Why war in the Middle East involves U.K. by Laura Kuenssberg.

[celeste]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g5evx4y7xo


It can feel bewildering, and far away. So why does it matter at home?
"There’s the humanitarian horror," says a former diplomat. And of course there are many families in the UK worried about the safety of friends or relatives still in Lebanon, Israel and Gaza. There is a potential bump in the number of refugees likely to head for Europe from Lebanon if all-out war begins.

The conflict has stirred tensions here as well. "We see it on our streets," the former minister says, whether that’s at Gaza protests, the rise in antisemitism or even a handful of pro-Palestinian politicians winning seats in Parliament.
If - as US President Joe Biden has acknowledged in public - [size=inherit]Israel goes ahead and hits Iran’s oil industry, the costs could hit us all.[

[St Chads Lad]

I'm sure that the 'far right' are partly to blame. 

[lozflan]

Starmer's new label for anyone who doesn't agree? vile hatred.

[celeste]

Starmer's new label for anyone who doesn't agree? vile hatred.

He could wear it as a badge

[celeste]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news


photo




Sir Keir Starmer has not ruled out a National Insurance increase for employers in the Budget, in a BBC Breakfast interview.
The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto rules out raising National Insurance, income tax and VAT.


But Sir Keir side-stepped questions whether Labour’s promise not to raise taxes for "working people" covered employers' National Insurance (NI).
Speaking in Downing Street, Sir Keir said this month's Budget was "going to be tough" but would "focus on rebuilding our country

[ExileSteve]

Personally, I am terrified of this month's budget and how it might impact upon my family. I doubt I am the only one feeling this way.