Member Info for Winstanley

If there's any truth in this, someone has had a word in Trump's ear!

https://www.forexlive.com/news/bessent-told-people-he-sees-de-escalation-with-china-at-jpmorgan-private-event-20250422/

They haven't always been bedfellows, in the past China has been very wary of Russia. China want Taiwan and probably expect Russian support, another'quid pro quo' is apparent. China have their own political and economic systems, and while their governments may not align with Western democratic ideals, they prioritise stability and cooperation over conflict. Trump, in my view can't be Trusted any better. The fact is China exists, and is more approachable and stable than Trump. We can't change China but we can work alongside it - albeit at arms length. If they want any deal enough they'll distance from Russia.

Will the UK be as brave👇

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/22/eu-wont-decouple-from-china-as-condition-for-reaching-trade-deal-with-trump

In this era of 'quid pro quo' China say they're ready to work with Britain!

I would ask what can they do to curb Putin.

And if there's any possibilities - Trump can go whistle, he's done enough damage.

(Just my opinion, no offence intended if it's no yours).

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/china-urges-uk-and-eu-to-uphold-multilateral-trade-in-face-of-u-s-tariffs/ar-AA1DojKP?cvid=a4ee65b414cd44e6dbe1d6dfd0af7393&ei=7

For anyone wanting the link here it is:

https://youtu.be/U4Nab0487YE?feature=shared

It's worrying that lunatics are running the asylum.

I'm not sure which is the most unconvincing 'we'll all know by September' - or 'I will end the war on day one' ?

Thanks for posting, nomlungu.

Appreciated, and respected - thanks.

Yes, I agree s/w

If world class pharmaceuticals are in demand, by the same measure, and if Trump's bullying can be sidestepped, theoretically there is strategic logic in using Abu Dhabi as a distribution hub for pharmaceuticals heading to China (future projection). Even though it might not be the most obvious route. Abu Dhabi’s geographic location is a key advantage, with Khalifa Port providing direct access to major maritime routes, including those leading to China. This proximity makes the UAE a natural logistical hub for goods destined for the Chinese market.

For UK pharmaceutical companies, distributing through Abu Dhabi it offers several benefits. It provides access to modern infrastructure, cost advantages, and a stable, favorable regulatory environment. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s location brings them closer to China’s vast market. However, UK firms will need to navigate China’s complex regulatory and competitive landscape carefully.

Despite China having a strong domestic pharmaceutical industry, there is a growing demand for international brands, particularly for innovative drugs used in treating complex diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. This creates a promising opportunity for UK companies looking to tap into China’s expanding pharmaceutical market. This is obviously only theoretical, but the UK has a good set of cards to play any games.

Https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-tariff-worries-spur-record-065614853.html

Starmer's idea of being a trading bridge for the U.S. is merely a superficial metaphor. In reality, bridges are walked over.

'GSK CEO Emma Walmsley said the UK-based company has been keen to maximise opportunity in the US, which “has been the priority for investment”. But she also pointed out that despite not manufacturing in China, there remained future “opportunity in the market” for expansion there.'

Will subservience to the U.S. be worth anything?

IMO, Trump will try to put a kibosh on any such notion.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/pharmaceuticals-are-the-next-trump-tariff-battleground-what-will-they-mean-for-the-nhs/ar-AA1D5N5w

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-04-11/trump-tariff-turmoil-won-t-faze-gsk-ceo-emma-walmsley

Questions on a postcard please, to 10 Downing Street.

'The Brussels insider said they believed the US is using the prospect of a UK trade deal to drive a wedge and “play a political game to damage the EU-UK reset.'

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/forget-soft-brexit-if-you-strike-trade-deal-with-trump-eu-insiders-warn-starmer/ar-AA1CYGJQ

I still think Trump's mob wants the cake and to eat it. Trump hates the EU, because he can't control it, and of course China. The UK is vulnerable to manipulation and he knows it. Regardless of anyone's position on the existing two mentioned trading units, to bend over backwards for the U.S. will in my opinion be a mistake.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2708dl9n1o

Yes, that's quite an odd ego. It seems that at Mar-a-Lago party club nights, he has the music cranked up when he enters, and his favorite song is Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares to You."

You couldn't make it up.

Away from the nonsense 'what do Rachel Reeves, Liz Truss and Donald Trump have in common? They’ve all felt the powerful bite of the bond market when it kicked back against their economic policy.'

Interesting listening:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002b6lk?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Jerome is safe - not just because he's in America and not China, but because he's in the limelight and important. Give it a few years, if this extreme right wing leaning ideology persists it could be different.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend - you wouldn't want to be Stormy Daniels would you!!

Well that says it all, eh?

The U.S is being run by nutcases and is imploding on its own misinformation. Little wonder there's an exodus of scientists.

For clarity, when referring to 'the brightest are being turned away' I'm talking about the U.S. 'brain drain' - and definitely not illegal immigrants. That's a totally different subject, which I have views on, but it would take far too long to discuss here.

Https://thedebrief.org/brain-drain-how-trumps-second-term-is-reshaping-the-future-of-u-s-science/

Yes, s/w, it is ironic.

After starting work in the coal mines of South Wales at the age of 16, my father was drafted into the army with the Royal Engineers towards the end of World War II. He served as a sapper and was posted to Cruxhaven, near Hamburg, Germany (ironically, my daughter now lives in Hamburg). The Capture of Hamburg was one of the final battles of the war. During this time, German V-2 rocket scientists were being held in Hamburg. Many of them were captured between 1944 and 1946, and relocated to Allied countries, primarily the U.S., marking the start of the Cold War era. A significant number of these scientists were brought to the U.S. under Operation Paperclip, with Russia running a similar program. Despite being subjected far right political manipulation, these German minds were among the best in the world. Now, under Trump’s protectionist policies and distorted view of history, the brightest are being turned away.

It seems he believes John Wayne won the war and that Americans invented everything!

Well, that's somewhat a different subject. The fact is 'U.S.-based scientists are looking for a Plan B.'

This could be good for the U.K.

https://fortune.com/europe/2025/04/16/trump-brain-drain-talent-us-applicants-uk-jobs/

You could well be right about a recession, s/w.

While the main focus of the article is on improving global health and vaccine distribution, the underlying message (subtex) also highlights GSK’s strategic positioning, growth, and potential future manufacturing opportunities, taking advantage of both public health issues and emerging market prospects.

In my opinion, Trump's lack of international diplomacy is proving detrimental. The risk of a U.S. brain drain has been warned about by many, including Mike Galsworthy, co-founder of Scientists for EU. Britain could potentially benefit from this, but it appears that French President Emmanuel Macron is leading the way, while Starmer remains behind.

Two interesting links here:

https://www.france24.com/en/france/20250419-choose-europe-macron-invites-scientists-to-work-in-france-amid-us-funding-cuts

........

https://youtu.be/CyoW6kFCSWk?feature=shared

Will Trump cut of the nose of America to spite it's face?

Ultimately, the opening of this center could spark debate on the role of the U.S. in global affairs. Those in favor of MAGA could downplay the significance, focusing on American innovation and global partnerships, while detractors might use it to argue that the MAGA vision is too insular and misses the reality of an interconnected world. How the story resonates depends largely on how MAGA supporters interpret global economic and political dynamics in relation to America’s place in the world.

https://www.stattimes.com/pharma/gsk-opens-vaccine-distribution-centre-in-abu-dhabi-1355035