Merseyside Labour – They didn't learn Kinnock's lesson so Starmer's sent more learning pillsI've seen a number of social media postings from journalists, political commentators and politicians in the last couple of days regarding there being no Merseyside MP's in Starmer's new Shadow Cabinet. Here's my take on it. Merseyside Labour Party decided to indulge itself in another round of Militantism, only this time it was called Momentum/Corbynism. And just like the previous time (1980's) they got slapped down; last time by Kinnock now by Starmer. It really is as simple as that. Yes of course there will have been MP's and indeed councillors who pretended to be Corbynistas to either avoid deselection ... (more) |
It's time for us to get out of people's livesIt's time for us to defining what we are for, rather than simply what we are against. A new Labour leader who is far more electable than the previous, and a Conservative Government that is currently polling really well, puts the Lib Dems in a tricky electoral position. Part of the problem is that people seemingly know what we are against, such as Brexit, but people don't really know what we are for. It's what we are for that we can then create a positive message for the UK, a vision that people can get behind. I think we should ... (more) |
Check your washing machine and tumble dryerA good moment to check. Safety isn't just about coronavirus. Have you tested your smoke alarms recently? (more) |
Blame gameThis report in this morning's Guardian is astonishing, if only because in the midst of a major national crisis it is alleged that senior politicians in the government are briefing against civil servants in an attempt to pass the buck for failures on testing and PPE: From the BBC to bin collectors, shop workers to care home staff: all have suddenly been recognised as vital and appreciated by public and politicians alike. However, as pressure mounts over the capacity for coronavirus testing and the supply of personal protective equipment and ventilators, finding someone to blame rather than fixing the problem ... (more) |
LibLink: Christine Jardine MP: Coronavirus crisis shows why the BBC is so specialOur public service broadcaster is the focus of Christine Jardine MP's Scotsman column this week. She highlights the corporation's role in keeping the nation informed in a way that other broadcasters simply can't: In this crisis more than ever in my lifetime I am aware of those two words which set the BBC and to a less extent Channel 4, apart from the purely money-making platforms of the technological explosion: public service. How many over 75s, or low-income households would have been able to afford pay per view services to keep up to date with health advice or social services? ... (more) |
Shaggy DogNo time for sanctimony; never mind hypocrisy. My heart rose because yours slowed: You were a complete eejit who harmed our country greatly in the cause of your career. But you've bluffed against the devil's dice. Maybe hell will mend you now. (more) |
What Keir Starmer becoming Labour leader tells us about party politics in the current eraA well-known and liked journalist posted something along the lines of "Keir Starmer becoming leader of Labour proves I'm right in 1,000 words – off you go" on Twitter this week. The reason I bring this up is because I am about to do the exact opposite; Starmer becoming leader proves most of the things I felt politically convinced of over the last few years incorrect. His victory has helped me understand this. One thing I was wrong about was the idea that Labour had been lost to the far left. Now, Starmer may fail to properly re-professionalise the Labour ... (more) |
My tweetsMon, 12:56: Similar story here in Belgium. https://t.co/L1Yj0FqpTk Mon, 13:14: Again, guardedly optimistic news in Belgium; the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care has fallen for the f... https://t.co/4Rqyyz4NHw Mon, 14:54: RT @OrangeOrder: Statement from Grand Master Wor. Bro. Edward Stevenson regarding the Twelfth of July parades https://t.co/o7sRXbyL8x Mon, 16:05: RT @GDRPempress: This morning's mental health must: what a penguin weigh-in looks—and sounds—like: https://t.co/p7Ogz9HZLP Mon, 17:11: The worst president. Ever. https://t.co/fhTRrGeiUh Balanced and fair, by Max Boot. Mon, 18:56: Eight living ex-Doctors who I have met, and one that I haven't! 4) Tom Baker 5) Peter Davison 6) Colin ... (more) |
EU's response to communists' fake news[IMG: Examples of false narratives trending on social media] The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) initially concealed information about the spread of the virus. Research suggests that they thereby delayed measures to alleviate the spread of the disease. At the same time, the CCP launched far-reaching efforts to silence domestic criticism.The CCP's efforts to restore Beijing's tainted image both at home and abroad include attempts to export the blame for the virus via a wave of conspiracy theories, in a move that seems to be inspired by the Kremlin's well-known tactics. At the same time, Beijing has launched a highly visible ... (more) |
Planning Applications Update April 2020 Holyrood WardNot the most important thing happening at the moment, but there have been a few planning applications in the last month. Please just let us know if you have any queries. Lawful development certificate for existing use – The Renewable Design Company are completing the...Broadfield Court, Park View Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1QFRef. No: 65366 | Received: Thu 26 Mar 2020 | Validated: Thu 26 Mar 2020 | Status: RegisteredSingle storey extension at side 7 Brooklawn Drive, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2GSRef. No: 65365 | Received: Thu 26 Mar 2020 | Validated: Wed 01 Apr 2020 | Status: Registered (more) |