Simon Estick

An announcements in the Strategic Defence Review that is worth emphasising; We have committed to a 30% increase in cadet numbers. We should not underestimate the benefits of the Cadet Force. It’s fantastic for social mobility providing opportunity to hundreds of young people. It provides a sense of belonging, boundaries, discipline, ambition but most of all fun and comradeship. The Cadet Force connects parts of society to Defence that otherwise have little contact with the military. Those that take part in the cadets are less likely to see a doctor, suffer from mental health and if just 1% of cadets change their life outcomes due to membership it pays for the whole programme. It would also be remiss of me not to mention the adult volunteers who underpin the Cadet Force…without their dedication and commitment we couldn’t do any of this. One of the reasons I went into politics was to increase opportunity and enhance social mobility….the Cadet Force does just that!

@cat_mceuan @Paulpatty @MartinSLewis In which case, and by that rationale, the published upper limit for higher rate (and additions rate) is incorrect, since figures quoted reflect the absolute values, not those after deduction of the PAYE threshold.

@Paulpatty @MartinSLewis The issue is people don’t read. That’s stands out to say it’s above the personal tax threshold.

I keep getting people ask me "why has no one publicised that they've sneakily reduced the higher 40% income tax rate to £37701!?" They haven't. In general you don't pay tax at 40% until your earnings are over £50,271 (and then only on the amount above that). People are getting confused because of how it is displayed. Most get a personal (tax-free) allowance of £12,570 Then you can earn £37,701 at the basic rate. Which means you start paying the higher rate at £12,570 + £37,701 = £50,271 as it has been for the last few years.

@MilitaryBanter Long term listener, first time caller here. None of us are superhuman. Here to be reached out to as and when. 👍

This isn’t from my inbox. It’s me Alfie I’ve tried to keep fyb out of my personal life, but currently at the point of having to step back. My mother in law passed away after fighting ovarian cancer for 3 years. she has been like a mum to me since getting out and seeing my wife so broken and not being able to help is killing me. I promise to continue some element of output on here, but the beltfed depressing of my inbox is more than I can cope with. I’m sorry, I didn’t expect the pain to be this unbearable.

@MidOfficer 1. Wear an eye-patch. Or monocle. Preferably both. 2. Carry a hatchet. 3. Inject some Latin into every briefing. 4. Establish a piggery. 5. Keep a terrapin, and charge your Duty Personnel with its daily welfare. 6. Insist on Mess competitive billiards. 7. Create a Jnr Ranks Choir

Realizing I'm taking unit command in a few weeks & panicking a bit that I haven't thought of any quirky affectations. Workshoping these: -Shovel maintenance Friday; -Bicep curls in the middle of orders; -Refusing to sign anything without a quill fountain pen. Any better ideas?

@SWWHelp Bo worries. All clear now! 👍

@SimonEstick No problem, I do agree that doesn't read well! I will pass this on! - Charlotte

Hi @SWWHelp . Received your letter below this morning. I am confused. Is this telling me that works are: -taking place outside No. 3?, or -taking place in 3 bays outside my house (not No.3)?, or -taking place across 3-7 days?, or -something else?

@SWWHelp Thanks Charlotte. I thought it would be but the letter wasn't hugely clear.

@SimonEstick Hi Simon, Apoligies for the confusion, I've had a look at the job and it looks to be outside Number 3. - Charlotte

@chinnychick Totally agree. My own service was characterised by a belief that I was combatting extremism of all brands. This is extremism. For this brand to hijack my service in its name reviles me.

If you support this in ANY way then please feel free to unfollow me IMMEDIATELY. This is NOT what Great Britain is about. You are embarrassing our country and those of us who ACTUALLY served. We know what a real fight is and know true honour and courage. This is nothing but pure and utter ignorance and the lowest standard of respect. And the worst bit? Ur using OUR name in vain to try and excuse it all! U have let this country down, even more than any government or Anti War March today.

@MajAStringerACF @DerbyshireACF Great news Adam! Delighted for you and have no doubt you'll smash it.

@StateOfLinkedIn Missed the opportunity to go with Noncehole. (Nearly)

🫠

@kappausd @thinkdefence It’s neither. It’s His Britannic Majesty’s. 😉

@thinkdefence Probably the same time people started referring to the U.K Government and not the British Government. I personally hate it.

When did the British Army start being referred to as the UK Army?

@GWRHelp 👍

@SimonEstick Thank you Simon! - Bradley

Dear @GWRHelp, just wanted to let you know about the brilliant Kevin, your train mgr, on the delayed PAD to PLY service. He couldn't be more helpful. Grateful if you could let him know, before we reach PLY, that he's doing a cracking job under difficult circumstances?

@GWRHelp It should have departed at 1836, but didn't finalky depart until just after 1900. It is currently leaving Westbury (westbound) as i send this. Hope that helps.

@SimonEstick Hello Simon, I am so pleased to hear my colleague has provided such excellent service! Please could you confirm what time you departed Paddington so I can locate the train and get this passed on? :) - Bradley

@sitiain66 @brianmoore666 Always thought this. Reduce voting age to 16 but… 16-25 = 0.5 of a vote And… From State Pension Age (whatever age applies to the indiv) = 0.5 of a vote.

@brianmoore666 maybe the same age restrictions on younger people voting should be applied to the old. How long left Brian? The headwinds in this country seem to be gaining strength. Tin hats. Hopefully, our leading industrialists like the water companies will show us the way

Dear God.

@TomSharpe134 The best leaders don’t need to bully to get things done. It matters not the veracity or severity of the claims against him, he’s a poor leader. Even if the claims are entirely specious, he clearly hasn’t delivered on his part of the relationship - earning the respect of his team.

look like they might. And anyway, it shouldn’t all be about results. Life is too short. Being a decent person should count as well. How about striving for that AND results?

Bullying leaders, over time, deliver poorer results than non-bullying leaders. History has provided occasional outliers, but does anyone disagree with the basic premise? Some who fall into the ‘they were just driving hard for results/everyone has gone soft’ camp...

@JonathanPieNews Good leaders don’t need to bully to get things done. It matters not the veracity or severity of the claims against him, he’s a poor leader. Even if the claims are entirely specious, he clearly hasn’t delivered on his part of the relationship - earning the respect of his team.

“I’m resigning but i done nothing wrong.”

@RobbieRinder It’ll help ease something.

Eating turnips could help ease vegetable shortage, suggests Therese Coffey - BBC News. Just to be clear. This is real. bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…

@MickGreenhough My experience, as a worker & then leader across various sectors: If workers can’t or won’t work, it’s usually because leaders can’t or won’t lead. Almost always, it is a failure of leadership. Look there first.

Is shouting at the staff who cannot or will not do their jobs bullying?

@AkamKevin National Emborisment