteria is required (language, family, etc) to justify a positive decision. No government has published such. A...

Voting in the GE was wholly tactical - anyone but Tory. Seats where LD previously did well got disaffected Tory votes. Likewise Reform - allowed Tories to register a protest where the alternative was Labour. Whiter that white Labour cleaned up on the basis of a split Tory under the FPTP...

To be in the top 1% of income tax payers in the UK (i.e. to be among the 310,000 individuals with the highest income), a taxable income of at least £160,000 is required. £236,000 is required to be in the top 0.5% and nearly £650,000 to be in the top 0.1%.. I want my elected representatives to...

The practice of lobbying in order to influence political decisions is a legitimate and necessary part of the democratic process. Individuals and organisations reasonably want to influence decisions that may affect them, those around them, and their environment. The question is differentiating...

Politicians, of any persuasion, are human beings. They crave recognition. Rewarding them with premium tickets, designer garbs, etc flatters them. They adore approbation - reinforcing the illusion that their actions have support and contribute to our well being. Tickets, clothes, fancy...

It may be environmentally sound, possibly even financially worthwhile to get a saw blade sharpened. but for the average small diameter DiY use blade it would be a new one every time - no exceptions. The financial saving can only be trivial given the size of the blade, the environmental benefit...

There is a fundamental difference between those rules that are imposed to protect the reasonable rights of others, compared with those rules which imposed upon an individual substantially on the basis of "we know best". Rules preventing and enforcing anti-social behaviours - theft, violence...

We moved fairly recently to a small town near the Cotswolds with a high street full of medieval onwards buildings - so the option of listed was a real one. We decided not! A personal view - broadly charm (which listed often has in spades) vs pragmatism (often predictable and boring). IMHO to...

"Socialism" needs definition - it is clear there is no consistent understanding of the concept. Populist interpretations rely upon such as (not an exhaustive list): the Marxist approach "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" self proclaimed states defining their...

This has the makings of a very good idea - social housing on the Costas. The Spanish may appreciate the income and flights are cheaper than central Africa. No need for winter fuel allowance, property cheaper than the UK, relieves the UK health service of the most needy. Unlike Rwanda which...

UK unemployment (actively looking for work) is 4.4% -(1.5m). A "natural" level of unemployment is 2.5-3.5% due to job moves, business cycles, etc. Overall there is low unemployment in the UK. There are ~8.6m others of working age not in work - students 2.4m, carers 1.6m, sick 2.4m, early...

In normal service a trolley jack carries a vertical load. Providing the load sits vertically within the jacks wheels - no problem - capacity is limited mainly by the hydraulics. Normally the circular plate on the jack pivots as the height increases and the angles change. If it is somehow...

It seems the case that: older flats and terraced properties predating the growth of car ownership had limited provision for car parking until recently local authorities in granting planning permission for new builds were inclined to limit car parking requirements in the (rather naïve) hope it...

Statistical garbage - you must be a politician

UK housing stock is analysed - flats 21%, terraced 25%, semi 31%, detached 23%. A working assumption that semi and detached properties probably have the ability to charge off road, and that flats and terraced do not gives off road charging a small balance of 54:46. Some flats and terraced may...

At 43p a KWH the cost is close to ICE. The typical rapid charger cost at a motorway services is (apparently) 74p KWH. For those with home charging facilities this is the most likely scenario on a long journey - fast charging is better. I don't doubt the possible running cost benefits for...

App could monitor when the parking space was free, or perhaps double charge any EV which overstayed its allotted time, or perhaps double charge + £25 (??) fine paid as a credit to the inconvenienced EV owner, or perhaps towed away/clamped by parking enforcement.

I agree - recharging at commercial rates eliminates any running cost savings which are available through home charging. Environmental benefits are a different issue.