Wednesday, 20 August 2025

Smileband News



Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Airbus UK Employees Launch 10-Day Strike Over Pay Dispute

1. The Trigger: Pay Discontent Amid Rising Costs

Thousands of aircraft fitters and engineers at Airbus UK have voted overwhelmingly—90% in favor—to strike for 10 days in September, demanding improved pay amid cost-of-living pressures. 

Unite, the union representing over 3,000 workers at the Broughton (North Wales) and Filton (near Bristol) sites, maintains that Airbus’s latest pay proposal fails to address soaring inflation and doesn’t adequately value the staff’s specialised skills.

2. Strike Schedule: Rolling Disruption in September

The strike will span three weeks and unfold as follows:

2–3 September

10–11 September

Additional days starting from 15 September, contingent on shift patterns at each site 

This phased schedule is designed to maximize impact on wing production while allowing the union and workforce to adjust logistics and negotiations.

3. Potential Impact on Production and Supply Chain

The walkouts threaten to disrupt wing production for Airbus’s commercial aircraft lines (A320, A330, A350) and the military A400M. Delays in wing manufacturing can ripple into final assembly timelines at global hubs like Toulouse and Hamburg. 

Unite warns of potential delivery disruptions and strain on the global supply chain, while Airbus asserts that year-end delivery targets remain achievable. 

4. What’s at Stake for Both Sides

Unite’s Position:

The union emphasizes that the current offer overlooks the inflationary landscape—July 2025’s inflation stands at 3.8%, the highest rate in 18 months. 

Senior figures like Unite’s General Secretary Sharon Graham highlight that Airbus has posted billions in profits and workers deserve a fair share: “Our members are simply seeking fairness not favours.” 

Airbus’s Standpoint:

Airbus counters with its record—more than 20% in pay raises over the past three years, plus a £2,644 bonus distributed in April. 

Sue Partridge, Airbus UK’s country manager for commercial aircraft, reiterates the company’s desire for a solution: “We have made a competitive and fair pay offer… Our priority remains to find a resolution together with the trade union.” 

5. Broader Context & Stakes

Strategic Importance: Broughton is described as a “global centre of excellence for wing manufacturing,” and Filton is home to one of Europe’s largest aerospace engineering concentrations. 

Market Ambitions: Airbus is ramping up production amid high demand for its jets; even a minor disruption in wing supply could slow momentum. 

Supply Chain Pressures: Airbus already faces challenges like engine shortages hampering the A320neo ramp-up. A parallel labor dispute only adds complexity. 

Conclusion: A Complex Stand-Off with Global Ripples

The 10-day strike by Airbus UK staff is a high-stakes confrontation between wage pressures and production targets. Unite is demanding real-term pay that keeps pace with inflation and acknowledges the workforce’s technical expertise. Airbus offers that it has already delivered substantial increases and remains committed to a collaborative resolution.

For Airbus, maintaining delivery timelines and ramping up production is critical—but labor unrest at its wing hubs threatens to ripple across global operations. With negotiations ongoing, the resolution—or further friction—will have consequences far beyond Broughton and Filton.

Attached is a news article regarding uk air bus employees strike for 10 days over pay 

https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/airbus-uk-workers-strike-10-days-over-pay-2025-08-20/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36











Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

U.S. Stocks Slide Choppily as Wall Street Awaits Fed Minutes

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, U.S. equity markets saw a broad-based slide as investors braced for the release of the Federal Reserve’s July meeting minutes and an upcoming policy speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium.

Market Movement Snapshot

Indices:

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped around 0.3%,

The S&P 500 dropped about 0.6–0.9%,

The Nasdaq Composite plunged 1.3–1.7%, sinking below its 21-day moving average.

Technology & Chipmakers:

Tech shares led the selloff. The S&P 500 tech index tumbled roughly 1.7%.

Nvidia, AMD, Intel, and Micron saw declines in the 2.8–6% range, under pressure from speculation about possible U.S. government equity stakes tied to the CHIPS Act.

AI and Software Concerns:

Palantir extended its slide, plunging around 9%, pushing the Nasdaq deeper into the red, amid caution over lofty valuations.

A recent MIT study that questioned the returns from corporate generative AI investments added fuel to the tech selloff.

Retailers See Mixed Fortunes

Target stock plunged 8–11%, despite beating earnings estimates; the drop was linked to leadership changes and soft demand.

Lowe’s bucked the trend, rising 3–4% after reporting strong earnings, raising its full-year outlook, and announcing an $8.8 billion acquisition.

TJX hit a record high, buoyed by stronger-than-expected results.

La-Z-Boy fell sharply, suffering from weak earnings and a gloomy outlook.

Estée Lauder dropped roughly 2.5% on concerns over tariffs impacting profit forecasts.



Broader Market Mood

Treasury yields held steady, while rising oil prices hinted at shifting economic sentiment.

Crypto also took a hit. Bitcoin and other tokens slid 1.5–4.2% alongside the tech-heavy Nasdaq’s decline, as investors paused for clarity on interest rate policy

Market Outlook Ahead of Fed Signals

All eyes are on the Fed’s July meeting minutes, due at 2 p.m. ET—expected to shed light on policymakers’ views concerning interest rates and economic outlook. The market is also poised for Powell’s keynote at Jackson Hole later this week, where any hint at September rate cuts could steer investor sentiment. 

In Summary

U.S. stocks dipped broadly on August 20, 2025, as tech underperformance, earnings shocks from retail, and cautious positioning ahead of the Fed minutes and Powell’s speech whipped volatility. The prevailing narrative? Uncertainty—and the Fed’s cryptic posture—continues to temper market optimism.

Attached is a news article regarding U.S. Stocks Slide Choppily as Wall Street Awaits Fed Minutes

https://www.investors.com/market-trend/stock-market-today/dow-jones-sp500-nasdaq-fed-minutes-palantir-stock-pltr/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36














Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

How Hitler Destroyed a Nation: The Rise and Fall of Nazi Germany

Adolf Hitler is often remembered as one of history’s most ruthless dictators, but beyond his reign of terror, he also left behind a legacy of destruction that devastated Germany itself. While Hitler rose to power promising national revival, strength, and prosperity, his dictatorship ultimately drove the nation into ruin—socially, economically, and morally. The story of Nazi Germany is one of initial manipulation and apparent progress, followed by catastrophic collapse.

The Rise: A Nation in Desperation

Germany in the early 1930s was fragile. Humiliated by defeat in World War I, crippled by the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, and devastated by the global economic depression, millions of Germans felt betrayed and hopeless. Hitler seized on this resentment, offering scapegoats—particularly Jews, communists, and other minorities—while preaching national pride and the promise of restored greatness.

His propaganda machine turned fear into loyalty. Through mass rallies, censorship, and control of the press, Hitler cultivated a cult of personality. The Nazi regime projected the illusion of unity and strength, convincing many Germans that they were entering a new golden age.

The False Prosperity

In his first years in power, Hitler seemed to deliver results. Massive public works projects, like the construction of the autobahn, reduced unemployment. Germany rearmed rapidly, creating new jobs and projecting military might. For ordinary citizens, life appeared to improve, but this “economic miracle” was a façade.

Much of the recovery depended on unsustainable military spending, state control of industries, and the theft of Jewish-owned businesses. The Nazi economy was built not on stability but on aggression, designed to fuel conquest rather than lasting prosperity.

A Society Built on Hatred

To solidify power, Hitler and his regime destroyed democratic institutions, outlawed opposition, and ruled through fear. The Gestapo and SS crushed dissent, while propaganda brainwashed children through the Hitler Youth. Millions were persuaded—or coerced—into conformity.

At the heart of Nazi ideology was racial supremacy. The Nuremberg Laws stripped Jews of citizenship, while minorities, political enemies, and the disabled were persecuted. What began as discrimination escalated into genocide. The Holocaust not only murdered six million Jews but also inflicted a moral wound on Germany that would scar its history forever

The Road to Ruin

Hitler’s ambition knew no limits. In 1939, he plunged Europe into war by invading Poland, unleashing a global conflict that would claim over 70 million lives. At first, Nazi Germany appeared unstoppable, conquering much of Europe. But Hitler’s overconfidence, strategic blunders, and obsession with racial conquest led to disaster.

The invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 stretched Germany’s military beyond its limits. The decision to declare war on the United States brought yet another powerful enemy into the conflict. As the war dragged on, German cities were bombed to rubble, industries collapsed, and ordinary citizens faced hunger, fear, and death.

Collapse and Consequences

By 1945, Germany was in ruins. Cities like Berlin, Dresden, and Hamburg lay in ashes. Millions of soldiers and civilians were dead. Families were torn apart, and refugees flooded the countryside. The promise of greatness had ended with national humiliation and devastation even greater than after World War I. 

Hitler himself refused to face responsibility, retreating into his bunker and ultimately taking his own life. His so-called “Thousand-Year Reich” collapsed in just twelve years.

Legacy: How Hitler Destroyed Germany

Hitler’s dictatorship left a trail of destruction that lasted long after the war. Beyond the physical devastation, he left a nation grappling with guilt, trauma, and shame. Germany was divided, occupied by foreign powers, and forced to confront the crimes of the Holocaust.

What makes Hitler’s legacy so devastating is not only the death and destruction he inflicted on the world but also the way he betrayed his own people. The man who promised revival delivered annihilation. Nazi Germany serves as a warning of how tyranny, built on lies and hatred, can destroy not just lives but an entire nation from within.

Attached is a news article regarding Hitler destroying a nation Nazi germany 

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-nazi-rise-to-power

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36












Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

The Power of the Cocaine Mafia in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, often celebrated for its liberal policies and thriving trade networks, has also become one of Europe’s epicentres of the cocaine trade. With its powerful ports, extensive logistical infrastructure, and global connections, the country has turned into a key hub for international drug cartels. Today, the influence of the cocaine mafia stretches far beyond the underworld, impacting politics, business, and society.

Rotterdam: Europe’s Cocaine Gateway

Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, plays a central role in the flow of cocaine. Hidden in banana crates, timber shipments, and legitimate goods, tonnes of the drug arrive from Latin America every year. Authorities seize record amounts—over 60 tonnes in some years—but experts say this represents only a fraction of what enters. Smugglers rely on corruption among dock workers, truck drivers, and even customs officers to ensure safe passage for their cargo.

Criminal Networks and Violence

The cocaine trade has given rise to powerful organised crime groups, many with ties to Latin American cartels. These networks operate with a mix of business acumen and brutal violence. Contract killings, kidnappings, and intimidation campaigns have become more frequent in Dutch cities. High-profile murders—such as that of investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries in 2021—highlight the reach of the underworld and the dangers faced by those who challenge it.

“Mocro Mafia”: A New Generation of Gangsters

The so-called “Mocro Mafia,” a term used to describe mainly Moroccan-Dutch crime networks, has risen to prominence in the cocaine trade. These groups dominate the logistics of smuggling and distribution, earning billions annually. Their influence extends into Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp, creating a cross-border criminal corridor that European police struggle to contain.

Corruption and Parallel Power

With vast profits at stake, the cocaine mafia has invested heavily in corrupting officials. From port employees to lawyers and accountants, many legitimate sectors have been infiltrated. Authorities warn that the criminal underworld is threatening to evolve into a “parallel power structure,” one that rivals state institutions in wealth and influence.

The Struggle Against the Mafia

The Dutch government has stepped up its fight, increasing security at ports, investing in international cooperation, and targeting money laundering operations. However, the sheer profitability of cocaine—where a kilogram can fetch over €30,000 on European streets—means traffickers are always a step ahead. Critics argue that the Netherlands’ tolerance of soft drugs has created fertile ground for harder drug networks to thrive, while others stress the need for greater European coordination.

Conclusion

The cocaine mafia’s grip on the Netherlands demonstrates the immense power of global drug cartels. What begins in the jungles of Colombia and Peru ends in the streets of Amsterdam, backed by billions of euros and a culture of violence. Unless stronger international measures are taken, the Netherlands risks becoming not only Europe’s gateway for cocaine but also a stronghold for the world’s most dangerous criminal networks.

Attached is a news article regarding the power of the drugs mafia - cocaine and Netherlands 

https://amp.dw.com/en/the-power-of-the-drugs-mafia-cocaine-and-the-netherlands/a-61409634

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36















Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Danny Dyer Meets Barrington “One-Eyed Baz” Patterson on The Toughest, Deadliest Men

Danny Dyer’s cult documentary series The Real Hard Men introduced TV audiences to some of Britain’s most notorious street legends. One of the most unforgettable encounters came when Dyer sat down with Barrington “One-Eyed Baz” Patterson, a Birmingham icon whose reputation was built on bare-knuckle scraps, football hooliganism, and an uncompromising will to survive.

A Fearsome Reputation

Patterson, who earned the nickname “One-Eyed Baz” after losing the sight in one eye as a child, grew up in the tough backstreets of Birmingham. His formative years were marked by street fighting, run-ins with the police, and a deep involvement in the city’s football firm culture. Among hooligan circles, Patterson was both respected and feared for his readiness to take on anyone, regardless of size or numbers.

When Danny Dyer arrived to meet him for the documentary, he was immediately struck by Patterson’s physical presence and the aura of danger that surrounded him. Yet, behind the fearsome exterior, Dyer also uncovered a man shaped by hardship, loyalty, and a code of respect.

Life of Violence – and Redemption

The programme pulled no punches in showing Patterson’s violent past. He spoke openly about his years in football violence and his battles on the terraces, describing the adrenaline of confrontation and the chaos of gang warfare. But what fascinated Dyer most was Patterson’s transition from feared hooligan to a man who later channelled his aggression into organised fighting and community work.

Patterson became a kickboxer, training to a professional standard, and later used his name to try and steer young people away from the same destructive path he once walked.

Dyer’s Impressions

For Danny Dyer, who has interviewed a catalogue of Britain’s “hard men,” meeting Barrington Patterson was memorable. Dyer described him as “terrifying but proper,” a man who could crush anyone in a fight but also spoke with surprising honesty and humour. The encounter revealed the contradictions within Patterson – a man who lived on violence yet tried to turn his past into lessons for others.

A Legacy Beyond the Streets

Though Patterson passed away in 2022, his appearance on Dyer’s series remains one of the standout episodes, reminding audiences of the thin line between notoriety and redemption. Dyer’s meeting with “One-Eyed Baz” captured not just the danger of Britain’s toughest men, but also the humanity that can exist beneath their hardened exteriors.

Attached is a news article regarding Danny dyer meeting barrington one eyed baz Patterson on deadliest men 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10639319/amp/Danny-Dyers-Deadliest-Men-star-One-Eyed-Baz-Barrington-Patterson-dies-aged-56.html

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36












Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Gary “Tyson” Nelson: Inside Britain’s Close Supervision Centres — prisons within prisons

Gary Lloyd Nelson — known on the streets as “Tyson” — sits among the small cohort of men the state has judged too dangerous or disruptive for ordinary high‑security wings. After his 2006 conviction for the murders of security guard William “Kwame” Danso and PC Patrick Dunne, judges and senior detectives alike described him as one of the most dangerous criminals in the country.  

That status made Nelson a natural candidate for the Close Supervision Centre (CSC) system: a tiny, highly‑controlled network of “deep custody” units embedded inside a handful of Category A prisons. Public reporting on CSC allocations is sparse by design, but contemporary coverage of the regime names Nelson among the violent men sent there, alongside other high‑risk prisoners.  

What the CSCs are — and why Nelson ended up there

CSCs were created in 1998 to contain prisoners whose violence, influence, or persistent disruption makes them unmanageable elsewhere. Population numbers hover at only a few dozen nationwide, spread across units at prisons such as Woodhill, Whitemoor, Full Sutton, Wakefield, and Frankland. These are the most restrictive conditions in England and Wales, explicitly designed for men with a history of serious harm — often including further serious offences committed inside.  

Independent inspections characterise CSCs as the “deepest form of custody” in the system. Cells are heavily fortified; movement is tightly choreographed; association with others is rare and risk‑assessed. For those who meet the criteria — men like Nelson with a proven record of extreme violence — the aim is control first, progression second.  

The daily reality: monotony, surveillance, and the long game

Life in a CSC is built around containment:

Regime and routine. Time out of cell is limited and structured. Activities, when available, are one‑to‑one or in very small groups. Social visits typically take place in small rooms on the unit itself; even these spaces can be bleak, with inspectors noting poor physical conditions in some sites.  

Contact with other prisoners. Association is the exception, not the rule. The units hold some of the most notorious names in British custody (for example, Charles Bronson has been among those managed through the CSC system), but allocation to the same framework does not mean free interaction. Encounters are tightly risk‑managed, scheduled, and often non‑existent.  

Progression pathways. The system includes assessment units (historically at Woodhill and Wakefield) and small progression units where, if behaviour stabilises over time, a prisoner can step down to a less restrictive location. Inspections in recent years have urged better opportunities for education and purposeful activity to support that progression. 

For a high‑profile lifer like Nelson, the CSC years are about demonstrating consistent stability under a microscope. Every movement, conversation, and incident is recorded; every privilege is contingent.

Risk, reputation and the “Tyson” persona

Nelson’s pre‑prison life was defined by firearms, reputation and fear — the very combination prison authorities flag as volatile behind bars. Courts heard how he gloried in his weaponry and exercised command over others, behaviour that translates poorly to crowded high‑security wings where status contests can turn lethal. That cocktail of factors explains why the state ring‑fences men like him inside the CSC network. 

Controversies around CSCs — and what they mean in practice

Human‑rights groups and some lawyers have criticised CSC conditions as edging into solitary confinement, citing prolonged isolation and very limited association; the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has expressed concern about the regime. At the same time, HM Inspectorate of Prisons has noted relatively low levels of violence and self‑harm on the units, evidence that the system does achieve its core objective of control — albeit at a psychological cost for some.  

The wider context: who shares the CSC label

While public records don’t publish day‑by‑day rosters, the CSCs have, over time, managed a who’s‑who of Britain’s most disruptive prisoners. Reports and features mention men such as Charles Bronson and other high‑risk lifers rotating through assessment and progression units at different prisons. The presence of such figures underscores the reasoning behind Nelson’s placement: in CSCs, the system concentrates those most likely to orchestrate or commit extreme violence. 

What “success” looks like from a CSC cell

For prisoners like Nelson, “success” is measured in years of incident‑free behaviour, engagement with psychology‑led programmes, and gradual movement along a narrow path out of deep custody. Even then, inspectors say, meaningful education and work remain too scarce, and some units’ physical conditions undermine progress. Still, the track record shows a proportion of CSC prisoners do eventually step down — proof that, for a few, the regime can be more than permanent lock‑down. 

Bottom line

Gary “Tyson” Nelson’s time in the CSCs is the logical sequel to the violence and influence that defined his rise and fall. The same aura that once kept rivals at bay now ensures he’s managed inside the most restrictive corner of the British prison estate — a “prison within a prison” where reputation counts for little, and progression is a slow, clinical negotiation with risk.  

Attached is a news article regarding Gary Tyson Nelson time in CSC unit with Britains most dangerous prisoners 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1510792/Gangster-who-gunned-down-Pc-is-sent-to-jail-for-35-years.html

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36










Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Silenced: Tommy Robinson Meets Young Spray on the RTM Podcast

In July 2023, the RTM Podcast (sometimes referred to as “Silenced”) featured an episode titled “Silenced with Tommy Robinson”, where the controversial far-right figure Tommy Robinson appeared as the inaugural guest—hosted by grime-rap artist Young Spray  . This article explores their backgrounds, the significance of their pairing, and the broader context of the episode. 

Tommy Robinson: The Activist in the Spotlight

Tommy Robinson—born Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon in 1982—is a prominent and polarizing figure in UK politics, known for his far-right activism and anti-Islam rhetoric. He co-founded the English Defence League (EDL) in 2009, leading the group until about 2013, and has a long history of legal battles, including multiple convictions for assault, fraud, and contempt of court (notably in 2017 and 2018) 

Most recently, in 2024, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for repeating false allegations about a Syrian refugee—adding to his already extensive criminal record. Robinson’s activism continues to be a lightning rod for controversy, sparking debates around free speech, legal boundaries, and social cohesion in the UK.

Young Spray: From Grime to Podcast Mic

Young Spray is a grime and rap artist originally from Dominica who relocated to London at a young age. He’s considered a pioneer of UK gangster rap, known for delivering raw, unfiltered narratives that reflect gritty urban life, often framed against a backdrop of personal struggles and brushes with the law. 

Beyond music, Young Spray has embraced a path of transformation: he is a devout Muslim and has shifted into media roles, including becoming the host of the RTM Podcast.  This podcast, titled “Silenced”, launched with Tommy Robinson as its first featured guest—highlighting a striking, if not unexpected, convergence of two strong, uncompromising figures.

The Podcast: “Silenced with Tommy Robinson”

When Tommy Robinson appeared on Young Spray’s RTM Podcast in July 2023, the episode marked a bold editorial choice. Robinson, known for incendiary commentary and a far-right stance, discussing ideas with Young Spray—a figure associated with grime culture, reinvention, and personal growth—created a dynamic space for potentially hard-hitting, unusual dialogue. 

Their joint appearance likely aimed to challenge expectations and explore uncomfortable ideas. Robinson’s platform on a podcast hosted by someone from a historically marginalized musical and cultural subculture may reflect the increasingly fragmented and cross-pollinated media landscape—where boundaries between political extremism and cultural expression are sometimes blurred in unexpected ways.

Why It Matters

1. Cross-Cultural Disruption

The episode represents a collision of worlds: far-right activism meeting grime culture. That fusion raises questions about how fringe ideas may cross into mainstream subcultures—intentionally or not—and whether certain milieus are used to legitimize controversial figures.

2. Platform and Responsibility

By giving Robinson airtime, Young Spray wields significant responsibility. Listeners might question whether providing a platform amplifies harmful messages—or opens up space for critical interrogation and conversation.

3. Media Evolution

Podcasts are nimble and often unregulated. This episode exemplifies a trend where the boundaries of who can speak, and where, are expanding. It speaks to the evolving nature of media, free speech, and public discourse in our digital age.

Potential Themes and Talking Points

Though the full audio isn’t broadly released online, here are some likely themes based on both figures’ backgrounds:

Identity & Reinvention: Young Spray’s transformation from grime origins to devout Muslim podcast host—juxtaposed with Robinson’s far-right narrative—could expose contrasting life trajectories shaped by societal structures.

Justice & Controversy: Robinson’s legal record and activism might be probed differently when speaking with someone who conveys vulnerability and redemption through music.

Free Speech vs. Harm: Ethical dilemmas around providing platforms for extreme views may have featured prominently in the conversation—drawing attention to what audiences are exposed to, and how media chooses to frame it.

In Summary

Tommy Robinson, a high-profile far-right activist, served as the inaugural guest on Young Spray’s “Silenced” podcast, debuting in July 2023. 

Young Spray, a grime pioneer turned devout Muslim and host, represents a contrasting ethos—underlining potential tensions and rich dialogue at the nexus of activism and art. 

The collaboration encapsulates how modern media platforms welcome—or expose—controversial voices, especially when shared across cultural and ideological divides.

Attached is a news article regarding Tommy Robinson and young spray RTM podcast interview 

https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/EP1-SILENCED-with-Tommy-Robinson-Young-Spray/B0CBVHKVGF

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36











Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Notable Cases Involving Vietnamese Nationals

1. Hartlepool Cannabis Farm (~£680,000)

Who: Vietnamese national Le Van Cong, a former bank director from Vietnam.

What happened: Police discovered 810 cannabis plants in an above-shop flat in Hartlepool. The estimated value ranged from £226,000 to £680,000.

Outcome: Cong pleaded guilty and received a 19-month prison sentence.

2. Halifax Shop-Above Cannabis Farm (~£410,000 street value)

Who: Vietnamese national Vuong Nguyen, aged 47.

What happened: A cannabis farm was found above a Halifax shop with over 1,000 plants. The street value was estimated at up to £410,000.

Outcome: Nguyen pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison. He is expected to be deported after serving his term. 

3. NCA Investigations – Organised Exploitation

Who: A network of Vietnamese nationals including Mai Van Nguyen, Doung Dinh, Nghia Dinh Tran, among others.

What happened: The NCA revealed that trafficked migrants were forced into cannabis farms across the UK—in places such as Tipton, Coventry, Hartlepool, Derby, East Ham, and more. The operations were sophisticated, dispersed, and exploitative.

Outcome: In two major trials, gang members received combined sentences totaling nearly 80 years. Sentences ranged from around 10 years to 15 years, depending on each individual’s role.

Why the Information Might Be Confused

No Report Matching £1.8 Million: None of the above sources—or any others I found—reference a Vietnamese man tied to a farm of that value.

High-Value Operations: While some farms do indeed run into millions (mostly in Scotland or Northern Ireland), they typically involve non-Vietnamese suspects. For example, a Scottish warehouse farm was valued at £3.2 million, but the arrested individual was a 70-year-old pensioner.

Exploitation Patterns: Many Vietnamese nationals arrested in cannabis cases are believed to be victims of trafficking or debt bondage—recruited or forced into these operations under threats or deception.

Final Thought

It’s possible the £1.8 million figure might reflect misremembered details, a pending case, or misreported media coverage. If you have additional details—such as a date, location, or source—I’d be glad to investigate further.

Otherwise, based on publicly available information, the scenario you described hasn’t been documented in UK reporting.

Attached is a news article regarding Cambridgeshire largest 1.8 million cannabis farm in the uk 

https://www.cambs.police.uk/news/cambridgeshire/news/2025/july/four-men-jailed-following-1.8-million-cannabis-bust/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36









Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Trump Says No U.S. Troops Will Be Sent to Ukraine to Fight Russia

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear that, if he were in charge, no American troops would be sent to Ukraine to engage in direct combat against Russian forces. His comments come amid ongoing debate in Washington over the extent of U.S. involvement in the war, with both military aid and diplomatic pressure on Moscow continuing to dominate international discussions.

Speaking at a rally, Trump emphasized that “American soldiers should never be sent to fight and die in foreign wars that are not our own,” insisting that his administration would have avoided the escalation entirely. He claimed that the war in Ukraine would not have happened under his leadership, citing his past relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin as evidence that diplomacy could have prevented the invasion.

Trump’s stance contrasts sharply with calls from some U.S. lawmakers who argue that more direct involvement may eventually be necessary if Ukraine’s defenses collapse under Russian advances. While President Joe Biden has repeatedly stated that no American combat troops will be deployed in Ukraine, his administration continues to provide billions in military assistance, intelligence support, and training for Ukrainian forces.

Critics accuse Trump of taking too soft a line on Russia, pointing to his past reluctance to criticize Putin and his suggestions that Ukraine should make territorial concessions to secure peace. Supporters, however, argue that his position reflects the will of many Americans who are weary of costly foreign wars following decades of U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

European leaders are watching closely, with some expressing concern that Trump’s potential return to the White House could weaken NATO’s unity in supporting Ukraine. Others, however, believe his approach could accelerate peace negotiations, especially if Kyiv were pressured into a settlement with Moscow.

As the war enters a critical phase, Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over America’s role in one of the most dangerous conflicts in Europe since World War II. Whether his stance represents a path toward de-escalation or a retreat from global responsibilities remains deeply contested on both sides of the Atlantic.

Trump’s position: He says no U.S. troops should be sent to Ukraine to fight Russia.

Reasoning: Argues that American soldiers should not die in foreign wars and claims the invasion would not have happened under his leadership.

Contrast with Biden: Biden also rules out sending troops but continues heavy military and financial aid to Ukraine.

Criticism of Trump: Opponents say he is too soft on Russia and willing to pressure Ukraine into concessions.

Support for Trump: Backers believe his stance reflects U.S. public fatigue with foreign wars.

Impact on Europe: Some European leaders fear his approach could fracture NATO, while others think it could push peace talks.

Larger context: Debate continues over America’s role in the Ukraine war as fighting intensifies.

Conclusion:

Trump’s declaration that no U.S. troops will ever be sent to Ukraine underscores the deep divide in American foreign policy over how to confront Russia’s war. While his stance appeals to voters weary of endless overseas conflicts, it raises questions about the future of U.S. leadership in NATO and the West’s united front against Moscow. Whether viewed as a path toward peace or a retreat from responsibility, Trump’s position ensures that the debate over America’s role in Ukraine will remain central in the months ahead.

Attached is a News article regarding trump sending no US troops to fight in Ukraine 

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/us-troops-wont-defend-ukraine-trump-124782347

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

















Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

What the Colour of Your Teeth Says About You, According to Science

Our smiles often make the first impression, but beyond aesthetics, the colour of your teeth can reveal surprising insights about your health, habits, and even genetics. Scientists and dental experts stress that tooth colour isn’t simply a matter of brushing—it’s influenced by biology, lifestyle choices, and age. Here’s what the science says your teeth might be telling the world.

Natural Shades: Why Teeth Aren’t Pure White

Contrary to what Hollywood might suggest, teeth are not naturally dazzling white. Their natural shade is influenced by the dentin—the layer beneath the enamel—which typically has a yellowish hue. Genetics determine how thick or translucent your enamel is, which in turn affects how “white” or “off-white” your teeth appear.

Ivory to light yellow teeth often signal perfectly normal, healthy enamel.

Grayish tones can be inherited and may suggest thinner enamel.

White Teeth: Lifestyle or Luck

Bright, white teeth are often associated with good hygiene, youth, and attractiveness. While they can indicate a strong oral-care routine, science shows that whiteness is not always a marker of health. Whitening treatments, professional cleanings, and even lucky genetics can produce pearly whites. Importantly, overly white teeth in middle-aged or older adults can be a giveaway of cosmetic whitening rather than natural colour.

Yellow Teeth: Not Always a Bad Sign

A yellowish tint doesn’t necessarily mean poor dental health. In fact, healthy enamel is slightly translucent, allowing the natural yellow of dentin to show through. However, yellowing can also be linked to:

Diet: Frequent consumption of coffee, tea, wine, or turmeric.

Smoking: Nicotine stains enamel over time.

Ageing: Enamel naturally wears down with age, revealing more dentin.

Brown or Dark Spots: A Warning Sign

When teeth shift from yellow to brownish, science points to possible enamel erosion, cavities, or long-term exposure to tobacco. Dark spots may also indicate untreated tooth decay. In these cases, dentists warn that colour is a symptom, not just a cosmetic concern.

Gray or Blue Tints: Medication and Trauma

Some teeth may appear grayish-blue due to certain medications taken during childhood (such as tetracycline antibiotics). Trauma to a tooth can also disrupt blood flow and lead to internal discoloration, turning it gray or dark.

Black Teeth: A Red Flag

Blackened teeth can result from severe decay, advanced cavities, or heavy staining from substances like chewing tobacco. In rare cases, they can also signal necrosis of the tooth pulp, requiring urgent dental attention.

What Science Says About Perception

Research in psychology shows that tooth colour doesn’t just reflect health—it shapes how others perceive you. Studies reveal that people with whiter teeth are often judged as more attractive, healthier, and more employable. This explains the booming global demand for whitening treatments, despite their limited effect on actual dental health.

Final Word: Beyond Colour

While the shade of your teeth can give clues about your habits and health, dentists stress that regular check-ups, not colour, are the true measure of oral wellbeing. A person with slightly yellow teeth can have far healthier teeth than someone with perfectly white veneers.

Attached is a news article regarding colour of teeth and what it’s says about you 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/health/article-12045979/amp/What-teeth-say-personality.html

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36










Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,  Andrew Tate Accused of Profiting from Other People’s Trading Knowledge While Expanding Globa...