Wednesday 11th January 2017

[PaulfromYorkshire]

As a policy wonk type (I mean that kindly) you don't belong with the "here's an idea, stick it in the manifesto" Green Party either. The laughable rubbish on pay that Corbyn came out with yesterday isn't the half of it.

What else do I do? Float and judge on the individual candidate?

I do (bonestly) care about Green issues like climate change. I know that the Greens have lots of fruitloop policies (eg universal income). But they are not immoral, and they are on my side broadly. They are also exactly right on the biggest issue: Europe. I'm not voting for a party led by the Chair of the Stop the War Coalition. It wouldn't matter to me what he did, I'd think it immoral to do so. So, I have to make a choice and it will be less than optimal. I don't have an optimal choice. I do however enjoy the freedom of abandoning party. Too many people see politics as a game, like football, where you support your team regardless of what they do.

What's wrong with the universal income policy? I haven't thought hard about it.

[SpinningHugo]

As a policy wonk type (I mean that kindly) you don't belong with the "here's an idea, stick it in the manifesto" Green Party either. The laughable rubbish on pay that Corbyn came out with yesterday isn't the half of it.

What else do I do? Float and judge on the individual candidate?

I do (bonestly) care about Green issues like climate change. I know that the Greens have lots of fruitloop policies (eg universal income). But they are not immoral, and they are on my side broadly. They are also exactly right on the biggest issue: Europe. I'm not voting for a party led by the Chair of the Stop the War Coalition. It wouldn't matter to me what he did, I'd think it immoral to do so. So, I have to make a choice and it will be less than optimal. I don't have an optimal choice. I do however enjoy the freedom of abandoning party. Too many people see politics as a game, like football, where you support your team regardless of what they do.

What's wrong with the universal income policy? I haven't thought hard about it.

Basically the numbers don't work, especially because of housing costs in London and the south east. Once you've made exceptions (for serious disabilities for example) you lose the pot that you were trying to redistribute. The Adam Smith Instititute backs it, which should tell people of the left something.

It also doesn't work well in a world of freedom of movement, but as that is ending I suppose that is one fewer objection.

[StephenDolan]

..

[StephenDolan]

Andrea Jenkyns has called for the red cross boss to resign.

Tories gonna Tory.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Sounds like a right kicking for May from Simon Stevens.

This, I presume, was on the cards. Couldn't "the Jez relaunch" have waited until afterwards? The policies could have been checked over by someone outside his kitchen cabinet too.

[Tubby Isaacs]

What else do I do? Float and judge on the individual candidate?

I do (bonestly) care about Green issues like climate change. I know that the Greens have lots of fruitloop policies (eg universal income). But they are not immoral, and they are on my side broadly. They are also exactly right on the biggest issue: Europe. I'm not voting for a party led by the Chair of the Stop the War Coalition. It wouldn't matter to me what he did, I'd think it immoral to do so. So, I have to make a choice and it will be less than optimal. I don't have an optimal choice. I do however enjoy the freedom of abandoning party. Too many people see politics as a game, like football, where you support your team regardless of what they do.

What's wrong with the universal income policy? I haven't thought hard about it.

Basically the numbers don't work, especially because of housing costs in London and the south east. Once you've made exceptions (for serious disabilities for example) you lose the pot that you were trying to redistribute. The Adam Smith Instititute backs it, which should tell people of the left something.

It also doesn't work well in a world of freedom of movement, but as that is ending I suppose that is one fewer objection.

Well indeed. Why do you want to be in a party with people who put forward a policy like that twice before breakfast?

[HindleA]

@Paul

There is an evidence session tomorrow on CI at the DWP select commitee tomorrow.I am not going to bore myself but more importantly others as to my opinion,again beyond saying there already is a nominal legal amount that people should not go lower than,in effect of course this is easilly changeable by other means,naive to think,either in purposeful initial design or in future Governments would stop.doing so.Particularly the support in lieu of income,an already used tactic.

[StephenDolan]

Sounds like a right kicking for May from Simon Stevens.

This, I presume, was on the cards. Couldn't "the Jez relaunch" have waited until afterwards? The policies could have been checked over by someone outside his kitchen cabinet too.

Yes agreed. When the idea of changing tack by the leadership was discussed in December they should have planned for Stevens being hung out to dry in the middle of January.

[Tubby Isaacs]

That's what this lot always do- hang the senior civil servants out to dry. The relevant trade union the FDA have made that point.

Isn't he supposed to be in touch with unions?

[Tubby Isaacs]

Andrea Jenkyns MP
‏@andreajenkyns
Great to hear from Secretary of State @Jeremy_Hunt that we have 1600 more doctors than a year ago. Fantastic news.

Yeah, well done for letting people who started qualifying under Labour finish their course.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Jesus Christ, that Trump appearance was awful.

Farage isn't by any means deluding himself in thinking he could help him.

[PaulfromYorkshire]

Any truth in this do we think?

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... -franchise" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

southern-rail-labour-inquiry-franchise

Sorry if I've missed earlier discussion.

[PaulfromYorkshire]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Millions of British jobs, inc 14,000 in #Oldham, & 1000s of biz depend upon access to the single market, without tariffs or customs checks

[PaulfromYorkshire]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Current UK workforce planning for medium or long term is poor. Migrants fill gaps in eg #NHS #care contribute £20bn pa to economy & more

[Tubby Isaacs]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Millions of British jobs, inc 14,000 in #Oldham, & 1000s of biz depend upon access to the single market, without tariffs or customs checks

I like her.

[SpinningHugo]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Millions of British jobs, inc 14,000 in #Oldham, & 1000s of biz depend upon access to the single market, without tariffs or customs checks

Sadly Debbie clearly doesn't understand the difference between access to and membership of a single market.

[SpinningHugo]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Millions of British jobs, inc 14,000 in #Oldham, & 1000s of biz depend upon access to the single market, without tariffs or customs checks

I like her.

Why?

[PorFavor]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Millions of British jobs, inc 14,000 in #Oldham, & 1000s of biz depend upon access to the single market, without tariffs or customs checks

I like her.

Why?

Don't tell him, Pike!

(In any case, he won't remember.)

[citizenJA]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Millions of British jobs, inc 14,000 in #Oldham, & 1000s of biz depend upon access to the single market, without tariffs or customs checks

I like her.

I do too.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Millions of British jobs, inc 14,000 in #Oldham, & 1000s of biz depend upon access to the single market, without tariffs or customs checks

I like her.

Why?

Been good in Parliament when I've seen her. Knew her DWP stuff on the Select Committee. And shows in that tweet more sense of the Single Market than the current leadership.

Think she was right in retrospect not to join the rebellion/strike. I see that as good judgement rather than toadying for a job.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Debbie Abrahams ‏@Debbie_abrahams 1h1 hour ago
Millions of British jobs, inc 14,000 in #Oldham, & 1000s of biz depend upon access to the single market, without tariffs or customs checks

Sadly Debbie clearly doesn't understand the difference between access to and membership of a single market.

She says access without tariffs and customs. It's odd not to say membership, but she's talking about the same thing.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Actually, I think "access without tariffs or customs checks" is better than "membership". Spells out what's at stake. "Membership" doesn't really. "Membership without tariffs or customs checks", anyone?

[Tubby Isaacs]

Any truth in this do we think?

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... -franchise" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

southern-rail-labour-inquiry-franchise

Sorry if I've missed earlier discussion.

A big report on rail franchising was published in Jan 2013. Not much mileage in another general one, but by all means look at these allegations properly.

If he did have to resign, he'd be replaced by someone with basically the same attitude if a less loose tongue.

Ah, apol to MacDonald- he's not suggesting a general one.

[citizenJA]

Actually, I think "access without tariffs or customs checks" is better than "membership". Spells out what's at stake. "Membership" doesn't really. "Membership without tariffs or customs checks", anyone?

Yes, good judgement.

[HindleA]

http://thirdforcenews.org.uk/tfn-news/u ... -destitute" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Universal Credit leaving people destitute

[Tubby Isaacs]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... exit-talks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know the SPD are a much diminished force, but add them to Merkel and that's a big chunk of German politics. They're telling us to get stuffed as well. I can't imagine the Greens, Die Linke and Free Democrats are particularly concessionary either. So we're sticking our shirt on an AfD overall majority? Great. Maybe some rogue elements in the car industry will start their own party and win a place in Coalition.

You could take the view it's pre-election bluster. Why then are we doing Article 50 before this election?

[HindleA]

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/201 ... nings-snow" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Weather warnings in place as 'polar maritime airmass' heads for UK

[tinyclanger2]

https://www.theguardian.com/society/201 ... unding-row



NHS's Simon Stevens defended by MPs in health funding row
Health service chief to appear before MPs amid reports of tensions with Downing Street over ‘unenthusiastic’ attitude to cuts

Sounds like his appearance is dynamite.

"It doesn't help anybody to pretend there aren't finance gaps"

Yes - and he said that the NHS didn't get all the money it asked for. Although I don't suppose Theresa May accepts that, either.

I get the impression Ms May has a touch of the Canutes.

[PorFavor]

I get the impression Ms May has a touch of the Canutes.

Your spelling gets worse and worse.




Edited - tidy up. Possibly.

[AngryAsWell]

Actually, I think "access without tariffs or customs checks" is better than "membership". Spells out what's at stake. "Membership" doesn't really. "Membership without tariffs or customs checks", anyone?

It also sound less like "remaining in" to die hard line kipperteers

[HindleA]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/ ... an-escobar" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Polish minister mocked over meeting with nation of San Escobar

[HindleA]

If the World Cup expands any more,they might have to invent it.

[tinyclanger2]

I get the impression Ms May has a touch of the Canutes.

Your spelling gets worse and worse.




Edited - tidy up. Possibly.

It's the seething. It impairs focus.

[HindleA]

https://inews.co.uk/essentials/news/pol ... aphically/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Minister confirms Britain will not leave Europe ‘geographically

[HindleA]

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-w ... ar_twitter" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Benefits sanctions office bosses called their own sick member of staff a 'whinger' who didn't deserve treating nicely

[HindleA]

http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk ... ate-labour" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Will Momentum be able to affiliate to Labour?
The party's current rules bar the group from doing so - and that is unlikely to change.

[tinyclanger2]

https://inews.co.uk/essentials/news/pol ... aphically/


Minister confirms Britain will not leave Europe ‘geographically

At least the centuries of doffing have ensured we have the brightest and best at the helm.

[PorFavor]

https://inews.co.uk/essentials/news/pol ... aphically/


Minister confirms Britain will not leave Europe ‘geographically

That will come as a blow to Liam Fox, who said that we are living "post-geography".

[PaulfromYorkshire]

NHS fears re-raise 'nasty party' worries

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38590170" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My emphasis

[PaulfromYorkshire]

As always with Laura, it's officially correct usage, though perhaps most commonly associated with poker it seems to me.

[tinyclanger2]

Frustrating that they're worried about being perceived as the nasty party.
But not about being it.

[tinyclanger2]

Americans have major concerns about the President-elect’s temperament and the direction in which his presidency will lead the country
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... 20796.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AngryAsWell]

Mad ? Bad ? or just plain wicked ?

NHS hospitals in England face £322m tax bill increase from April
Changes to business rates system mean NHS trusts face 21% rise in property tax bill over next five years – but some are fighting for charitable exemption

https://www.theguardian.com/society/201 ... from-april" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[HindleA]

Stephen Hitchin, an out-of-hours doctor and an A&E doctor at Chesterfield royal said:
“Chesterfield Royal Hospital have confirmed to the CCG today that they are experiencing SEVERE pressure (RED STATUS) in A&E, Emergency Management Unit, Clinical Decision Unit and critical care beds…This has come from a toxic combination of underinvestment, social care cuts, staff cuts, poor planning and GP surgery shortages. This is a failure of policy from this Government plain & simple. They are to blame & must take responsibility & action to correct this crisis”.

[tinyclanger2]

He added: “Instead of pandering to anti-immigrant sentiment, the Government should be investing in schools, further education and training to ensure British citizens have the skills British business desperately needs.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/po ... 21991.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

well quite

[PorFavor]

Mad ? Bad ? or just plain wicked ?

NHS hospitals in England face £322m tax bill increase from April
Changes to business rates system mean NHS trusts face 21% rise in property tax bill over next five years – but some are fighting for charitable exemption

https://www.theguardian.com/society/201 ... from-april" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I hear Eton will be strapped for cash, too . . .

[HindleA]

"All that rugby puts hairs on your chest
What chance have you got against a tie and a crest?"

[HindleA]

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2 ... are_btn_tw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



University leaders and academics warn hard Brexit could be disaster
MPs told of risk to decades of progress and cooperation, with German universities ‘snapping at heels’ to attract staff from UK

[HindleA]

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opini ... 58418.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


If political crisis isn't resolved, vulnerable will suffer the most

Northern Ireland


http://viewdigital.org/2017/01/10/bedro ... nt-crisis/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-38578321" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RogerOThornhill]

Evening all...decent day at the library despite the lights failing and then some not coming back on again. Quit before I got strained eyes just using the desk light...

Baverstock Academy closure on again after second government U-turn

http://schoolsweek.co.uk/baverstock-aca ... nt-u-turn/

An academy told it would close down before a volte-face from the schools commissioner has now been informed it will likely be shut down after all.

Baverstock Academy, in Birmingham, was told by the government it could consult on closure, before this decision was reversed in October with the former West Midlands regional schools commissioner Pank Patel stating efforts to find a new sponsor had “progressed positively”.

But despite a vocal campaign from parents and Birmingham Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe, the government has now told the school it can close after all.

As the article goes on to say, and was the subject of an editorial last week, there is a real issue about some schools not being wanted by any sponsor.

It's the sort of question you would hope got asked before they started this massive reorganisation - "what do we do if x, y or z happens?" but obviously didn't.