Best Of

Parade of political flunkies’: MPs critical as Sunak awards Michael Gove a peerage
Lib Dem deputy leader condemns ‘reward for failure’ as former PM elevates allies to Lords in resignation honours
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/apr/11/parade-of-political-flunkies-mps-critical-as-rishi-sunak-awards-michael-gove-a-peerage

I despise Gove but if we are to have a House of Lords which includes ex-politicians he clearly meets the criteria for it. He was a significant figure in government for 13 years and for good or ill (principally ill, it has to be said) made major changes that will probably reverberate through politics for decades.

That is one very good argument for getting rid of the Lords, but until that happens I can't see how anyone can say he shouldn't be considered for a peerage.

In private discussions hours before China announced new retaliatory tariffs, the Trump administration warned Chinese officials against such a move, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

The Chinese were also told – once again – that Chinese President Xi Jinping should request a call with US President Donald Trump.

Instead, US officials woke up to news of increased Chinese tariffs and no request for a leader level call. Xi also made comments that only dug him in further.
https://x.com/rwang07/status/1910692647519346832

I have good connections in China. I get a lot of business from there.*

If what they are saying to me is true, not only are they not backing down, but they are determined to smash Trump for his behaviour which Xi takes as a personal insult.

If it weren't for the fact that the world economy will suffer as a result, as of course will my business, it would be very amusing to watch two fat superannuated fascists knock lumps off each other.

Trump however doesn't seem to realise just how vulnerable he is. If China sells all US bonds, the resulting turmoil will be such he will probably end up being assassinated.

And that is what my sources think Xi's planning...

*Yes, I dislike and distrust the government of China. I also take the view however that there could be worse ways of serving our planet than teaching accurate history, sound political philosophy and ethical theories to the sons and daughters of despots. It may, in its own small way, one day help to create a better world.

Very much confirms my impression.

I really don’t think Trump has a clue what he’s got into.

Europe should align with China who now seems a much more reliable trade partner . I never thought I’d be saying that !

Europe should certainly not align with China. We'd leave ourselves horribly exposed when they decide to forcibly reunify Taiwan with the mainland. Europe's big enough to stand on its own, and work with other countries as and when it is useful to do so.

There's a much better chance of the Americans getting over the Trump disaster than there is of China becoming democratic over the next decade.

Parliament could have dealt with sooner but of course very good optics for No 10 to recall MPs.

“It’s a race against time to save British Steel . “ Starmer finally getting to grips with politics !

Socialism never ends well.

Privatising the steel industry not looking at great success either.

Not putting appropriate barriers on dodgy Chinese steel is the bigger issue. Free competition also needs to be fair competition.

But steel is also a strategic industry and productive capacity needs retaining. I'm not a great fan of public ownership but there are times where if it's the only option then that option has to be accepted.