fatima04:
In addition to all the NHS discuss, they need to focus the energy used for Brexit to develop a system that works. I have heard Sajid taunt the Australia hybrid system which looks to be working for now, so everyone can access at least a level of care.

The current system is not sustainable and needs to be overhauled now rather than later.
In addition, an area the government need to work on is regulating the food sector because of obesity and increased cancer diagnosis in recent years which in turn increases the demand for sophisticated medicine and intervention.

In the 1970s, 1 in 25 people will have breast cancer in the UK and the most recent figure is 1 in 7 people. In Japan the figure, is 1 in 35 or thereabout, the things they are doing different is cutting processed foods, kids working to school with an employed chaperone from 5yrs.

I read some employers even go as far as scanning your body once you tap in, and the system will let you know the amount of fat and muscle mass you have. Also make it your KPI for the year if you need to loose weight (its radical but maybe thats what we need )


We simply cannot continue to live like this and then the yeye capitalist system will create expensive drugs like ozempic, wegovy etc that is essentially a temporary solution (with serious side effects ) to the problem of obesity created.

Sadly, I don't see Keir or Labour being the messiah to do that. He isn't that strong willed.

In as much as I don't like Rishi, I still like a lot of his hard stance in the Education sector and all. He just needs to level down and relate better with people

I agree with overhauling the food system. It is getting out of hand.

Just stop and take a look for 5 minutes around you on a busy street, the number of sagging abdomen is astronomical. Even teens!
Govt is actually trying here, like 3 yrs ago, I was sent an email that one of my kids was fat and going towards being obese. That was shocking to me as I thought the kid was okay and at the same time a wake up call. School invited me several times for programmes on how to eat healthy, exercises, what have you etc and how we can sustain it. School do that every year for school children, as an adult, your Dr will only advice and show you what may happen if....... but then again, its your choice.

In uk, they don't cook anymore, so what do you expect. Fast food selling like pure water in Nigeria.

Sweet drinks like cola is extremely cheap, some use them as water.




They should

Santa2:
Passed my driving Test today 1st attempt. ….
I did 24 sessions in total , across three tutors till I found the one that was good, one naija driving tutor was the absolute worst. He just kept shouting on top my head and derailing my confidence. When I crunched the numbers , I spent £1040 in total for sessions and using tutors car for the test.

Congratulations. Any minors?

missjekyll:
The US was founded on squarely secular foundations. Infact they were so against religion that it was written into their constitution.

You already know what I think of Trump. Hopefully, the campaign funds trial puts him away for a while

The same US that has "in God we trust" firmly emblazoned in their motto?

The same US where evangelical Christians were a large part of Trump's victory, not because they support his personality, but because his conservative policies on abortion and same sex are more in line with their Christian values than the Democrats?

The same US where politicians are not afraid to pray publicly or where " our thoughts and prayers" are a normal part of their response to any tragedy (as opposed to the UK govt who will never mention prayers or God - even T May didn't, even though she is a practising Christian and the daughter of a vicar)

The same US that rolled back abortion rights (Roe v Wade) on moral grounds - in many states it is now illegal to have an unapproved abortion beyond 6 weeks. In the UK it is legal up to 24 weeks!!!

The US is far more religious and moral (at least outwardly) than the UK and other European states. The Queen did a fantastic job as the "defender of the faith", but Charles and his descendants are not as religious as she was.

missjekyll:
What is far left ideology? Labour used to be democratic socialism till it moved to the centre where it now sits. It's never been far left.

DEI is creating a society where every single person can fully be themselves within the bounds of the law because it takes all sorts to make a society. Surely there is nothing wrong with that?

Erm, Corbyn? Remember him? He was as far left as they come, reason why Labour performed badly under his leadership.

The US was founded on squarely secular foundations. Infact they were so against a state religion that it was written into their constitution.

You already know what I think of Trump. Hopefully, the campaign funds trial puts him away for a while

Zahra29:


💯

Republican policies are typically more rational and more aligned with the US's conservative/moral background, but they get a bad rap for not having a compassionate front (and leaders like Trump don't help the brand much) but I daresay behind the personality (and I'm not a fan of his), perhaps his policies are better for America's interests in the long run.

BeckyB1:
Greetings All.
Please, I need clarification, and want to learn...

I am on a COS visa, and my sponsor have not given a shift since I arrived, but I have been doing my supplementary 20 hours with an agency and my tax code is 1257L.

Someone told me a few days ago that the tax code the agency is using for me is wrong as they are not my main employers.

I want to know the implications of this please.

Did you fill in a starter form ( previously called P46) when you started your second job? On this form you should have ticked that this is not your main job, so HMRC is informed that it is a supplementary job.

From a tax perspective, I don't think it's a huge issue because HMRC will make any necessary adjustments if you've been overpaying or underpaying tax.

From an immigration perspective, the implications are that your sponsor's license is at risk of being revoked if they are not able to provide the required shifts. Also the time you've spent won't qualify towards ILR as you are not working the stipulated number of hours under the conditions of your visa. So try and find another sponsor asap if you aren't already looking.

Lexusgs430:


Congratulations...... You be Medway pickin.......🎉🤣

Thank you..didn't know that this is your neck of woods, you suppose don show me the way since. I have grown to love the area, sadly would be leaving the area just wen we are beginning to take roots and build community. Oh well, its all good.

Viruses:
Opinions needed

Which is a better approach to financial freedom

1) Paying excess mortgage with 'spare' money to reduce the mortgage tenure
2) Save the 'spare' money instead and buy a BTL property

Also are there any other ideas to use 'spare' money for in the housing sector apart from the two mentioned above?

You could look in JVs (joint ventures) but choose your partner with absolute care and do the utmost due diligence including financial, moral and ethics cos the property world is full of scammers.

dupyshoo:
Congrats!!!

Merci Beaucoup

Santa2:


Merci Beaucoup

Congrats! Go and sin no more!

Jamesclooney:


Congratulations. Any minors?

Thank you, got four Minors,

1 minor - It was foggy when the test started (Test was at 7:15am) and I didnt quickly turn off the fog light after the fog cleared up, I ought to have turn on the demister/AC as car was getting foggy


2nd Minor (undue hesitation)- I was being too careful at the round about and missed several chances to go through.

3rd/4th Mino (Reverse Parking)- During reverse parking I broke the process and went forward to readjust my position. (he said I had already gotten it initially and didnt need to) Also my observation was all over the place.

Zahra29:


Did you fill in a starter form ( previously called P46) when you started your second job? On this form you should have ticked that this is not your main job, so HMRC is informed that it is a supplementary job.

From a tax perspective, I don't think it's a huge issue because HMRC will make any necessary adjustments if you've been overpaying or underpaying tax.

From an immigration perspective, the implications are that your sponsor's license is at risk of being revoked if they are not able to provide the required shifts. Also the time you've spent won't qualify towards ILR as you are not working the stipulated number of hours under the conditions of your visa. So try and find another sponsor asap if you aren't already looking.

@Zahra29, thank you very very much for your reply. I was actually hoping that you will reply me and you did 🙌🏽🙌🏽.

I have been applying to get another sponsorship for 8 months now but no luck yet 😭😭.

I have been working as a support worker for autistic and learning disabilities people for about 8 months now.

Santa2:


Thank you..didn't know that this is your neck of woods, you suppose don show me the way since. I have grown to love the area, sadly would be leaving the area just wen we are beginning to take roots and build community. Oh well, its all good.

Nah medway dey collect my council tax o....... Nah isle of grain I dey....... 😁

dupyshoo:
As I earlier said, my below points are peculiar to us. It will be different for another family, say a doctor or nurse, for example.

For both,
1. it will take time for me to achieve the same earning power. In fact, getting a job in my field might take time as well. Therefore, our household income will be smaller. Bear it in mind that tax are not different from the UK. I spoke to reasonable amount of people in Australia to reach this conclusion. I already know much about Canada.
2. We can't buy a house immediately, so we will need to rent. Renting is expensive and difficult to get.
3. Things are mostly more expensive.
4. We are both working from home in the UK but my spouse would have to be going to the office. It might mean the same for me too when I eventually get a job. So, it will mean childcare cost, transportation cost etc.
5. They are only willing to sponsor work permit not PR. We don't want to be tied to an employer after what we went through on Tier 2 visa here in the UK.
6. I looked at school for kids and realised education is not necessarily better. We might want to bring the kids back to the UK for Uni, so what's the point?
7. Moving to a new country is hardwork. Kids will miss their friends and might take time for them to adjust.
8. Not keen on the extreme cold weather in Canada and extreme hot weather in Australia. Except for rain, I prefer UK weather.

So, what are we going to gain?
1. 3rd citizenship, maybe. Not sure, if it is worth the stress.
2. Bigger house? Maybe. That's the main motivation but we just got a bigger house here, so not keen anymore.
3. Better healthcare? Maybe in Australia but not in Canada. Waiting time in Canada is similar to the UK. I have 3 siblings in Canada. In fact, most of my extended family live there, so I know a lot about Canada already.
4. Cheaper energy bill and fuel. Yes, this is where Canada beats UK. Other things are mostly more expensive.
5. My spouse will earn more in Australia but if he goes contracting in the UK, he can earn similar amount.

So, what do you think, Is it worth moving?

Thank you for this educative response. You said a lot with so few words. Concise.

Ticha:


You could look in JVs (joint ventures) but choose your partner with absolute care and do the utmost due diligence including financial, moral and ethics cos the property world is full of scammers.

Thank you for this suggestion. The risks you highlighted are my worries also.

Any opinions on the other two ideas (overpay current mortgage or save for BTL instead)?

BeckyB1:
Greetings All.
Please, I need clarification, and want to learn...

I am on a COS visa, and my sponsor have not given a shift since I arrived, but I have been doing my supplementary 20 hours with an agency and my tax code is 1257L.

Someone told me a few days ago that the tax code the agency is using for me is wrong as they are not my main employers.

I want to know the implications of this please.

COS Visa?
This is a new one, to me.

missjekyll:
What is far left ideology? Labour used to be democratic socialism till it moved to the centre where it now sits. It's never been far left.

DEI is creating a society where every single person can fully be themselves within the bounds of the law because it takes all sorts to make a society. Surely there is nothing wrong with that?

A Labour Party that kicked out the first Black MP in the UK history (Dianne Abbott) for what (in my opinion) was a perfectly genuine statement.

A Labour Party that not only opened wide its arms, but has been flaunting & brandishing Natalie Elphicke.

I have said it before, I will say it again. This UK Labour Party is EXACTLY what the APC was in Nigeria’s 2014 election. So much noise. No substance. They are willing to bring in every sort of strange bedfellows, for the sake of winning elections.

Who remembers Adams Oshiomhole saying… ‘no matter how grievous your sins are, once you come to the APC, your sins are forgiven..’

It’s 2024 now. Nigerians are seeing in 4D what the APC is. When (if) Labour takes power in the UK, it will take less than 2 years for folks to realise that indeed, they have/had no solid plans.

directonpc:


If someone cones to the UK via the student visa, abandon their studies and switch, you can call that using it for immigration. But if one comes to the UK, completes their studies, does post-study visa, hopes to get a skilled worker visa and eventually gets it, how's that abuse? Even the UKVI doesn't think that's abuse.

Education is mostly an investment. And people want return on their investment. It's OK if the expectation people have for coming to study in Europe is to use their new degree to work and live there legally. Even the universities here understand that most of their customers want that return on their investment, hence why the recent report mentions that the government should reassure students that they're not taking the PSW away. They're already dealing with decline in applications due to those that cannot stay apart from their dependants for 3 years not coming.

I don't know what the solution to the immigration crisis in the UK is, but not everything about the dependant visa is abuse. Even these Nigerians (ourselves) we paint bad, plenty single Nigerians are here without any fake or real dependants.

On a lighter note, those unmarried singles are really finding it hard to get a life partner. Especially the ladies.

ehizario2012:


On a lighter note, those unmarried singles are really finding it hard to get a life partner. Especially the ladies.

I am on the table 😁😁😂

Santa2:
Passed my driving Test today 1st attempt. I am so ecstatic, having to unlearn all my naija driving bad habits and picking up the disciplined defensive driving in the Uk has been mind wrecking.. Thank God am through that stage now. Tips and recommendations from this thread were very help. All people that pasted youtube reommendations..Daalu.

Having said that I would like to sound a note of warning to people like me that have coconut head like me, wey no dey hear word. Despite all the warnings from Lexusgs430 and other elders in house about not driving unsupervised with provisional license. I went and bought a car earlier this year and entered road. First day I took the car out, I got stopped by the police and got 3 points on my provisional (talk about bad luck), I was lucky the car was not impounded, they police guy just pity me small. What gave me mind was seeing lots of people driving on provisional without issue. E reach my turn, dem catch me. Please if you are driving on provisional, book that driving test today abeg. Do not be like me, Do not have coconut head.

I did 24 sessions in total , across three tutors till I found the one that was good, one naija driving tutor was the absolute worst. He just kept shouting on top my head and derailing my confidence. When I crunched the numbers , I spent £1040 in total for sessions and using tutors car for the test.

Congratulations. Was there any sanction for driving alone on a provisional licence?

BeckyB1:
Greetings All.
Please, I need clarification, and want to learn...

I am on a COS visa, and my sponsor have not given a shift since I arrived, but I have been doing my supplementary 20 hours with an agency and my tax code is 1257L.

Someone told me a few days ago that the tax code the agency is using for me is wrong as they are not my main employers.

I want to know the implications of this please.

HMRC will sort out your tax code when needed. The only issue might be that you may be over taxed initially but you will be given tax credit to even it out or given a tax refund at the end of the year.

Viruses:


Thank you for this suggestion. The risks you highlighted are my worries also.

Any opinions on the other two ideas (overpay current mortgage or save for BTL instead)?

You should always over pay on your home mortgage anyway even if it is £50 a month. Just ensure you don't pay over the allowable over payment.

BTL - that's where the JV suggestion comes in. To raise a deposit and needed funds for an £80k purchase, you'd be looking at a minimum of £30k of your own funds to get off the ground so a JV then means you start off with half and build on to grow your portfolio faster.
You'll also need to start in a company structure unless you know you won't ever earn upto £50k pa. All rents received is classed as income so will bump up your income tax and put you in a higher tax band which means you'll end up paying tax on money you haven't earned.

BeckyB1:


I am on the table 😁😁😂

Second wife slot dey on ground ooo 😆 😉

Ticha:


You should always over pay on your home mortgage anyway even if it is £50 a month. Just ensure you don't pay over the allowable over payment.

BTL - that's where the JV suggestion comes in. To raise a deposit and needed funds for an £80k purchase, you'd be looking at a minimum of £30k of your own funds to get off the ground so a JV then means you start off with half and build on to grow your portfolio faster.
You'll also need to start in a company structure unless you know you won't ever earn upto £50k pa. All rents received is classed as income so will bump up your income tax and put you in a higher tax band which means you'll end up paying tax on money you haven't earned.

Thank you for this enlightenment

BeckyB1:
Greetings All.
Please, I need clarification, and want to learn...

I am on a COS visa, and my sponsor have not given a shift since I arrived, but I have been doing my supplementary 20 hours with an agency and my tax code is 1257L.

Someone told me a few days ago that the tax code the agency is using for me is wrong as they are not my main employers.

I want to know the implications of this please.

If you can, ask the supplementary employer to sponsor you. An employer that offers COS without shifts is risking home office cancellation of their license.

You probably should check well before providing information to HMRC that suggests your supplementary job is now your main job as that brings to question the validity of your visa sponsorship and you may not be sure how things go from there.

Hi All,

Please for visitor’s visa do I need to like write a letter or is it an email? Is it a must for me to include my mom’s bank statement since am sponsoring the visit?

lavida001:

The GDP of Uk is just a quarter of that of the states. I will pick the states over Uk but na just the gun violence dey discourage me.

I tell you. I can't be anxious everyday when kids are in school.

Thastie:
Hi All,

Please for visitor’s visa do I need to like write a letter or is it an email? Is it a must for me to include my mom’s bank statement since am sponsoring the visit?

always best to include it.. as in some refusal letters they mention they could not see applicant’s bank statement and could not access the applicant’s own life and circumstances in their own country and therefore denying the visa..

BeckyB1:


@Zahra29, thank you very very much for your reply. I was actually hoping that you will reply me and you did 🙌🏽🙌🏽.

I have been applying to get another sponsorship for 8 months now but no luck yet 😭😭.

I have been working as a support worker for autistic and learning disabilities people for about 8 months now.

You're welcome ☺️

8 months, wow, and all this time you haven't had a shift from your sponsor? Some agencies are really evil, how do they expect people to survive?!

Anyways, it's good that you're looking for another sponsor, hopefully you'll find something soon. Have you tried the NHS, especially trusts in more remote places?

Zahra29:


The same US that has "in God we trust" firmly emblazoned in their motto?

The only binding document is the US constitution which firmly separates church and state. You are free to profess any religion in the US but it's never been a Christian country or any religion for that matter. Claiming that it is,as evangelical Christians do ,is fallacious

The same US where evangelical Christians were a large part of Trump's victory, not because they support his personality, but because his conservative policies on abortion and same sex are more in line with their Christian values than the Democrats?
They do have a large population of evangelical "Christians ". I blame this on their never having made education a priority like the UK. Case in point,there were a few antivaxxers here but nothing compared to the US . Trump won in 2016 solely on the Electoral college which is skewed republican via gerrymandering. He lost the popular vote. Also Hilary ran a bad campaign

The same US where politicians are not afraid to pray publicly or where " our thoughts and prayers" are a normal part of their response to any tragedy (as opposed to the UK govt who will never mention prayers or God - even T May didn't, even though she is a practising Christian and the daughter of a vicar)

DEI defends your right to pray anywhere you like to whoever you like. Evangelicals want everyone to join their church. They say "thoughts and prayers " when toddlers are shot dead at nursery while blocking a ban on guns.prayers without action is not very useful now,is it

The same US that rolled back abortion rights (Roe v Wade) on moral grounds - in many states it is now illegal to have an unapproved abortion beyond 6 weeks. In the UK it is legal up to 24 weeks!!!

At 6 weeks many women do not even know they are pregnant so it's an abortion ban. There are many reasons why a woman might want an abortion. For half a century , women have been able to take this decision for themselves, Trump took that away and it ll cost him the next election.

The US is far more religious and moral (at least outwardly) than the UK and other European states. The Queen did a fantastic job as the "defender of the faith", but Charles and his descendants are not as religious as she was.

I ve learnt in life that being religious is not what makes you a good person. It's the empathy in you, the humanity,putting yourself into the other person's shoes.
Religion and Humanism do not always go together

missjekyll:


I ve learnt in life that being religious is not what makes you a good person. It's the empathy in you, the humanity,putting yourself into the other person's shoes.
Religion and Humanism do not always go together

You're conflating different arguments now. The point is that the US is religious (has religious/moral values) especially in some areas like the South. Whether that makes them a "good person" or not is another debate, although being religious and being good are not mutually exclusive.

Also your statement "They do have a large population of evangelical "Christians ". I blame this on their never having made education a priority like the UK.
would be seen as offensive by Bible believing Christians which is essentially what "evangelical" means in today's world.

You're advocating for DEI, ie respect for all differences, but here you are basically implying that being a Christian means that one's education is lacking. That's wrong.

Edit - there is at least one supreme court justice who is an evangelical Christian for example. I presume she's more learned and intelligent than the vast majority of the population.