Trump may be about to burst the tech bubble.Trump's war on Iran is impacting more than just the price of oil. It is also impacting fertiliser shipments, which, combined with the UK government decision to tax fertiliser (being introduced in January 2027) will cause food prices in the UK and around the world to increase – hence why the government needs to seriously start looking at food security. Although both are incredibly important, the increase in the cost of oil and food resulting from Trump-Netanyahu's attack on Iran and the Iranian retaliation is well known. What is perhaps less covered is its impact on the export of helium. ... (more) |
Should Lib Dems change our line on Trump?So, we can breathe again. For a few days at least. But it's more likely than not that we will be back up at the top of this hill again in a fortnight. And if Trump's behaviour over the tariffs is repeated, he'll up the ante with even more offensive language and we'll go from deadline to deadline. To see the leader of the free world openly threatening genocide ("A civilisation will die tonight") and war crimes attacking civilian infrastructure was horrifying. The bit that made me gulp was when the White House denied that he was planning to use ... (more) |
Cole-Hamilton: I want to fix delayed discharge, gain four new Highland and Island seats and send the SNP packingScottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has used a visit to Wick to set out how his party can win four additional constituency seats in the Highlands and Islands from the SNP and to launch his party's plans to tackle delayed discharge. Mr Cole-Hamilton was in Wick to meet Margaret MacGill who is just home after being stuck in hospital for a year when she didn't need or want to be there – a case he repeatedly raised at First Minister's Questions. Margaret was first admitted to Raigmore Hospital in November 2024 with a rare spinal condition, before moving to ... (more) |
Is Starmer facing another row with Labour rebels?The Independent reports that one of Sir Keir Starmer's top allies has paved the way for another fight with MPs over benefits cuts, calling for "further reform" to Britain's welfare bill. The paper says that in a move that risks a repeat of last year's chaotic U-turn, which sparked questions over the prime minister's authority, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said there "needs to be further reform to the social security system for people to get back into work": Last year, Sir Keir attempted to impose welfare reforms that would have saved around £5bn per year, but he was forced to ... (more) |
7 April 2026 - today's press releases (part 2)Greene: Tories too chaotic to stand up to Swinney Chamberlain: UK at risk of complicity in war crimes Islanders will not be fooled by Swinney in "full on panic mode" Greene: Tories too chaotic to stand up to Swinney Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene has said the Scottish Tories are "too chaotic" under Russell Findlay's leadership to stand up to the SNP. His comments come after Findlay launched his party's manifesto in Edinburgh. Mr Greene resigned from the Conservatives in 2025, accusing Findlay and his leadership of pandering to the far-right in his attempts to compete with Nigel ... (more) |
Ed Davey in NewcastleLib Dem leader Ed Davey was in Newcastle today as part of his local election tour. In this group shot Marilynn managed to be right at the front, next to Ed himself!Marilynn is introduced to Ed.Gateshead Lib Dems photographed with Ed.Ed rather liked the Gateshead Lib Dem manifesto.Promoted by Ron Beadle on behalf of Gateshead Liberal Democrats, c/o 21 Beaconsfield Avenue Low Fell NE9 5XT. (more) |
7 April 2024 - today's press releases (part 1)Cole-Hamilton: Last chance for Parliament to address ferry fiasco Greene: Scottish Government must get a grip on MV Glen Sannox fiasco "Dangerously naive" Green candidate wants to abolish prison Worst February ever for A&E waits Greene comments on defence jobs warnings Cole-Hamilton: Last chance for Parliament to address ferry fiasco Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today said that this is the "last chance" for MSPs to convene at Holyrood and find a solution to Scotland's acute ferry crisis, which has seen multiple vessels out of service all at once. His call comes ahead of the Scottish Parliament officially ... (more) |
Three Catholic churches have closed in NorthamptonshireHoly Trinity, Desborough Opponents of the moved vowed to "take this fight to the Vatican", but as far as I know the closure of the Catholic churches in Desborough, Rothwell and Burton Latimer has gone ahead. Certainly, their websites have been closed down. Holy Trinity, Desborough, was already up for sale when I photographed it last year - the estate agents' particulars say it is "offered for sale in need of significant repair or demolition" and describe it as a "perfect development site". Taking Stock: Catholic Churches of England & Wales reveals that Holy Trinity was built as a Methodist ... (more) |
Why the Lib Dem fuel duty cut would not reduce petrol pricesI don'r recall any debate about it within the party, but it's now Liberal Democrat policy to cut fuel duty by 10p. This, we claim, would bring down prices at the pump by 12p per litre. But I don't believe it would. Petrol prices at the pump have gone up because the US attack on Iran has led to less crude oil coming on to the world market. This has increased wholesale prices. The Liberal Democrat fuel duty cut would do nothing about situation in the Gulf, so no more oil wuold be available for refining. What it would do ... (more) |
Campaigner to take part in Kiltwalk to raise money for Scottish AutismLib Dem campaigner, Michael Gregori, is taking part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk on Sunday, 26th April, in support of Scottish Autism — one of Scotland's leading charities dedicated to supporting autistic people and their families. The Glasgow Kiltwalk brings together thousands of participants from across Scotland each year. Walkers take on routes through the heart of the city to raise funds and awareness for causes close to their hearts. Every penny donated and every mile walked goes toward strengthening local charities and the communities they serve. By participating in the event, Michael Gregori aims to raise vital funds and shine ... (more) |