So which is worse ... President Trump or Prime Minister Corbyn?

[Quinnbeast]

- snip -

I didn't comment as to when the original implementation for the Vanguard subs was decided; I pointed out that it's common knowledge that there is in fact typically only one sub active at a time. Agreed, then. I also understand the reasons for shifting the "delivery platform" (such a nice placid choice of words for world-ending hardware). That wasn't part of my argument either. It still remains that there is only one platform (and literally one active at a time) which has been losing support and personnel as the decades have rumbled on. Increasingly, we can barely afford to support the absolute minimum system that we now have.

The dropping of Nimrod shows the lack of both commitment and funds for maintaining an ideal level of defence and surveillance for the subs themselves and other conventional vessels. 'Having them' it seems, is more important than providing a robust level of air support to the rest of the force - it makes the 'multi-faceted' argument fall over just little.

And while I understand the basics of the 'political will' debate, it ultimately reads as posturing without looking at the whole picture. Trident exists at the expense of a strong conventional armed force, which can equally be considered a massive weakening of UK defence. Part of the reason we still think of a nuclear arsenal as necessary, is that our own foreign policy leaves a huge amount to be desired. We still don't even know how to deal with 60-year-old nuclear waste (much of it from the original UK weapons development) in rotting/leaking storage units at Sellafield, which remains one of the most most dangerous industrial sites in Europe. In other words, the dangers faced are clearly not just external threats.

[TheAnimus]

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/1..._maximum_wage/

BRITAIN should have a national maximum wage to cap the grossly-inflated pay of top company executives, Jeremy Corbyn has suggested

I think there is a 'grip on reality test' that can be applied here, the room is spinning slightly for me right now as the pain meds really kick in, I'll know when Corbyn starts making sense that it's enough tramadol for me.

[peterb]

I didn't comment as to when the original implementation for the Vanguard subs was decided; I pointed out that it's common knowledge that there is in fact typically only one sub active at a time.

Well it is common knowledge, it iPad been published in the various defence White Papers since the nuclear deterrent was moved to the submarine fleet, and was the rationale for the Resoltion and Vanguard classes, and also for the Vanguard successor. And a minimum of one platform on patrol was and is considered sufficient by successive Governments. At times there may may be two, but the essence of the deterrence is the uncertainty of location and the number. This true of the SSN fleet, the fact that there may be a submarine on patrol can be a deterrent in itself (as was demonstrated during the Falklands conflict.

The use of the "fifth watch" system also improves platform availability.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft are a part of Anti-submarine warfare, as are the SSN fleet, but the ASW requirement is balanced against the assessed SM threat to shipping, and land attack capability. That threat has decreased in recent years.

There are a number of options for replacing the MPRA capability, including leased aircraft or unmanned aircraft.

However, as this thread is about Jeremy Corbyn's suitability as Prime Minister, of which his suitability as guardian of the nuclear deterrent is only a small (but important) part, rather than UK defence policy, this diversion has taken the thread far enough off topic.

[MutilatorUK]

I don't think Corbyn is that bad think the papers have made him into something more. I've heard him speak and while I don't agree with everything he says I can't blame people for following him. All three of the other candidates have put me to sleep and make Ed Miliband look like Winston Churchill so I really cant say Corbyn would be worst. Least he seems focused on normal people not his rich buddies at the golf club.

[yamangman]

We'll all be glad Britain contributed when armageddon comes calling.

[The Hand]

What's worse than Trump or Corbyn? President Kanye West:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34106298

[jas88]

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/1..._maximum_wage/



I think there is a 'grip on reality test' that can be applied here, the room is spinning slightly for me right now as the pain meds really kick in, I'll know when Corbyn starts making sense that it's enough tramadol for me.

Interesting dosage technique there! I just have the 400mg a day, it's the Gabapentin on top that has all the weird effects ... Long term use? (I'm hoping to be off them later in the year with a little spinal work, depending what the MRI says next week)

[The Hand]

Jeremy Corbyn wins the Labour leadership battle with 59.5% of the vote:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34223157

[ltron]

We know Trump is bad whereas Corbyn is an unknown quantity to an extent and could surprise us. Provisionally, I say Trump is worse.