Stevo 666
Veteran
People who claim that usually make make sweeping generalisations.
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People who claim that usually make make sweeping generalisations.
Stevo 666
Veteran
As above, those with skills we need and/orwho are net contributors to the exchequer.
It could be argued that Labour policies are putting them off.
First Aspect
Veteran
Thing is Stevo, although I don't think your ideology is aligned with MAGAndy or Tommy R's, you've found yourself in a world where those are the loudest sort of voices championing some of your views.
At time goes on you will need to tolerate more and more smell from the other things they say.
It is a personal choice how long you hang on before you decide which of your opinions you will compromise - your distaste for leftiebollox or your distaste for reichybollox.
The US and the GOP should be a cautionary tale of how long it could take to come out the other side. I reckon they are 10-12 years in and at best about half way through.
Stevo 666
Veteran
What's wrong with having a sensible immigration policy based on criteria such as skills requirements and ability to contribute financially?
First Aspect
Veteran
Nothing Stevo, but I think there's an argument that the debate has been hijacked. In turn it can suck people along with it and before they realise they are uncritically hand wringing about crime statistics in a subset of asylum seekers.
Stevo 666
Veteran
I can't stop others trying to hijack sensible debates, but that doesn't mean I should change my position. Maybe those who expose open borders and no limits on immigration have been sucked along by the sensible debate around needing a certain amount of immigration for good reasons as I mention above?
Pross
Senior Member
So pretty much all those currently coming in on visas?
Stevo 666
Veteran
Possibly not. Depends on what basis these are being granted. Do you have any info on this?
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First Aspect
Veteran
Now you need to distinguish between the policy and the people though. The discussion gets toxic if you attack the people here under the policy rather than the people who set the policy.
Stevo 666
Veteran
Of course.
Bazzer
Über Member
A Scarborough businessman has been left "disgusted" after being fined more than £2,300 for erecting England and Union flags in North Yorkshire.
William Haylett, the owner of 'Squeeky Clean Scarborough' used his cherry picking vans, which are normally used for high-level property maintenance, to string up flags across the town, along with tying England and Union flags to lampposts across Filey and Whitby.
The 42-year-old business owner told GB News he erected flags in order to bring the community together and foster a sense of national pride, but says that he is now being fined thousands of pounds by the council for allegedly flying 64 flags.
It comes after North Yorkshire Council directed contractors in October to remove flags displayed across Scarborough, including those along Marine Drive, and further informed residents and businesses that these flags are considered "unauthorised".
"The flags were not political, offensive, or harmful in any way," William Haylett said.
"They were a source of pride, unity, and hope, symbols that brought our community together at a time when many people are struggling, feeling anxious, and seeking connection.
"Removing them does not protect the public. It sends a very different message - one of division and unnecessary control over community expression.
"Our history and our families have given much for the freedoms we have today, including the right to stand proudly under our flag.
"To take that away without consultation or explanation shows a profound disconnect from the people this council is meant to represent."
Mr Haylett is challenging the fine, issued under section 132 of the Highways Act, and he has contacted North Yorkshire Council this week, asking for evidence that he is responsible for each flag and their locations, including CCTV and witness statements and has questioned the legal basis for the allegation.
A letter from North Yorkshire Council to William Haylett, with a separate invoice for £2,321.28, dated 18 November, reads: "The display of flags on our infrastructure without our consent, authorisation under an enactment, or reasonable excuse is an offence under section 132 of the Highways Act.
"The council can seek to recover costs incurred in removing such unauthorised enactments.
"On October 30/31, we removed 64 flags in the Scarborough area, believed to be your property and that you may wish us to return them.
"I attach a notice imposing an Obligation to Collect Goods which states that the council will only be prepared to return your flags on the basis that you reimburse the council with the costs of removal.
"On the basis that the flags were yours, this equates to £36.27 per flag plus VAT.
"To be clear, whether you wish to retrieve your flags or not, the council is seeking to pursue the total costs of their removal. An invoice will be sent to you under separate cover."
The letter adds that no further flags should be erected to "avoid further safety issues".
It continues: "Additionally, the outcome we are also seeking is that no further flags are erected, to avoid further safety issues and so that we do not have to spend more of our limited resources on this issue, which would be better deployed elsewhere.
"Should Squeeky Clean erect further flags, then we reserve the right to seek to reclaim the cost of the removal of flags."
In response to the fine and removal of the flags, Mr Haylett says he is "disgusted" and added: "All over the country, everyone is down and depressed - putting flags up was to pick ourselves back up and to get spring back in our step.
"The Union flag means everything to me - it means pride, freedom and unity.
"Look at America with flags, they fly their flag proudly everywhere, all across the country and all across the world, but here, national pride is being erased and our identity.
"We should be able to fly our flags and be proud, but I've had enough of the Government. It feels like nobody is here for us, and we work hard every day to make ends meet and pay bills, but can't even fly our own flag.
"I think it's an absolute disgrace that we can't fly our own flag and put a smile on our faces - the community should be coming together back to values, and raising the flag is part of that.
"I've been out early every morning and late every night in this cold weather, helping the homeless in these cold conditions and more should be done to help those in need in this country.
"The system is failing English people, and I'm not being racist saying that."
Mr Haylett has also asked North Yorkshire Council to explain why flags were removed, under what specific policy or authority this action was taken, why "no community consultation or notice was provided" and how the council "intend to repair the damage done to community trust".
A North Yorkshire Council spokesman said: "We are proud to support big national and regional occasions by flying a St George’s Cross or Union flag.
"However, we are aware of some residents across North Yorkshire feeling uncomfortable with the number of flags as well as graffiti.
"This does not reflect the inclusive and celebratory tone in which displaying the flags should be intended.
"We have also seen numerous examples of people putting themselves at risk to display flags on highways, bridges, and lampposts.
"We respect individuals' rights to fly and paint flags on their own private property, but any unauthorised flags or markings on roundabouts and street furniture will be removed when resources allow, focusing on those which are a safety issue."
Pross
Senior Member
https://www.gov.uk/government/stati...ng-december-2023/summary-of-latest-statistics
Take out visitor visa and the second highest is students (contributes to the UK economy and is temporary) and work which requires the applicant to satisfy the points based system. Granted, the Tories made these easier to obtain but those coming are deemed to be filling necessary vacancies we can’t fill internally so are economically necessary.
Stevo 666
Veteran
A fair amount of room to tighten up nonetheless. Although tbf, at least those applying for visas are trying to play by the rules in terms of getting the proper approvals.
Psamathe
Guru
A lot depends on the nature of your property. In my case takes ½hr on the phone to get a house insurance quote (often they have to put he on hold and reference risk assessment specialists). Quite a few companies to go through the ½+ hr and get a "sorry we can't cover the nature of your property".
