Wednesday 25th February 2015

RogerOThornhill · Post by **RogerOThornhill** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 2:22 pm

TheGrimSqueaker wrote:
AT ‏@ammertufail · 49m49 minutes ago
I see @DPJHodges & @JohnRentoul are suspiciously quiet about the hammerin DC got at PMQ's. Happy to sing from rooftops when Ed has a bad one

Dan HodgesVerified account
‏@DPJHodges @ammertufail @JohnRentoul Didn't watch. I've been writing.

His next column?

"Why, not having any paid union officials as MPs, is bad news for Miliband"?

RogerOThornhill · Post by **RogerOThornhill** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 2:26 pm

Oh well, the Guardian comments system is complete screwed again.

Last comment was 54 minutes ago. What on earth do they keep doing to it?

StephenDolan · Post by **StephenDolan** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 2:37 pm

Emma Thompson and Greg Wise in tax boycott over HSBC scandal

http://gu.com/p/4658p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

“I want to stop paying tax, until everyone pays tax,” Wise told the Evening Standard. “I have actively loved paying tax, because I am a profound fucking socialist and I believe we are all in it together. But I am disgusted with HMRC. I am disgusted with HSBC. And I’m not paying a penny more until those evil bastards go to prison.”

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 2:57 pm

Re: Manchester handover. Having a mayor is the quid pro quo for the devolved funding. Our leader is one of the dozen or so AGMA council leaders, and he's reasonably emphatic that it's a good deal, since it'll help out with our funding, and will ensure that we get a greater say in how it's going to be allocated and spent. He's not happy with the mayoral idea particularly, but least of a bad job and all that.

If the Tories try to impose a Tory mayor on Greater Manchester, they'll fail. As a whole, the Manchester area is fairly red - I think it's 10 Labour,1 Tory and 1 hung council, if I recall correctly - and that's down to the electorate as a whole. If the Tories offer a vote, they'll find out that it'll be Labour mayors from the inception until the heat death of the Sun.

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 2:59 pm

Here's one for yahyah, a plea on how hard it can be campaigning in Wales, and how resilient, resourceful them Lib Dems are.

http://www.libdemvoice.org/baroness-jen ... 44791.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Toby Latimer · Post by **Toby Latimer** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 3:07 pm

I suppose Dan is in a flummox (synonyms: baffle, bewilder, mystify, bemuse, perplex, puzzle, confuse, confound, nonplus, disconcert, throw, throw off balance, disorientate, take aback, set thinking) about how to attack Labours performance at PMQs, given that his mum was part of the attack.

: confused_2.jpg (75.81 KiB) Viewed 12328 times

Eric_WLothian · Post by **Eric_WLothian** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 3:19 pm

Oh dear - the quality of our politicians:

SCHOOLCHILDREN should be taught languages that will help them get ahead in business because “nobody in the world speaks French,” according to a leading Conservative MSP.

Murdo Fraser, convener of Holyrood’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, said he is frustrated that his children are only taught French in primary school when it is “a very minor language”.
“Nobody in the world speaks French,” he said at the committee today.
“Well, apart from the French, obviously, but in terms of international trade French is a very minor language.

So let's forget Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Canada, huge chunks of Africa - and, of course, one of the Tories' favourite countries - Monaco.

http://www.scotsman.com/news/education/ ... -1-3701314

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 3:31 pm

Footage of Anna Soubry being unparliamentary, apparently.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jimwaterson/mos ... y-language" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 3:33 pm

ErnstRemarx wrote:Re: Manchester handover. Having a mayor is the quid pro quo for the devolved funding. Our leader is one of the dozen or so AGMA council leaders, and he's reasonably emphatic that it's a good deal, since it'll help out with our funding, and will ensure that we get a greater say in how it's going to be allocated and spent. He's not happy with the mayoral idea particularly, but least of a bad job and all that.

If the Tories try to impose a Tory mayor on Greater Manchester, they'll fail. As a whole, the Manchester area is fairly red - I think it's 10 Labour,1 Tory and 1 hung council, if I recall correctly - and that's down to the electorate as a whole. If the Tories offer a vote, they'll find out that it'll be Labour mayors from the inception until the heat death of the Sun.

Manchester to control £5bn a year health budget - already dropped a billion from last night.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/40e1c0cc-bcd0 ... z3SlrjiWV9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Personally I don't want a Mayor and I don't want that much power (and financial accountability) put into the hands of one person. Look at the kind of things BJ lumbers London with - Cable Car across the Irwell anyone?

frightful_oik · Post by **frightful_oik** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 3:48 pm

"sanctimonious cant" perhaps?

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:07 pm

AngryAsWell wrote:
ErnstRemarx wrote:Re: Manchester handover. Having a mayor is the quid pro quo for the devolved funding. Our leader is one of the dozen or so AGMA council leaders, and he's reasonably emphatic that it's a good deal, since it'll help out with our funding, and will ensure that we get a greater say in how it's going to be allocated and spent. He's not happy with the mayoral idea particularly, but least of a bad job and all that.

If the Tories try to impose a Tory mayor on Greater Manchester, they'll fail. As a whole, the Manchester area is fairly red - I think it's 10 Labour,1 Tory and 1 hung council, if I recall correctly - and that's down to the electorate as a whole. If the Tories offer a vote, they'll find out that it'll be Labour mayors from the inception until the heat death of the Sun.
Manchester to control £5bn a year health budget - already dropped a billion from last night.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/40e1c0cc-bcd0 ... z3SlrjiWV9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Personally I don't want a Mayor and I don't want that much power (and financial accountability) put into the hands of one person. Look at the kind of things BJ lumbers London with - Cable Car across the Irwell anyone?

I don't disagree. The lack of direct democratic accountability is the worst aspect of the deal (well, along with having a bloody mayor in the first place, given thatGtr Manchester voted against the idea in 2010 or whenever it was).

I'd like to think that the first act of the interim mayor would be to reballot people on the idea. If they're for it, then a mayoral council where the mayor would be open to scrutiny by all, not just AGMA leaders. The idea of a mayor for the entire city region is a poor one in terms of concentrating power in one set of hands, so the other change should be that the mayor must delegate chunks of the power out to elected representatives, and fortunately that structure is already in place across the region. They're called local councils.

(edited to remove incorrect wording)

diGriz · Post by **diGriz** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:21 pm

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lukelewis/these ... ousing-mar

Hi all.

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:29 pm

frightful_oik wrote:"sanctimonious cant" perhaps?

not exactly...

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:31 pm

Cue howls of ''How are we expected to live on 70 grand a year'' I'd be like a pig in shit on half the amount, doubt though, with a nod to diGriz's link be able to live in London.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcparliament" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:36 pm

How predictable, SNP joins in with Tory attacks on Gordon Brown.

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:39 pm

Could someone please do a well-being check on DanH? I just want to make sure he's okay...is it therapeutic writing or is it something else...I worry.

danesclose · Post by **danesclose** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:42 pm

frightful_oik wrote:"sanctimonious cant" perhaps?

Brian's not sanctimonious

LadyCentauria · Post by **LadyCentauria** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:42 pm

Tish wrote:Here are two interesting articles for anyone whose interested in what's happening to London, and how public space is being colonised by the rich and powerful.

A powerful polemic against the theft of public space by Ian Martin:

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/201 ... to-the-air" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And a look at what happened when some Guardian journalists attempted to walk the supposed public access route along the Thames, including the reaction of a security guard when they treatened to have a picnic on what is legally a publicly accessible area. "A picnic? What's in the picnic?"

http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/ ... king-route" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Both articles are excellent and thought-provoking, so book-marked for re-reading!

A slight aside: I did wander off, for some moments, during the first one. Reading the words "UK hedge funds named after Shakespearian characters" first prompted 'Malfolio' then instantly brought to mind the tangled and multi-hued tale of the fated lovers Magnolio and Fuschia as they struggled against the parental and societal expectations inhered by the rigid British taste-divide. Which might, sadly, never be written.

Eric_WLothian · Post by **Eric_WLothian** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:44 pm

RobertSnozers wrote: Wow.

There's a Conservative MSP?

PR isn't all sunshine and roses.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:49 pm

letsskiptotheleft wrote:How predictable, SNP joins in with Tory attacks on Gordon Brown.

Yeah, Pete Wishart. Failing to mention Brown giving all his earnings outside Parliament to charity.

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 4:53 pm

RobertSnozers wrote:
citizenJA wrote:Could someone please do a well-being check on DanH? I just want to make sure he's okay...is it therapeutic writing or is it something else...I worry.
I imagine it goes like: "Dan F Hodges is an enthusiastic self-starter with extensive experience in ~~Trade Unionism~~, ~~journalism~~, ~~writing for the Daily Telegraph~~ NB come back to this bit later. Education history..."

"... in hero worship, irrational hatreds, feeble journalism, getting his fizzog on telly and wondering why everyone thinks he's a ****"

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:01 pm

A cigar for this author:

http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-bc ... O3-ly40-g0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:03 pm

Radio 4's PM are doing a piece later on whether the reaction to Natalie Bennett's meltdown was 'sexist'.

Of course it wasn't.
If it had been any other leader they would have been laughed at or criticised in exactly the same way. Ed Balls got weeks of critical media attention because he forgot someone's name. Was that sexist ?

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:08 pm

yahyah wrote:Radio 4's PM are doing a piece later on whether the reaction to Natalie Bennett's meltdown was 'sexist'.

Of course it wasn't.
If it had been any other leader they would have been laughed at or criticised in exactly the same way. Ed Balls got weeks of critical media attention because he forgot someone's name. Was that sexist ?

I doubt any other leader would have been able to pen a ''I cocked up, I promise I will improve'' in the Guardian either, with the exception of Nick Clegg.

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:18 pm

Labour's motion, according to Greg Barker is another way for Labour to express it's anti-business prejudice.

So, not concentrating fully, on what we are told is a full time job is anti-business, how does that work then?

Barker, in a strong field really does come across as thick as a canteen cup.

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:21 pm

Ah, well up to the BBC's usual sorry standards...and no mention of Flashman getting a kicking at PMQs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31624695" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:28 pm

letsskiptotheleft wrote:Labour's motion, according to Greg Barker is another way for Labour to express it's anti-business prejudice.

So, not concentrating fully, on what we are told is a full time job is anti-business, how does that work then?

Barker, in a strong field really does come across as thick as a canteen cup.

Well, the Tory playbook goes something like this.

1) Labour is run and paid for by the unions (boo! those nasty unions!)
2) Labour, because of this, are anti-business (boo! those anti-business socialists!)
3) Labour, because of this, are therefore unpatriotic (boo! those lefty traitors!)
4) Labour, because of this, are unfit to run the country (boo! those unfit horrid degenerates!)
5) Ed Miliband, because of all the preceding, can't even eat a bacon sandwich and is weird and his dad was a Marxist and probably a Jew as well, although we can't really use that one in public....but you know what we mean (wink, wink; nudge, nudge)

I trust that helps.

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:31 pm

ErnstRemarx wrote:
letsskiptotheleft wrote:Labour's motion, according to Greg Barker is another way for Labour to express it's anti-business prejudice.

So, not concentrating fully, on what we are told is a full time job is anti-business, how does that work then?

Barker, in a strong field really does come across as thick as a canteen cup.
Well, the Tory playbook goes something like this.

1) Labour is run and paid for by the unions (boo! those nasty unions!)
2) Labour, because of this, are anti-business (boo! those anti-business socialists!)
3) Labour, because of this, are therefore unpatriotic (boo! those lefty traitors!)
4) Labour, because of this, are unfit to run the country (boo! those unfit horrid degenerates!)
5) Ed Miliband, because of all the preceding, can't even eat a bacon sandwich and is weird and his dad was a Marxist and probably a Jew as well, although we can't really use that one in public....but you know what we mean (wink, wink; nudge, nudge)

I trust that helps.

It does!

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:35 pm

Radio 4 just saying the police in Yorkshire have significantly widened their investigation into alleged crimes by Cliff Richard. More than one allegation now apparently.

Haven't the Mail been railing against the BBC over their attending & broadcasting the original search of his house ?

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:36 pm

Paul Flynn giving a barn stormer, politicians prostituting themselves, putting their outside interests before their constituents, sadly he is followed by Sir Tony Baldry.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:37 pm

Breaking News!!!!

Sir Cliff Richard: Police inquiry 'significantly expanded'
Breaking news
An historical sex offence inquiry into Sir Cliff Richard has "increased significantly in size", South Yorkshire Police has said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31630793" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

YahYah Snap

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:47 pm

Nursing chief Peter Carter attacks Prime Minister David Cameron over his criticism of the Welsh NHS
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... ks-8721137

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:50 pm

R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

Spacedone · Post by **Spacedone** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:51 pm

yahyah wrote:Radio 4 just saying the police in Yorkshire have significantly widened their investigation into alleged crimes by Cliff Richard. More than one allegation now apparently.

Haven't the Mail been railing against the BBC over their attending & broadcasting the original search of his house ?

To be fair that was a particularly stupid move on behalf of the BBC, pure sensationalism... The Daily Wail are probably annoyed that they weren't invited.

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:53 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

Oh god, sorry, as someone who has been there too many times I am genuinely sorry..

Xxx

Spacedone · Post by **Spacedone** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:53 pm

norman smith ‏@BBCNormanS 5 mins5 minutes ago
"There has been no big bust up" over tuiton fees with Ed Miliband - @edballsmp @lbc

Guess what will be in all the newspapers tomorrow?

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:54 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

Oh, am so very sorry to hear that sad news.
Heartbreak indeed for you both.

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 5:58 pm

Spacedone wrote:
yahyah wrote:Radio 4 just saying the police in Yorkshire have significantly widened their investigation into alleged crimes by Cliff Richard. More than one allegation now apparently.

Haven't the Mail been railing against the BBC over their attending & broadcasting the original search of his house ?
To be fair that was a particularly stupid move on behalf of the BBC, pure sensationalism... The Daily Wail are probably annoyed that they weren't invited.

For the past year or so, before the original police action, the Mail published odd little pieces showing pics of him and his business manager, an ex-Catholic priest, making all sorts of little insinuations.
They weren't much bothered about his privacy or reputation then.

Saw someone claim the other day that the Mail has a full time member of staff working on anti-BBC stories. Not sure if it is true but seems so.

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:01 pm

Harry Leslie Smith
‏@Harryslaststand
On Feb 25,1923, I was born in a gas lit hard scrabble Barnsley where life was tough & short 92 years later I'm on #Twitter Tempus fugit....

Have we wished Harry happy birthday ?

frightful_oik · Post by **frightful_oik** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:06 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

So sad!

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:09 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

I'm sorry to hear that Rebecca.

Never forget the wonderful time you spent together & remember her for the joy she brought to you.

My thoughts are very much with you & although human hugs are not the same as sloppy dog kisses, you can have as many as you need xx

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:09 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

Oh darling I'm so sorry.....

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:12 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

So very sorry, sometime there is just no more that can be done.
You are in my thoughts {{hug}} xx

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:13 pm

I'm sorry, RR2.
love
JA

Post by **refitman** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:13 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

Sorry to hear that rebecca. Hugs all round

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:15 pm

I bet dear Dave is wetting himself with pleasure at the news about Sir Cliff. It'll take some of the spotlight off them.

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:16 pm

RR2 - my condolences on losing Musica. Been there, done that, know how hard it is. Have a big hug.

Willow904 · Post by **Willow904** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:19 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

So sorry for you. Even knowing they are unwell doesn't really prepare you, does it.

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:20 pm

Looks as if Ceredigion's council tax rise will be 5% if, as expected, councillors vote for it this week.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... witterfeed" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

LadyCentauria · Post by **LadyCentauria** » Wed 25 Feb, 2015 6:21 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:R.I.P. Musica

Heartbreak in the Riots home this evening.

Just Love xxx