When I studied history I specialised in economic history and the related history of science and technology. I had to study general UK and European history. I was very happy studying UK history as it is my country. Understanding its roots, achievements and mistakes was useful. It was also easier as the buildings, books , paintings and archaeology were all around me making understanding easier.
I did not find European history so enriching. I thought it odd the University required European but not American or Asian, given the trends in world economics and politics. The course has since been reformed to tackle this. In order to handle the course I concentrated most on France, Spain and Italy as I could read some of those languages and had visited a range of places in those countries which gave me a bit more feel for the societies and their past.
Mainly I grew interested in the impact European countries had on the British story. The more I read the more I realised the UK’s involvement with the continent had plenty of downsides. The UK – or England – was successfully invaded by both the Romans and the Normans, with lands stolen and people enslaved. In the sixteenth century England had to fight off a major amphibious invasion by Spain, the super power of the day rich with colonial silver. In the centuries that followed Great Britain spent much treasure and spilled much blood fighting against French attempts to dominate the continent by force of arms. In the twentieth century twice the UK suffered terribly from standing up to German attempts at military domination of the continent.
Many of these wars brought death , destruction and loss with no obvious wins for our country. We would often have been better off leaving it to the continental countries to have their own wars. Standing out and for a time alone against the Germans in 1939-45 was a crucial sacrifice for the benefit of us and the wider world.
It was always difficult trading with the continent as they tended to grow similar things and make similar things to us. We were much more enriched by the legitimate distant trades with hotter climates and different cultures in Asia and the Americas. The Dutch became such intense trade rivals it led to naval wars over commerce.
I read of a continent with strong tendencies to autocratic governments, to bullying super powers and to ceaseless dissatisfaction with borders. It made me sceptical of the UK plunging into legal and treaty based versions of continental control and disputes. For that I am grateful to the course designers who probably thought it would have the opposite impact. For every civilised painter or architect they liked there were several despots and needless wars in the story.
August 13, 2025
Things quite often deliver the reverse of what is perhaps intended. I was sent to our local church choir at about age 8. It was well run by an excellent organist. It did however make me a confirmed atheist by about 9. There are only so many irrational sermons etc. one can take. But it gave me a lifelong love of music and especially choral music.
When they thanked God for saving a couple of people from the rubble of an earthquake but did not blame him for the 10,000+ rather less fortunate for example even at 9 this seems rather odd but questions were rarely encouraged.
On history see the excellent video “All the worse ideas are French” by David Starkey.
August 13, 2025
We fought wars to prevent invasion, many pointless and expensive in blood and treasure.
Now we standby as we are being invaded by an alien culture and our masters tell us this is good.
It’s a l8ng time since England had a civil war but alk the ingredients are there for another.
Oh fir a peek at history books in 109 years time.
August 13, 2025
Two Tier Kier does seem rather determined to kindle a civil war with his two tier justice. How is the Islamophobia blasphemy law coming on when is Lucy Connolly being released?
‘Music, the only sensual pleasure without vice’ Samuel Johnson was it? Dancing surely too and many others when done in moderation.
Other than for the Taliban and similar I suppose!
August 13, 2025
I take it you were free to leave your childhood religion. Spare a thought for those followers of a more recently introduced religion where infidels lose their right to life.
August 13, 2025
You mean indoctrination?
You’re kidding yourself if you think we’re not all indoctrinated to a degree. Indoctrinated by how our parents (and society in general) wants us to live our lives (and we carry that on into adulthood). Indoctrination by the values of secular society. It’s a myth to think that just religious people CAN indoctrinate or be indoctrinated. Although religious teaching is ultimately about freeing the person from unhealthy obsessions so that they are then free to love (ultimately to love God first but to love neighbour too).
August 13, 2025
Indeed
August 13, 2025
Currently reading Shackleton – Endurance and he referencing psalm 23, from the bible that Queen Alexandria gave him, after they had to abandon ship. I have little doubt, it was faith (and humour – but humour derived from faith) that got them through the perilous situation. God makes heroes. Just as He makes a country great (in the right context).
August 13, 2025
@LL
To quote a US congressman – ‘religion is for those that don’t have self-confidence’
It is worth noting, there are more people engaged in Atheism than any other single religion
August 13, 2025
Consider – at least 30% of the Bible is accurately prophetic, and is being fulfilled before our eyes. Sadly, there is rampant apostasy and unbelief in the C of E, and elsewhere. E.g. Gin and Rum festivals, and Gaia (Mother Earth) worship being hosted by some cathedrals this autumn: Ezekiel Ch. 9 scenario applies.
Romans 1 and 11 describe exactly other current events, notably regarding a restored Israel, showing the faithfulness and mercy of a holy God – look these texts up, and see if you can falsify them. Also consider Psalm 2. And finally Daniel 12 and Revelation 13 re modern technology, plus the conclusion in Psalm 14: ‘The fool hath said in his heart ‘There is no God’ (it seems it was ever thus!) But praise God for ‘the blessed hope’ in our soon-coming Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (Titus 2). (Trusting I’m still free to declare these things, in this Sceptred Isle of my birth!)
August 13, 2025
Human nature does not change very much but science, medicine and technology does and has done hugely over recent years. Things here have generally become hugely better and far cheaper.
A few hours of candle light might have taken some 5 hours to earn now with electricity and LED’s perhaps just a couple of seconds. Computer chips and memory chips are over 1 billion time cheaper for their speed and capacity this in just circa 50 years. Plus each new development or discovery often become a tool to enable the next new development come even more quickly – so we get exponential innovation.
Alas the government largely steal the benefits of all these engineers and scientist with a vast bloated and misdirected state sector, absurd over regulation, endless waste, wars and warfare and vast misdirection or money – as we saw with the vast net harms caused by Covid vaccines, pointless manned trips to space, Net Zero, HS2, Covid Lockdowns, absurdly cladding tower block with flammable materials…
August 13, 2025
When was the first time a person on average income had to pat income tax in the UK – 1945 and Attlee.
“We can’t afford the welfare state” | David Starkey Talks video.
August 13, 2025
We can’t afford The State. It is the killer blow to nearly every otherwise financially viable endeavour.
Cameron’s ‘gig economy’ thrives however. Perhaps there should only be a ‘gig economy’.
August 13, 2025
Well the gig economy is hugely under attack from HMRC.
https://apexaccountants.tax/hmrcs-gig-economy-tax-reforms-revealed/
But yes we need easy hire and fire and far less red tape. It would benefit all but the feckless and the red tape pushers! But Starmer is delivering the reverse! As did 14 years of the Con-Socialists!
August 13, 2025
The State does not do much other than push paper round (now digital files and emails) Computers and digital tech is at least 200 times cheaper than type writers, printing and postage was. So why has the cost of government as a % of GDP gone up by over 100%. Same for the legal profession.
Where is any productivity gain, given to them by the electronic engineers, gone?
August 13, 2025
@LL +1, ‘vast bloated and misdirected state sector’ and the hunt for tax to fund it, rather than manage with in ones means and earn to fund it
August 13, 2025
But the scientific also has to be balanced with the beautiful, the imaginative, the soulful. If one is controlled by science one becomes a robot.
August 13, 2025
Excellent summary explaining why not all cultures are equal. The English accent is generally viewed as signifying arrogance. That is because English culture, at least until recently, really has been superior to most others. But, of course we aren’t supposed to say that lest we be guilty of racism. Against that charge I plead my mongrel ancestry. I do remember that during the Brexit debates in 2015/16 it was found that very few understood what being English or British actually means. Even sovereignty was not commonly understood. One could draw an analogy with Rolls Royce cars. They don’t publish performance figures because they are confident they are the best cars in the world wihout having to prove it continuously.
So it is hard for the British to defend British culture against the invasion of aggressive alien cultures, especially one that intentionally dominates through migration and high birth rates. We are not used to having to do so and, unlike the French or Americans, we don’t like to bragg.
SIr John mentions the Norman conquest. We need to remember that one of William’s motivations was the realisation that Britain was rich and would make a secure and peaceful base from which to pursue continental wars. Even the clothes were better in England. We also need to remember that the worst wars in history and the worst political ideas originated in continental Europe, in what are now Germany and France.
No doubt Sir John is familiar with the works of Robert Tombs, whose ‘The English & Their History’ should be mandatory reading for all pupils in all British schools.
August 13, 2025
“The” English accent. Which one is that? Brummie, Geordie, Cockney, Yorkshire, West Country, Norfolk, Kentish or the late Queen’s with her hot baarths, Cut graarss and bankers draarfts? Or I “set” down on the chair as I so “orfan” do. I really I do not get lorst.
See her early Christmas and other speeches – quite interesting how much it changed.
August 13, 2025
sorry missed off Liverpudlian, Mancunian, Essex, Bristolian…
August 13, 2025
Those are regional accents, not the English accent. Everyone outside England can recognise an English accent, even if you can’t.
August 13, 2025
No such thing as an English accent. It’s everyone else who has an accent. I don’t have one by the way.
August 13, 2025
Once it is removed we find it easy to identify ‘British culture’.
It is assumed by most who have never ventured past the chippy in Benidorm that our standards are ‘normal and universal’ so therefore we are not distinctive.
August 13, 2025
Matt Ridley on spiked.
https://www.spiked-online.com/video/how-ed-miliband-is-bankrupting-britain/
He certainly is and hugely helped by Two Tier Kier, Reeves, Lammy, Phillips, Harman…
August 13, 2025
Ll. Now Reform have publicly stated that they will not honour any subsidy agreement for hew renewable projects, I wonder how many will be brave enough to bid. Orsted are bust and have on completed projects to sell off to finance future builds.
Siemens had to go cap in hand to the German government as they had extensive losses. Maybe Milibrains zeal to bankrupt Britain is coming to a close
Fingers crossed.
August 13, 2025
Yes, this has not had sufficient press reporting. Reform should make a great deal more of their policies that will reverse all the mad ones from Labour. I’d also like to hear them say they will make the BBC licence fee (legal extortion, in plain English) optional.
When will Labour run out of other people’s money; can’t be much longer….
August 13, 2025
Thank goodness for Trump and Chris Wright his energy Sec. for saying this con trick era of subsidy farming is over in the US at least!
August 13, 2025
See The Sceptic podcast on how the capital markets and pensions and banks have also been rigged to “invest” in duff so called “green investments”.
August 14, 2025
I received a letter from my pension provider, Standard Life a couple of days ago informing me that they will be moving my pension from the Folio it is currently invested in, into a new one which is focused on ESG, and informed me it would help them achieve their Net Zero commitment.
My financial adviser will be advising me on alternative funds, which are not obsessed with Net Zero. I will do my best to avoid funding windmills and plastering the countryside with solar panels.
August 13, 2025
Reform should also publicly state they won’t honour debt interest above a certain yield. If that forces the government to balance its books that will serve the purpose of shrinking the bloated state.
Reply That is a very bad idea. Reform would be proposing reneging on debt,undermining market confidence.
August 13, 2025
market confidence? Is there any with Starmer in power?
August 13, 2025
I’ve lived and worked in France and Austria. Before France, I was pro-EU. After 4 years there I returned, and did all I could to help the Brexit campaign.
Unless you’ve experienced the continental (especially the French) method of government you have no feeling for how utterly authoritarian it is compared to pre-covid UK. The governing of the people is done by the permanent bureaucracy, whatever nominal government is elected. The bureaucracy is feared by the common citizen, it is opaque, all-powerful, and corrupt. It relishes its frightening ability and power. Most parents hoped their children could get jobs in it (well paid, impossible to sack, gold pension, opportunities to trade favours). The contrast with the “old Britain” was extreme; it is less so now, unfortunately.
The EU is a larger version of that French method of government. Only would-be autocrats support it; others who do so don’t understand the beast. We need a Reform government or revolution to have any chance of slipping further down the BRINO hole.
August 13, 2025
@Wanderer – good Government starts with the person in the mirror taking responsibility, those that don’t recognise the individual, their difference, their power and freedom, that is derived from a ramshackle collection of alternative views – the bureaucrats, the autocrats, they just want to dictate in their own very personal image and are the ones lost and will lose time and time again.
Yes our System of Government is in dire need of reforming. However, I am now sceptical of the Reform Party, they had it sorted all the while they were ‘Not the Others’ but in recent weeks their pontifications have seen them morph into another tier of the Uniparty. So to get back on track we need a revolution, a total clear out and a clean sheet – will we get it? I doubt it.
Labour maybe dire in the polls but its support has remained steady, no opposition to Socialism has yet arisen – we haven’t seen any this century indoctrination has ensured that
August 13, 2025
support from whom? If you mean that lilly livered bunch of pathetic MPs they have no wonder nothing gets disputed.
August 13, 2025
@Mickey Taking – support from the same pathetic bunch that believe those sitting at the top table even comprehend the meaning of a workers party. The ideal of a 2 tier society is to create a them and us indoctrination. They define a ‘worker’ as someone that listens and obeys the WEF Socialist indoctrination they preach, that in the end is no more than personal opinion of the Politburo, the rule and the Law by the Politburo. They don’t allow for difference, or challenges
The polls all show Labour with the same support as the day it was elected, that is 1 in 5 of those that have the right to vote in support. As yet there is no assembly of an alternative, which would suggest as previous the abstentions will win any election for someone else
August 13, 2025
‘Unless you’ve experienced the continental (especially the French) method of government you have no feeling for how utterly authoritarian it is compared to pre-covid UK.’ – You can blame the secular, anti-religious French Enlightenment / French Revolution for that!
August 13, 2025
+1
August 13, 2025
Good morning Sir John,
A thought provoking piece from you this morning about our neighbours.
The problem with history is that, we don’t seem to learn from it. Even today, we still have territorial and border disputes. We still have bullying nations. Some use military might, some use financial might, some use trade whilst some go down the legal might route as with the EU. It still baffles me as to why politicians who ultimately climb the greasy pole of politics, that manage to reach the top of that pole, then want to give away their power to a predatory bureaucracy.
Although history shows us we’ve made great advances in medicine and technology, we ourselves have not really advanced.
August 13, 2025
“we don’t seem to learn from it” Certainly this is the case in relation to top down socialism and this appalling government that even thinks we should tax everyone so they can then provide breakfast for all school children.
£9.6 million + for a new door front door at the House of Lords – one that does not even work? Still far cheaper than Net Zero or the Net Harm Covid “vaccines” or net harms lockdowns. What next tax everyone even more and then provide and fit “free” government doors for everyone! Should go well state monopoly breakfasts, monopoly state schools, state monopoly health care, housing, investing, energy…
August 13, 2025
The only dispute about Britain’s borders is whether they should exist or not.
August 13, 2025
You don’t need to sacrifice your homeland to appreciate foreign painters and architects.
Britain and her people, the four nations, must be at the centre of all our endeavour. After Ireland’s experience of living in the tender care of the European enemies of England, perhaps they like the Scots, will opt to stick together.
The most valuable thing we can do now is ‘lead by example’ and thereby help preserve the individual characteristics of the European and other distinctive nations, in true friendship i.e without fear. We need a DEFENCE FORCE to protect us – and NO FO. Leave international trade to the businessmen.
Ross McWhirter collected stamps all his life – just British. It was such a rich and wonderful collection. Let’s follow his example and learn about ourselves.
August 13, 2025
That sums it up with honest accuracy. We England are genetically a very inventive nation and an international trading one of considerable history. We are well able to stand on our own two feet, but for the sea anchor that is government elected and unelected that would wish to take us in other unwished idealogical directions. Current government are our biggest problem to date. Their ideology fights our history by turning it into one of moral failure and guilt. May they depart in haste.
August 13, 2025
The Scots certainly were rather inventive too and even the odd Welsh one!
August 13, 2025
Yes, such as Logie Baird , Dylan Thomas, and Nye Bevan all contributed positively. Scotland treachorously conspired with our perceived enemies until this day. The politicians of Wales to this day prefer to emphasise differences ,while both nations choose dependency. The power house driver is England, but our current politicians have lost the key.
August 14, 2025
England is geographically bigger than Ireland, Scotland and Wales and also a lager population.
To suggest that the English are more inventive than the other British based on the number of inventors is from a statical point a bit inaccurate. The percentage of the population is a better guide to inventiveness.
However who are the pure English. Probably best to stick with the British are very inventive, we just don’t have the money to capitalise on our inventions and rely on the Americans to do this.
August 13, 2025
I see it is being reported in todays press that our incompetent Chancellor is looking at Inheritance tax again, and in particular the limiting of gifting.
What is it with this set of politicians that they hate self sufficient families, and want to completely destroy the work, saving, investment ethic of trying to look after yourself and your family.
The Bank of Mum and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa which has kept many families afloat over the past decade looks like it will either be lost or outlawed.
Seems like there will be even more restraints on how you can spend your own money in future if this lot remain in power much longer.
Communism not far away now. you will work for the State, not yourself !
Meanwhile the Government continues to spend, waste, and give away £billions, whilst they themselves plunder their large expense allowance.
August 13, 2025
So you pay 50% – 70% plus of all your income in taxes but the 30% you perhaps keep is not even yours to give to you children. Fine to spend it on cruises, or fast cars or fast women but not to help your children buy a house and if you use it for grandchildren’s school fees this may well be caught too! So you pay 5 times over for private education should you die!
We already had the vast discretionary trust grab by Gordon Brown 20% anything over £325k per person (set in 2009 and now worth only £200k, so a 50% fiscal drag IHT increase already). Needless to say the Con-Socialists did not reverse this nor Brown’s evil pension tax grab in 14 years.
Plus the investment industry is encouraged to invest in duff green crap investments too.
Socialists do not think of it as your money or earning. The plebs should just be left with just enough to eat and get to work so they can work for the state and breed new 85% slaves. The modern slavery act does not protect against 85% state sector slavery it seems – that is fine.
Reply Conservatives did increase tax free IHT allowances
August 13, 2025
The dire Osborne promised £1m IHT threshold each but he lied and ratted even on this pathetic promose! It is still £325k now worth only £200k in real terms. Osborne also gave landlords a 100%+ tax on rents by disallowing interest for income tax – this hitting tenants too by killing investment, putting rent up & killing rental supply! Time to leave four more years of this insanity at least!
Reply He interpreted the £1 m as a couple. He gave £325,000 allowance to each and £175,000 to each for a family home, making £1 m.
August 13, 2025
John, a single person without any children to leave their house to only has a £325,000 limit.
The same £325,000 applies to a renter.
A house if you own one, has to be Willed to a Direct Dependant.
Nephews, Nieces, Sisters, Brothers, do not count.
In Wokingham £325,000 will purchase you, with a bit of luck, a 2 bedroomed terraced house.
In London I would be surprised if you got a 1 bedroom flat for that, and even that would be in restricted areas.
IHT has not changed since 2009, the Conservatives only added the property £175,000 valuation nothing else, and that does not count at all for the examples as shown above.
August 13, 2025
So a single person does not get this and nor does anyone who has not got a main house or children/ grandchildren to give this too. The allowance last went up v. slightly in 2009 and the £1M for the couple (even if you qualify) is not worth more like £600K. In the states you get about £7M before tax and at much lower rates than 40%. Sensible countries have no IHT as they want rich people to come, come back or stay! The Con-Socialists also froze all the other allowances!
August 13, 2025
reply to reply …a married couple ! What if a single non-married person wants to pass £1m to nieces/nephews?
August 13, 2025
MT
Think you will find, as I understand it, anything over £325,000 will be taxed at 40%
I wish I was wrong but I fear not, as this is the point both Lifelogic and myself have made in our postings above, but advise anyone to always check with HMRC for the full facts, for their own situation.
Remember after April 2027 it is also proposed that any unused Pension Fund will also be added to the Estate value (if over the age of 75 at death), but again check with HMRC.
August 13, 2025
Alan, adding my point! Currently £1m minus £325k will be liable to 40% of the balance.
What sort of idiot leaves that …..go talk to Wills/Trust people way before 7 years might decide.
Rachel from Complaints ought to be drowned in the paperwork complaints now being generated.
August 14, 2025
So he actively discriminated against single parents, like me. I have two sons … but because their father left the family when they were very young, the amount of my Estate which they can inherit tax free is reduced.
He pledged to increase IHT to £1 million. He did NOT pledge to increase IHT to £1 million per couple.
Another lie / betrayal.
August 13, 2025
Lifelogic
Yes wanted to pay the University fees for a Grandchild so they would be debt free at the end of their studies, but have been professionally advised that they would then be responsible for any inheritance tax on that payment should I die within 7 years, as such a payment would be regarded by HMRC as a gift !
And the Government says wants people to invest in education and training for the future benefit of themselves and the Country, what a farce !
August 13, 2025
Some options to consider – regular gifts out of surplus income can qualify without the 7 year issue goole this for all the rules but fairly easy to comply. Or you can – if in reasonable health take a cheap life policy to cover any such risk for the 3-7 years sliding scale.
Having said that the student might well be better taking the loan if there is a chance they may never have to repay in full. You only repay if you earn more than £27K I think and this after pension cont. is deducted with interest some (especially women with career breaks) may never have to pay or pay much. The self employed can form a company and only pay themselves just below this sum leaving the rest in the company or in a pension plan I think!
August 13, 2025
Or even employ them to do the garden, or sell stuff on ebay for you or clean the car as they prob will not pay tax on it but keep below NI levels. Some might say just give some as a cash time but clearly that might be weens as not legal – if too large a tip!
August 13, 2025
Lifelogic
They can always give up their jobs and be our paid careers, taxed on earnings of course, but only at 20% up to £50,000.
What a way to run a country eh !
Politicians do not have bloody clue how to get/encourage people to work, save, invest etc etc, because they have the balance of risk – reward completely wrong.
August 13, 2025
@ Berkshire alas there is employers and employees NI or self employed NI. But while at uni they have some allowances to use up.
August 13, 2025
and promised £1m free of IHT…..years went by with no action.
August 13, 2025
Those who post here and are privacy-oriented may not be aware that as of 12th August, AI is available on WhatsApp – and has access to all chats. Including Chinese AI
You can enable the “advanced privacy” option. Otherwise, AI’s can open group messages, see phone numbers and even retrieve personal information from your phone….even in private chats.
To prevent this:
1) Open the chat
2) Tap the name at the top
3) Scroll down and enable the ‘Advanced chat privacy’ option
Everybody wants access to our private information. Stand up for your rights.
August 13, 2025
‘Everybody wants access to our private information’ – 99% of people’s private chat is pretty boring (including mine!). Much ado about nothing.
August 13, 2025
Thanks.
August 13, 2025
So do you have to do that for all chats and all people in the group?
August 13, 2025
@SK – in a similar way by default those that post YouTube videos get to see and hear all those that view thier videos, unless the default settings are turned off. Of course the viewer has to have a camera and microphone, as on mobile device or laptop. Being secure is not a default position
August 13, 2025
The biased history telling relating to England is the mis-telling of the slave trade.
It required a great leap of ignorance and bias to present England the one nation that formally declared slavery unacceptable and used its world based might and influence, to stop it. To then be accused two centuries later of being the instigator and beneficiary of slaves by ill informed uneducated morons.
August 13, 2025
@Rod Evans +1, it’s hard to see how a People under the yoke of slavery, indentured, other people’s property can also be slavers. As you say a miss telling of history.
August 13, 2025
Thank you John
August 13, 2025
‘with lands stolen and people enslaved’ nothing changes
August 13, 2025
Fascinating that you focused on Economic History as it for shows great insight into explaining logically the reasons why some countries succeeded while many failed. It also explains your command of our own economic situation / dilemma that I often roughly compare to the rise and fall of the Roman empire, where excess bloat succumbed to decline.
Of course we now have the advantage of hindsight, more information and intelligent people plus powerful Supercomputers, Artificial Intelligence billions of Worldwide resources. However our leaders are often silly shallow and naive who make too many mistakes and are not accountable for the consequences, devoid of intellectual thought and courage, sadly.
Being human they make many false assumptions and more mistakes even ignoring 2025 years of lessons of the past.
(Present company excepted Sir John!).
August 13, 2025
Sir John
Thank-you an interesting read
It is of note that how the family trait for the most part continued through history. Those families that engaged with stealing lands and enslaving people appear to be the same ones that on a personal basis continued the practice for their own personal gain in the so-called new world. Taking peoples that had been said to be criminals captured by African Leaders then sold for profit, these individuals saw it as part of a personal profitable trade agreement.
It was the same sort of version and relationship these individuals had back home, where they still had slaves, now called surfs, the minions that made them the money to peruse more personal profitable ventures.
Still, most of us move on, how we got to today is a reference point of the mistakes made to be avoided going forward. I have always seen England, the UK as outward looking, comfortable in its own skin up until now. Now it is driven by the scourge of Socialism trying to drive an outward view out of our psyche seeking the personal (Socialism is always personal) together ‘only in my image’ brotherhood, inward looking of protectionism and isolation.
August 13, 2025
Every 1000 years our island is invaded. First the Romans, then the Normans and then a thousand years later we’ve had to extricate ourselves from the EU yoke. We’re now ruled by a fifth column, aka the Civil Service and judiciary, who are sabotaging our energy and economy with Net Zero and our social cohesion and national security through mass immigration, both legal and illegal. It was Gus O’Donnell who, when Cabinet Secretary, said in 2011: “When I was at the Treasury I argued for the most open door possible to immigration … I think it’s my job to maximise global welfare not national welfare.” The PM, an ex Civil Servant, before he was elected to Parliament served on the executive committee of the Fabian Society, a Far Left movement, whose logo is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
August 13, 2025
+1
August 13, 2025
@Original Richard +1, and still the fight goes on to be allowed to stand on one’s own 2 feet, fulfil potential , contribute, instead of being someone else’s pawn for their personal satisfaction and ego
August 13, 2025
I think your conclusion is a good one. Treaty agreements are not as durable as the natural Geographic barrier that we enjoy in the UK. Russia is a past master at manipulating such border agreements or of ignoring them as we see today in its invasion of Ukraine. Time to get serious about stopping the small boats.
August 13, 2025
I would suggest >98% of the electorate have always been serious?
August 13, 2025
Hang on, I’m with the monster raving loony party …..and they’re quite serious; just in a different way
August 13, 2025
and I voted for ‘him’ at least once.
August 14, 2025
+1
August 13, 2025
“We were much more enriched by the legitimate distant trades with hotter climates and different cultures in Asia and the Americas.” Legitimate might be stretching it a bit far by todays standards and perhaps not unlike the Romans. But the British involvement was a benefit in the long run.
Our naval wars with the Dutch more like six of one and half dozen of the other as to who started it.
The Dutch invasion (raid) of Chatham in 1667 and the actual invasion in 1688 to put William of Orange on the English throne are worth a mention as just not the Romans and Normans who manage an invasion of the UK.
But the 1688 invasion was not to gain land just to change a King who would be more accountable to Parliament.
The Dutch did get help from this side of the North Sea to assist the Invasion.
August 13, 2025
Interesting how John Redwood forgets parts of his history when that is convenient for him.
“Glorious revolution” make historians in The Netherlands smile.
August 13, 2025
Happily the Dutch and English get on really well today, at least that’s been my personal experience.
Reply I did not mention 1688 as it was not an invasion. It was an invitation from the bulk of the governing establishment to William and Mary to jointly take the Crown. Parliament reduced monarchical powers and insisted on the Protestant religion. James II had to go. The monarchy only survived with the agreement of Parliament, Lords and Commons.
August 13, 2025
I think if someone turns up with an army from across the North Sea to enforce a change in how England is governed that’s an invasion.
William and Mary did not arrive in a fishing boat and welcomed by all.
If that were the case there would have been no need for a Dutch Army to come too.
Anyway I think the Dutch class it as an invasion of England.
The battle continues between UK and Dutch historians on this point.
Reply King James gave up the fight and could not command what should have been his own forces. Mary was the natural Protestant successor as the King had reneged on the civil war settlement with royalty. 1688 proved GB had no wish to be governed by an autocratic monarch and Parliament was determined to advance its powers further.
August 13, 2025
Maybe should have added the Scots have invaided England a few times 🙂
August 13, 2025
Defeat for the Church of Rome. Makes me smile too.
August 13, 2025
I hope you aren’t starting the Vijfde Engels-Nederlandse Oorlog (Fifth English-Dutch War)! You claim four already.
August 14, 2025
I would not want to start a 5th war with Nederland as half my immediate family live there. The SVB might stop my very small pension too 🙂
August 13, 2025
The rot is seen every where by every one –
https://order-order.com/2025/08/13/read-in-full-us-state-department-says-uk-human-rights-worsened-under-starmer/
It is Parliament that refuses to defend society and its people. The Politburo brought to you by the Uniparty, Starmer is just one small section, and their dire WEF Socialist doctrine that is destroying what was left of a dynamic advancing Nation. 25 years of wreaking that is gathering pace and as new age slaves we are powerless. How will thet accept this report from the US State Department – they will see it as a badge of honour, they will see that are achieving their objectives of the ‘Great Reset’ The WEF they hope will reward them for corralling a whole nation under Socialism.
August 13, 2025
Especially the rights not to be stabbed, mugged, robbed, shop lifted and not to be sent to jail for a foolish tweet Lucy Connolly or for not murdering babies Lucy Letby. Or for praying without X years of an abortion clinic. Or if you are an unborn baby perhaps the right to not be murdered at 9 months less a few minutes!
August 13, 2025
@Lifelogic – the conclusion I find easy to come to is that the US considers the UK a reasonably close friend someone they have been prepared to share secrets with, now it turns out this government has more in common with Xi Jinping and Putin. So maybe the sharing, the unity will fade as the UK is forced into a more extreme dictatorship
However, this could also be part of the plan, get the US to distance itself from the UK and the UK will be driven to be more under the control of the EU than ever before. A win, win for Parliament a big loss and expensive for the Nation, particularly those that pay the bills. Of course also part of the plan the last thing our Uni-party Parliament wants is people staying in the country that point out its Socialist WEF flaws
August 13, 2025
The British government has nothing in common with Xi Jinping and Putin. It is deeply unpopular and presiding over economic stagnation, unlike those leaders.
August 13, 2025
This government is taking lessons on bullying, removing freedom, rewriting history, forcing a lower standard of living on the population- just like Putin and to some extent Xi.
August 13, 2025
@hat man – accept the engage in monitoring, curtailment of freedoms of thought and speech which is what the US State Department is suggesting and what the UK justice authorities are practicing. Xi Jinpin and Putin are at the forefront of these controls of the individual this government is following thier direction.
August 13, 2025
+1
August 13, 2025
Perhaps then you too are as bemused as I am at President Macron’s recent assertion in his address to the UK Parliament that “Our two countries have a special responsibility for the security of the continent”.
I do fear Starmer et al will not have the good sense to hold the UK aloof from continental entanglements. We have pulled others’ chestnuts out of the fire for too long and too often to be doing it again.
August 13, 2025
Did every German flinch and get embarrassed at such a remark?
Perhaps he was directing it to Russia, but it applies ….
August 13, 2025
@formula57 – the plus point up Macron’s sleeve is he, his government owns what some regard as the UK defence industry. No UK submarine, or warship can put to sea, be built unless Macron agrees, he owns the technology and supplies the raw materials. Even what some believe is a UK missile capability is owned an controlled by the whims of others we can not vote for. That’s without talking about who gets to turn the taps on to allow energy into our homes. It didn’t have to be that way it is the UK Parliament that has maliciously made it that way, the UK Parliament that were the traitors to Brexit have kept up and still keep up the fight. Some of us see that was the reason for the Tories off shoring UK Industry.
August 13, 2025
I didn’t realise until today that it was possible to be given a jail sentence for posting a meme suggesting a link between migrants and knife crime:
https://order-order.com/2025/08/13/read-in-full-us-state-department-says-uk-human-rights-worsened-under-starmer/#comments
August 13, 2025
Indeed stating the truth on subject like this, or on the climate alarmist scam are the last things Two Tier, Free Gear, Never Hear, Serial Liar Kier ever want you to be able to do!
August 13, 2025
Especially the rights not to be stabbed, mugged, robbed, shop lifted and not to be sent to jail for a foolish tweet Lucy Connolly or for not murdering babies Lucy Letby. Or for praying without X years of an abortion clinic. Or if you are an unborn baby perhaps the right to not be murdered at 9 months less a few minutes!
August 13, 2025
Within X yards rather
August 13, 2025
@Original Richard – freedom of people allows for disagreement and discussion. It allows for alternative views to be challenged. The UK Governent’s of controlling thought and opinion, particularly of those that are not in total agreement with thier own, is rule by dictatorship
August 13, 2025
A knowledge of history is important in understanding what happens today. For example, the Climate Change/ Net Zero/ Global Warming nonsense. Weather is weather and is not caused by CC/NZ/GW. Just study the history of weather events that are now claimed to be a result of CC/NZ/GW, and you will find they have happened many times before. German river flooding can be traced back to 1300 in a German government-directed survey.
Hurricane activity was worse in the 1930s than it is today. We have had hotter summers in the past than we are having today, try 1911 as a start. Starmer and Milibrand don’t think in terms of history when they make stupid decisions today. Did either of them even study history at school? We are a great country with a great past, but lefty thickos seem determined to be ashamed of our past! The result is today’s appalling Labour Government.
August 13, 2025
445 criminals were illicitly shipped, into the UK yesterday on the 12th August from France……in the past 4 days 435, 281, 474 & 445 …its now time to declare a national emergency
August 13, 2025
Macron and Starmer could stop the boats in days if they wanted simply by returning all illegal migrants immediately upon landing straight back to France on a secure UK naval vessel. If there is no such co-operation from Macron then the UK should refuse to come and collect boats that are being escorted by the French navy as clearly they are in no danger and the French aren’t going to abandon them in mid Channel are they? Especially after giving them their returnable lifejackets. Any illegal migrants who do make it to our shores should be put up in tents in fenced, guarded encampments awaiting processing and deportation and not rewarded with free 4 star hotel accommodation, or housing, free clothing, £40/week pocket money, free entertainment and the freedom to roam the streets wherever they wish together with taking untaxed, unregulated jobs. Or simply allowed to abscond. The number of unidentified young men of fighting age must now be larger than our active army personnel.
August 13, 2025
Spot on Original Richard
August 14, 2025
I had an old style grammar school education in history which covered Egypt and other areas in the Middle East. Then we moved up through European and British history. I found some of it tiresome but now eat it up when it is on PBS freeview and realise that had I not had this education I would probably not watch PBS to find out what I missed out on. However, I did love history and I came second highest in the GCE exams in the school. I have gone on to study art/design which was not considered very worthy (just another subject to pass to add to the number to get into uni or whatever). However, I will say that art and design cover a lot of social and other types of history through their pattern of evolution which should not be overlooked. Then I went back for the MA to Reformation and studies of education etc., which have really finished off the package as far as I am concerned. Along with this my Father took us on holidays each year to Europe (his war time had left him with a longing to visit places he had stayed at or missed) which further enhanced my interest in my own as well as European history as my Mother insisted we visited every church we passed by to look at architecture etc. My experience of American history was through the BA(Hons) Art and Design degree and we covered the Native American Indians and other topics or art and design which was really interesting. I think the children of today do not get this type of education and they seem to fly out to places on holiday which have no connection to our country or history with parents who are first or second generation immigrants so this must be a problem for them to become rooted in our history and connection to the USA and Europe.