English in Madrid

Image created by Chat GPT UK says Falkland Islands 'definitely ours' after Argentina banner The UK government has said "the World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are ," after Argentina players celebrated their victory over England by waving a banner in support of their country's territorial claim.Speaking after England's 2-1 semi-final defeat in Atlanta, Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer wished both Argentina and Spain "well for the final, especially Spain". Argentina face the prospect of disciplinary action from Fifa. The banner held by some of their players read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates as "The Falklands are Argentine". The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. They remain the subject of a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina, with the two countries waging a brief but bitter war over the territory in 1982....

Source: YouTube (The Telegraph) Key words: Starmer resignation speech Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life. A new Labour government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country's history turned after years of disappointment and despair . The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That's what I came into politics for. The journey to that point was not easy. Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told, time and time again , that my party was finished. That we were consigned to history , that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority , was impossible. But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party. Ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security. And becoming a party that, once again, stood proudly with , not against, our national flag. The hard work o...

Alcohol-free beer and pet grooming used to measure inflation A shift towards healthy living has been reflected in changes to the way inflation is calculated. Alcohol-free beer and houmous are among the items added to the virtual basket of goods and services used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to chart the rising cost of living. The ONS collects the costs of 760 products and services across different retailers to come up with the monthly inflation figures. The items are reviewed every year and selected on the basis that they are representative of things that consumers typically spend their money on . Motorhomes, dashboard cameras , and pet grooming have also been added in the latest review. "This year, healthier lifestyle choices influence consumer spending, reflected by goods such as houmous and non-alcoholic beer," said Stephen Burgess, the deputy director for prices at the ONS.                       ...

Remind yourselves of what happened to the Sycamore Gap tree and then read the latest : Foto de Andrew Masters en Unsplash Pair guilty of cutting down Sycamore Gap tree Two men have been found guilty of the " mindless destruction" of the world famous Sycamore Gap tree, the felling of which sparked international outrage . The tree had grown in a dip on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland for more than 100 years before it was cut down in a "moronic mission" in the early hours of 28 September 2023, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Daniel Michael Graham, 39, from Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 32, from Wigton in Cumbria, were each convicted of two counts of criminal damage . Prosecutors said the pair carried out the "mindless thuggery " as a "bit of a laugh " but, when they realised the public's fury, they were too cowardly to confess. Jurors took about five hours to reach their verdicts with both men remanded into custody for thei...

  Source: YouTube (SkyNewsAustrlia) Key words: Sunak resignation speech Good morning, I will shortly be seeing His Majesty the King to offer my resignation as Prime Minister. To the country, I would like to say, first and foremost , I am sorry. I have given this job my all.  But you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change… …and yours is the only judgement that matters.  I have heard your anger , your disappointment ; and I take responsibility for this loss .  To all the Conservative candidates and campaigners who worked tirelessly but without success … …I am sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved .  It pains me to think how many good colleagues… …who contributed so much to their communities and our country… …will now no longer sit in the House of Commons.  I thank them for their hard work, and their service.  Following this result, I will step down as party leader...

Two election issues that affect teenagers In the lead-up to the UK election, several significant proposals are being debated, including the idea of lowering the voting age to 16 and the reintroduction of national service. The proposal to lower the voting age has garmered attention from various political parties and activists.  Advocates argue that 16-year-olds are mature enough  to engage in the democratic process and should be granted the right to vote. They point out that 16-year-olds are legally allowed to  work, pay taxes, and join  the armed forces, indicating their level of responsibility and contribution to society.  Additionally ,  proponents of this idea believe that involving younger individuals in elections can foster a sense of civic duty from an earlier age, potentially leading to increased political engagement and representation of youth issues in government.  However, opponents of lowering the voting age express concern...

Anger over ironing board abandoned on Ben Nevis An ironing board abandoned at the top of Ben Nevis has angered hillwalkers in the Scottish Highlands. It was photographed last week resting against the ruined walls of the 19th century Ben Nevis observatory. It is not uncommon for household items to be carried to the top of the UK's highest mountain as part of fundraising efforts for charities. But the John Muir Trust, which shares responsibility for its management, said the rule is "leave nothing behind". In April, a former soldier made it to the top of the 1,345m (4,413 ft) peak with a fridge on his back. And in June, a mountain rescuer carried a 100kg (220lb) barbell to raise money for motor neurone disease research. Other strange items reportedly left on Ben Nevis include a church organ, a toilet seat and a 3ft garden gnome . The photograph of the ironing board angered hillwalkers when it was posted on a Highlands Facebook page. It is believed those responsible...

For the Fallen  by Laurence Binyon With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill ; Death august and royal  Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb , true of eye, steady and aglow . They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted; They fell with their faces to the foe . They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:  Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;  They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England's foam . But where our desires are an...