The UK Is Probably Wishing It Had An Effective Navy Right About Now

The Guardian: Russian frigate fires warning shots at British yacht in Channel

Yes, in the English Channel, a Russian warship fired rounds at a British yacht that was getting too close  for the Russian's liking.

A Russian warship fired warning shots within a few hundred metres of a British pleasure yacht sailing across the Channel on Tuesday morning amid a period of heightened tensions between London and Moscow.

The rare incident took place at 11.40am more than 20 miles south of the Isle of Wight and less than 40 miles north of Normandy, France, when the yacht, identified as the private vessel Bright Future, sailed close to the Admiral Grigorovich and ignored at least one warning.

“We assess that this is an isolated incident and not linked to the UK’s interception of the Smyrtos this weekend. HMS Mersey has been monitoring the Russian vessel and support has been provided to the crew of the yacht. ”British sources said initial indications were that more than one shot was fired by Russian sailors after the yacht had got close to the heavily armed frigate. “Following attempts to contact a British vessel in the channel, the Grigorovich fired warning shots. These were not aimed at the vessel and were an attempt to prevent a possible collision,” the Ministry of Defence said.

 

Do note that the only ship the Royal Navy could manage to have in the area,  HMS Mersey is a fishery protection patrol vessel and badly over-matched by the Russian Frigate.

 

That the Royal Navy can't even sortie a frigate to shadow the Russian frigate in  the English Channel is a sad commentary on the state of the Royal Navy.

 

Britannia used to rule the waves, now it can't even rule its own home waters.

BLM = Belfast Lives Matter

The people of Belfast are making their displeasure at unfettered third-world immigration and two-tier policing known.

The Nightly:  Belfast race riot signals a backlash against Black Lives Matter movement

 The horrific sight of an immigrant trying to behead a man on a Belfast street will increase the already heightened hostility in Britain towards foreigners . . .

The Belfast attack came a little after a week when a Sikh man, Vickrum Digwa, was jailed for fatally stabbing 18-year-old accounting student Henry Nowak. Digwa claimed he was racially abused and acted in self defence.


A decision by police officers to initially accept the false story, and handcuff Mr Nowak as he died from stab wounds, triggered an outpouring of anger towards what many people feel are police policies designed to protect minority groups at the expense of fighting crime.

One might say it just a "fiery but peaceful protest".  You'd be a feckin' eedjit for saying so, but  that would be simply copying the progressive line on such demonstrations, except the progressives these days are stating it is actually a riot and blaming it on the "far right".  Don't expect the progressives to be taking a knee for Henry Nowak anytime soon now.

One might also say its a really bad idea to severely annoy people who really know how to put on a riot. And the people of Belfast KNOW how to riot like nobody's business.

When you have Northern Irish Protestants and Catholics on the same side rioting against these policies, it's gonna get, as some might say, extra fiery and extra peaceful, now innit?

In The UK, When The Data Goes Against Your Progressive Preferences

You stick with the progressive preferences, and ignore the data.  

At least that is what the UK, under Two-Tier Kier Starmer, has  decided to do.

The Labour Party of the United Kingdom's own report shows that:

Islamists are responsible for three-quarters of the police’s counterterror workload and 94 per cent of all terror-related deaths in the past 25 years. The plan also rejects calls, predominantly from British Muslims, for blasphemy laws in the UK.

And what has the Labour Party government decided to do about it?

They've decided to appoint an anti-Islamophobia Tsar and further crack down on people being "divisive"  when it comes to Islam, LGBTs (and there's a fine paradox right there), or simply not reflecting Labour Party progressive preferences.

The Spectator: Revealed: Britain to get Islamophobia tsar.

Peaceful Inner Struggle Right On Schedule

Unfortunately, just as expected given Muslims respect for holy days, there was an attack on Jews by Muslims on Yom Kippur with two killed and multiple people wounded in Manchester, United Kingdom.

 AP:  Attacker who killed 2 people and injured 3 at British synagogue is dead, police say

The attacker did a car ramming attack followed by a stabbing attack and was wearing an explosive device that did not go off. 

The attacker's name?  Jihad Al Shamie

Apparently he was not in the British Prevent system, which is rather an impressive oversight.  One would think someone named Holy War The Syrian should be proactively enrolled and kept under observation as he's kind telegraphing things just a tad. 

Police response time was seven minutes, and on arrival they did manage to kill one and wound one member of the synagogue in question, but at least they killed the attacker, so they have that going for them - as well as needing remedial marksmanship training ASAP.

A Modest Proposal For Taiwan

Taiwan needs to learn from others how to get recognized as an independent state.

In order to get recognition from Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Australia, all of whom do not currently recognize Taiwan, it just needs to do the following:

Invade China, sack and burn the cities of Quanzhou, Putian, and Fuzhou, kill 177,600 mainland Chinese, and take 37,000 mainland Chinese as hostages to achieve the appropriate population ratio needed to get such recognition and then not surrender under any circumstances after China responds.

This seems to be the required process needed in order to get  Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Australia to grant recognition for Taiwan as an independent state, as that seems to be their current criteria for such recognition of states.

Good luck Taiwan!  

A Rather Red Royal Portrait

The official portrait of King Charles III has been unvelied.

 

It's certainly something. For an official portrait, I daresay it's lacking a certain gravitas.

But, if instead viewed as art, rather than as a stately portrait, it does make one think.

The thinking, however, goes like this:

"Charles Rex III, the Scourge of Carpathia, the Sorrow of Moldavia….";

"People were saying that it would be a dumpster fire after Queen Elizabeth II passed away, and they were right!";

"Hey, there was a sale on red pigment at Ye Olde Royal Art Supply Shoppe.";

"This is fine."

"Well at least it beats Obama's official portrait."

So, what do you think?

In The Place Where Great Britain Used To Be

In Great Britain, where speech deemed to be offensive or hateful can get you thrown in jail there's apparently an unwritten exception to permit hate speech by Islamists and their supporters.

Express: Moment Met Police officer tells Jewish woman swastikas 'need to be taken in context'

A video has captured the moment a Met Police officer tells a Jewish woman that the use of swastikas during a pro-Palestine march needed to be "taken into context".

The footage shows an activist at Saturday's protest in London embroiled in a heated exchange with the officer over the Nazi symbol being displayed by protesters.

The officer is filmed debating the use of the symbol, that will forever be associated with Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party in Germany.

 Determining who gets free speech is a very subjective thing in formerly Great Britain.

Queen Elizabeth II And Modern Numismatic History

The Royal Mint has released a series commemorating the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the longest reign of a monarch in the history of the United Kingdom.

Interestingly, these coins will also be the first coins to bear the portrait of the new monarch, Charles III, on the obverse of the coin, making the end of an era:

 

This makes for quite an interesting holiday gift to the coin collector, investor, or historical enthusiast that's on your list.

With brilliant uncirculated crowns that have two portraits of Queen Elizabeth II on the reverse going for around US$17, and 50 pence with a different reverse design consisting of coats of arms going for $13.14 on the low end, there's plenty for the starting collector.  You can also, if there's a goldbug in your life, get a commemorative memorial sovereign for $830.00.

These will only be on sale through December 31, 2022 or until they run out. A neat opportunity to pickup a piece of history.

Pocket Portraits Of The Queen

So, quite a few people in Commonwealth Countries around the globe are apparently concerned, or at least journalists are claiming such concern, about the status of their banknotes and coins with the Queen Elizabeth II's image on them.

The short answer:  No worries, it is all still fully legal tender and remains so even with a new monarch and upon the passing of her majesty.

The Detroit News: Queen Elizabeth is featured on several currencies. Now what?

Longer answer:   The banknotes and coins will continue to circulate and eventually be retired as they go through their respective banking systems. As the current notes and coins get worn out,  new notes with the new monarch's visage enter circulation - which is going to take quite a lot of time.

In fact, even much older series notes from many years ago can still be used or exchanged with your central bank (and often your local bank accepts them) for new notes. 

But, those older series notes likely have a higher numismatic value than their face value if in excellent condition as a collectible at this point.  So, you may not want to turn in your crisp and shiny old banknotes just now. However, the recent dated crumpled up notes in your pocket with her portrait likely won't bring much of a premium over face value now or in the immediate future.

Queen Elizabeth II Has Died

Her Majesty the Queen has died at the age of 96.

Queen Elizabeth II was a fixture on the world stage, and an example of class, grace, and dignity, that all world leaders could learn from and gain much from following her example.

Definitely, she showed the best possible side of a monarchy.

While not a monarchist myself, I can certainly admire how she was the United Kingdom's head of state for seventy years and conducted herself in both an inspiring and exemplary fashion the entire time.

May she rest in peace, knowing she did well by her country, and did all that duty required of her as Queen and much, much, more.

It's the end of a great era in the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth.

Interesting Reactions To Events, Aren't They?

Mr. B of In The Middle Of The Right sent me a link in the comments to the Daily Mail a newspaper with some very good coverage of the Texas Synagogue attack and the reaction among the terrorist's fellow adherents back in Ol' Blighty, who while many are now British subjects, are no exactly what you'd first think of when the stereotypical British subject come to mind.

Of course it's blamed on the attackers "mental health" and his family are condemning the crime but of course throwing some nice and false moral relativism in:

'Obviously our priority will be to get him back to the UK for his funeral prayers although we have been warned it could take weeks.

'We would also like to add that any attack on any human being be it a Jew, Christian or Muslim etc is wrong and should always be condemned.

'It is absolutely inexcusable for a Muslim to attack a Jew or for any Jew to attack a Muslim, Christian, Hindu vice versa etc.'

Nice relativism and cute deflection there.

Interestingly, and while given coverage what is rather unremarked upon is the reaction of the Blackburn, England Muslim communityfrom whence the attacker came to the event and his death:

 

One doesn't typically comment that a terrorist has "sadly departed from this temporary world" and one typically does not welcome a criminal to the "highest ranks of Paradise" now does one? Highest ranks of Paradise in Islam are reserved for those fighting Jihad, aren't they? Interesting reaction from the Blackburn Muslim community, that.

A Piece Of History Now In Hand

A delivery from across the Atlantic washed up on my door last night:

The Brexit 50 pence coin, dated the day of Brexit had arrived.

Peace, Prosperity and Friendship with All Nations.

A fitting proclamation for the restoration of British sovereignty.

Brexit Commemorative Coin

Coins aren't just medium of exchange, they also can be used to convey messages and record historic occasions.

The Royal Mint today is striking fifty pence coins to commemorate and celebrate Brexit.

Withdrawal from the European Union 2020 UK 50p Coin

The commemorative coins are offered in brilliant uncirculated condition, proof condition, and in a special set with the commemorative from when the UK joined the EU - a Hello and Goodbye set as it were which per their website, seems to already be sold out.

It's the end of an era, and when looking at the special set, you see Queen Elizabeth II as monarch throughout the period from 1973 to today, with both her younger self and today's stately portrait adorning the coins.

There's also a commemorative gold sovereign being offered, but it appears the mintage of it is already sold out.

Interestingly enough, they have opened up the mint and provided limited spaces for Brits to come in and strike their very own Brexit 50p coins, but as you might guess, all the spaces are already booked for the event.

I think I need to buy a BU or proof coin to mark this rather historic event as the UK exits the EU and becomes its own fully sovereign nation once again.

Cambridge's Progressive Double Standards

Verily, If A progressive person or institution didn't have double standards, they'd have no standards at all.

Cambridge University, the rather historic British institution got very woke and earlier this year and rescinded an invitation to Jordan Peterson over protests at allowing him to speak on their hallowed grounds.

That was met by applause by the the Cambridge Student Union who said

“We are relieved to hear that Jordan Peterson’s request for a visiting fellowship to Cambridge’s faculty of divinity has been rescinded following further review. It is a political act to associate the University with an academic’s work through offers which legitimise figures such as Peterson.

Meanwhile, the very same Cambridge University yesterday hosted and feted Malaysian Prime Minister and antisemitic moonbat Mahathir Mohamad, who used the opportunity to speak to make at least one anti-Semitic joke, to the delight of those attending the Cambridge Union Speech.

The Telegraph: Cambridge Union audience laughs at anti-Semitic 'joke' by Malaysian prime minister

Note how Cambridge defended inviting Mattahir:

Dr Mohamad's invitation to speak had already proved controversial, but Cambridge University said he should not be banned because they respect freedom of speech.

Ah, so Cambridge is all for free speech for anti-Semitic progressive scum -- and applauding it no less -- but not for a world-famous rather centrist University professor that disdains and demonstrates the fallacies of leftist cant.

Good Morning Guv'nor, Department Of Pre-Crime Calling

The city of London's pre-crime unit must be having to work overtime with the latest news on the results of the facial detection system installed for London's surveillance cameras:

The Independent: Facial recognition wrongly identifies public as potential criminals 96% of time, figures reveal

Facial recognition technology has misidentified members of the public as potential criminals in 96 per cent of scans so far in London, new figures reveal.

The Metropolitan Police said the controversial software could help it hunt down wanted offenders and reduce violence, but critics have accused it of wasting public money and violating human rights.

Is the 96% false positive rate a bug or a feature? After all, in the United Kingdom's new and improved Orwellian surveillance state, it's not that the system is misidentifying the public as criminals, it's just they haven't been caught in the act on camera yet.

In The Place Where Great Britain Used To Be, Yet Again

Facing a knife (murders in London have now exceeded New York City) and acid-attack crime wave, Brtiain's government decided they must do something.

The something now includes banning buying knives online or having "offensive weapons" in your home, complete with new powers for police to search homes for such weapons.

The Mirror: Tough new offensive weapons laws ban keeping so much as a knuckle duster in your home

Tough new laws against offensive weapons will make it illegal to keep so much as a knuckle duster in your home.

In a crackdown to be announced by Home Secretary Amber Rudd on Monday, police will get powers to search, seize and prosecute anyone caught with weapons including zombie knives.

At present cops can act only if they find weapons being carried on the streets.

Ms Rudd’s new Serious Violence Strategy, to combat the recent spate of disfiguring attacks, will also mean a minimum of six months jail for a second offence of possessing acid.

The new “two strikes and you’re out” law will bring corrosive liquids in line with knives.

And police will be told to use stop and search powers to find acids.

Shopkeepers will be banned from selling dangerous cleaning products to people under 18 and, for the first time, a licence will be required to buy sulphuric acid.

Ms Rudd said: “To tackle violent crime effectively, robust legislation and powerful law enforcement must be in place. Stop and search is a vital policing tool and officers will have the Government’s full support to use these powers.”

No one will be able to buy knives online and have them delivered to their homes.

And of course, even more firearms bans, why, because why not, it's the United Kingdom:

Gun clubs will no longer be able to use rapid fire rifles which will be banned outright.

Bump stocks, which increase the rate of fire and have been used in US shootings, will also be forbidden.

And of course just as there is not only no Second nor Fourth Amendment in Britain, there is no First Amendment to prevent government restraints on speech and imprisonment for speech - so there must be more restrictions, for your own good, of course:

Ms Rudd will also target any social media which glorifies violence and demand providers remove gang material including music and videos.

And progressives would see us become just like Great Britain with controls on ordinary citizens' choice of weapons, speech, and the elimination of security from expansive searches in return for a police department that ignores crime unless "committed" by an ordinary decent citizen.

In The Place Where Great Britain Used To Be

Sky News: Pensioner held on suspicion of murdering 'burglar' pictured

Yes, a 78-year old managed to kill one of at least a pair of armed home invaders who broke into his home is now being held on suspicion of committing murder.

Reportedly, the home invaders, armed with screwdrivers, backed the man into his kitchen where at least one of them found out you shouldn't bring a screwdriver to a knife fight.

In most civilized countries, a 78-year-old facing and successfully fighting off two armed home invaders would be praised.

Unfortunately, this occurred in the United Kingdom, where permissible acts of self defense are now reduced to lying down and thinking of England.

Wondering When We'll See A Women's March For This, If Ever

Where are the Marches for Women for the women and girls of Rotherham, Rochdale and Telford?

You know, actual victims in a very real War on Women.

Thousands of women abused, including multiple rapes, beatings, and murder, with the powers that be covering it up as the perpetrators were from a politically correct protected class, namely gangs of Muslims in the UK. The police and other enlightened public officials did nothing for fear of being though racist or through class snobbery that the lower class girls simply had it coming to them. Hell, in some cases they returned the victims to their abusers to be raped and beaten yet again.

Reading this stuff makes feminists' overblown ridiculous fears of a "Handmaid's Tale" scenario under President Trump at its worst seem like a flipping vacation paradise. But this isn't some dystopian fantasy, it has been all too real.

Trump just by being elected gets marches all over the world with women putting on pink hats and protesting him because he wasn't Hillary and their unfounded fears that he's going to turn back the clock on women's rights, or something.

One would think feminists would be outraged at this decades long series of serious crimes and cover-ups. Hell, anyone with half a conscience should be shocked and outraged by this scandal.

What an opportunity for Women to protest against real violence against women.

Yet where are the marches and protests against this enabling of this insanity?

Crickets.

Top Secret Security - You're Doing It Wrong

Some people lose their socks, other people lose top secret documents.

The Independent: Senior counter-terrorism officer faces dismissal for losing top-secret documents

So the poor fellow now stands to lose his £215,000 (that's $298,875.80 in US Dollars) pension, all because he left these top secret documents locked in a briefcase in the trunk of his car.

Security Personnel in the UK do have a nasty habit of leaving classified data in their cars to be stolen. Lots of examples there - basically never leave a computer with sensitive data in your car.

Now, he clearly went about this all wrong.

Instead of leaving the documents in the boot of his car, had he just been extremely careless and put them on an insecure home server for all to see, he would have been fine and walked with no penalties.

A Failure Of Imagination

From Legal Insurrection comes this fatuous statement from British Prime Minister Teresa May: Theresa May: We Could Not Have “Predicted” or “Envisaged” Latest Terrorist Attacks

That she states it with a straight face shows she's either willfully blind or a fool, and she's not a fool.

Given the history of Islamists using vehicles as weapons and bombs to attack where children and young people congregate, to say such were unpredictable in Britain, where there's a very large number of known Islamists and their sympathizers is worse than trite. It shows the British politician's fevered need to calm their population and hide from it the politically incorrect and rather unpalatable, at least for the bien pensants, truth of what their government has done through open immigration and appeasement of non-assimilating Islamists who have been given free reign.

These attacks certainly won't be the last, and now soldiers and armed police walk the streets of Britain to protect the people who failed to protect the people of Britain from attacks that were both highly predictable and rather easy to envisage.