Mailwatch(ed) Forum

Indeed. Nothing more than a minor administrative error, and not Reeves's. I dare say the wider issue is that people like Rachel Reeves, and Starmer and others, should be better aware that the (almost overwhelmingly) right-wing news media in this country are viciously hostile to Labour, and are working almost constantly to dig any dirt they can, whoever small, that might help to secure a high-profile Labour scalp. Labour ministers, whether we like it or not, are being held to a much higher standard than the Tories were, and they need to be mindful of that.

The BBC have done a big investigation into asylum seekers working illegally. That'll fan the fires nicely. As usual, they've done Farage and Yaxley proud. BBC news is just GB news but without the gobshite rhetoric. They are subtle which makes it more insidious. Every BBC bulletin and news programme is an ammo factory for the flagshaggers.

AOB wrote: ↑Wed Nov 05, 2025 7:29 am The BBC have done a big investigation into asylum seekers working illegally. That'll fan the fires nicely. As usual, they've done Farage and Yaxley proud. BBC news is just GB news but without the gobshite rhetoric. They are subtle which makes it more insidious. Every BBC bulletin and news programme is an ammo factory for the flagshaggers.

It's an entirely legitimate investigation. What good would brushing it under the carpet do? It's been happening in plain sight for several years now.

The flag shaggers don't like the idea that deregulated labour markets and a lack of inspection is a big pull factor for illegal immigration (like the US is over Canada). Suggesting you'd be happy to carry a compulsory ID to tackle illegal immigration makes their heads explode as well.

Indeed: whilst trying not to sound like the Mail, why does the tiny market town I live in suddenly need three "Turkish" barbers, one of which is contained within a hand car wash? Much to the chagrin of established hairdressers they've popped up pretty much adjacent to established businesses too. One has already been investigated...

The rise of hand car wash places is an interesting case study for business students. This has been a mechanised sector for over half a century and along come humans to offer a slightly pricier value add service carrying out a much better job than car wash machines.
A few remain as a bunch of blokes with a hose and cloth but you can see rapid professionalsation of these outfits.

As for deserted barbers, the police follow the money upwards so its not in their interest to shut down replaceable minnows that supply the leads. They close down when Mr Big is nicked.
Don't Reform voters watch cop shows?
Still baffled as to why these barber shops are worthwhile as a money laundering operation. Aren't bank managers potentially breaking the law for not flagging up large cash deposits?
How much is too large for a one man barber every week? I don't think turning a blind eye to £9,999 in cash deposited every Thursday because its technically not illegal, will wash anymore (unintended pun but a good one).

Killer Whale wrote: ↑Wed Nov 05, 2025 8:25 am
It's an entirely legitimate investigation. What good would brushing it under the carpet do? It's been happening in plain sight for several years now.

Yep. I don't get this. It all adds to the sense of things being out of control, and lots of people (who may not be particularly unpleasant individuals) may gravitate towards a strongman who says they'll sort stuff like this out. Another example of this is the candy shops that sprung up in Oxford Street around the time of the lockdowns. Everybody knew lots of these were likely to be crooked, counterfeit goods, massive overcharging, and non-payment of business rates, just for starters. The Council have made a proper effort to take them on and their numbers are much reduced.

My original point which I should've articulated was that they don't balance it out with similarly high profile "look at what decent migrants which hugely outnumber illegals and/or criminals have contributed to their communities and the country have done." A two minute segment about helping to clear up after last year's riots doesn't really cut it.

That's an entirely fair point.

Youngian wrote: ↑Wed Nov 05, 2025 9:07 am The rise of hand car wash places is an interesting case study for business students. This has been a mechanised sector for over half a century and along come humans to offer a slightly pricier value add service carrying out a much better job than car wash machines.
A few remain as a bunch of blokes with a hose and cloth but you can see rapid professionalsation of these outfits.

As for deserted barbers, the police follow the money upwards so its not in their interest to shut down replaceable minnows that supply the leads. They close down when Mr Big is nicked.
Don't Reform voters watch cop shows?
Still baffled as to why these barber shops are worthwhile as a money laundering operation. Aren't bank managers potentially breaking the law for not flagging up large cash deposits?
How much is too large for a one man barber every week? I don't think turning a blind eye to £9,999 in cash deposited every Thursday because its technically not illegal, will wash anymore (unintended pun but a good one).

With car washes, that's a great example of added value coming from unexpected places.

Imagine you're using an automated wash at a filling station. You have to park your car (hoping you're not blocking anyone), go into the store, buy a ticket, move your car round to the wash (maybe having to loop round back onto the road to do so), hope your ticket scans, and then sit through the wash unable to stop it if it rips off your wipers or wing mirrors. Any problem is hard to rectify, and may be expensive to fix. And it's pretty impersonal.

On the other hand, a fiver for 15 or 20 minutes of personal attention at the hand car wash. You do the sums - three or four basic washes an hour, even with the kickback to the boss, it's still beating minimum wage. You're sitting in your car as people pore over it and you can see they're doing a good job, trying to impress you. There might be a fit guy/girl in very short shorts if you're lucky. Your car (which is an extension of you) isn't just getting a wash - it's getting pampered.

You're paying for the experience, the feeling of being waited on, of being the most important person there.

Onto barber shops. Many are cash only, with a pretty opaque pricing structure. Lack of English as a first language and basic barbershop etiquette mean that you can easily upsell a basic haircut to a haircut and wash, or a shave, or whatever else. Couple of quid each time, it adds up. Selling of "product" as well - when did you last see price tags on those things? And again, because you're getting a generally good and competent service, you don't mind a small bit of pisstaking. Besides, a round £15.00 is easier to pay - no need to sort the change.

In both cases, the experience is the draw, rather than the purchase.

Inform. Educate. Entertain.

I'm the only person in the country who hasn't seen Traitors but comforting to see TV can still be a national communal experience.

Youngian wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 12:59 pm I'm the only person in the country who hasn't seen Traitors

I thought it was just me.

Ever played wink murder? It's that.

Samanfur wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 1:45 pm

Youngian wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 12:59 pm I'm the only person in the country who hasn't seen Traitors

I thought it was just me.

Nope, me too.

Not watched any non-sport on TV for about a decade.

Samanfur wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 1:45 pm

Youngian wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 12:59 pm I'm the only person in the country who hasn't seen Traitors

I thought it was just me.

Well, I thought it was just me, too. But I have been watching the celebrity version nonsense, from a bizarre fascination because I wanted to see what Fry would do, and I’ve found it fairly entertaining. They all take it so bloody seriously, though. And they’re all so bloody nice.

I've not seen Traitors either (we watch very little TV) but yes, I'm pleased there's something unifying on TV.

Samanfur wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 1:45 pm

Youngian wrote: ↑Thu Nov 06, 2025 12:59 pm I'm the only person in the country who hasn't seen Traitors

I thought it was just me.

I also - despite BBC news' continued efforts to "ram it down my throat".

We must be a silent majority.