Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
I've never heard him say anything as funny as, "No Mr Bond, I expect you to die."
Bit rude to Mr Goldfinger - he ran a multinational, inclusive & profitable organisation. His employees are effective and well trained - a sign of good management. Goldfinger himself has a detailed knowledge of his operations. His presentation skills on pitching new projects is world class.
His latest project required close cooperation with the Chinese governments, their employees and a substantial number of members of the legally challenged community. But for the actions of an upper class white male imperialist, it would have been an overwhelming success.
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
"The latest model of ChatGPT has begun to cite Elon Musk’s Grokipedia as a source on a wide range of queries, including on Iranian conglomerates and Holocaust deniers, raising concerns about misinformation on the platform.
In tests done by the Guardian, GPT-5.2 cited Grokipedia nine times in response to more than a dozen different questions. These included queries on political structures in Iran, such as salaries of the Basij paramilitary force and the ownership of the Mostazafan Foundation, and questions on the biography of Sir Richard Evans, a British historian and expert witness against Holocaust denier David Irving in his libel trial."
“nine times to more than a dozen queries”
Sloppy journalism. How many more than a dozen is quite significant here if we are to assess how frequent it is.
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
Whether you agree or disagree with the the proposed streamlining of police forces in England and Wales this is just a party political piece by Kuennsberg. Critiquing this government and the Blair government on behalf of the Conservative Party and promoting their narrative. There is absolutely none of the BBCs infamous and normally absurd balancing of the argument.
Local Labour members must be able to freely choose their candidate for Gorton and Denton.
Sorry but if the most unpopular Labour government in history intervenes to block our only senior Labour politician with a net positive public approval rating - in doing so risking handing victory to a far right party - that’s putting petty factionalism before the country.
The last person at Labour HQ had better turn the lights off on their way out.
The difference between net positive popularity levels in polling needs to considered against where one person in a job has to make tough decisions many of which, such as tax and spend, will be very unpopular - the other persons job is little more than glorified car park attendant.
The Tweet came out and was discussed here days ago. That's quick journalism from the Guardian, they'll be reporting on the rise of Tiktok and the difficulty of getting on the property ladder soon.
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
I've never heard him say anything as funny as, "No Mr Bond, I expect you to die."
Bit rude to Mr Goldfinger - he ran a multinational, inclusive & profitable organisation. His employees are effective and well trained - a sign of good management. Goldfinger himself has a detailed knowledge of his operations. His presentation skills on pitching new projects is world class.
His latest project required close cooperation with the Chinese governments, their employees and a substantial number of members of the legally challenged community. But for the actions of an upper class white male imperialist, it would have been an overwhelming success.
@LizzyBuchan Sadiq Khan becomes the latest Labour bigwig to say Andy Burnham shouldn't be blocked from standing in the Gorton by-election.
He tells @thefabians conference: "I think if Andy Burnham wants to be a member of Parliament, Andy Burnham should be allowed to be a member of Parliament.
"I'm a firm believer in the best team having all the talent playing for them, and if Andy wants to return to Parliament, I will try and make some time between now and the by-election to knock on some doors for him, or whoever the candidate is."
Er, no. He should be allowed to seek the approval of the electorate to become an MP.
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
I've never heard him say anything as funny as, "No Mr Bond, I expect you to die."
I thought it was "No, Mr Powers, I expect you to die!"
Germany is always trying to get that gold back - the USA is always refusing. Trump is another angle on that request - it will fail again. It's the USA's gold now.
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
The great dealmaker is more the great dealbreaker.
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
I've never heard him say anything as funny as, "No Mr Bond, I expect you to die."
I thought it was "No, Mr Powers, I expect you to die!"
Germany is always trying to get that gold back - the USA is always refusing. Trump is another angle on that request - it will fail again. It's the USA's gold now.
The seem to have transferred a bunch back in 2017, but maybe this is a new thing?
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
I've never heard him say anything as funny as, "No Mr Bond, I expect you to die."
I thought it was "No, Mr Powers, I expect you to die!"
Germany is always trying to get that gold back - the USA is always refusing. Trump is another angle on that request - it will fail again. It's the USA's gold now.
In defence of historical truth, and write the right paragraphs summing this up for the record books, did Trump have a bit of a truthful point in his attack on NATO over Afghanistan War?
I am aware Afghanistan is split today, hardliners to the South and east with Supreme Leader, more moderate conservatives to the North and west, who are beginning to get their way a bit over the hardliners. I was too young to remember the Afghan war, but looking into it, some NATO countries did insist on national caveats that restricted their troops' engagement levels, which meant they were not deployed on the frontlines in Afghanistan. We lost 457, the US nearly two and half Thousand, France Germany Italy under 100 each.
Where UK was deployed was certainly front line in those toughest provinces. UK didn’t go with caveats. The defence of Trump is he bundled those without caveats to role so role was same as US in with, in with those with front line engagement caveats, when in Trump {and goodness knows how many other American} minds he’s thinking NATO article 5 invoked by US after it was attacked, but some NATO countries came to help with caveats. On the other hand, if knowingly not tired and ignorantly bundled non caveat’s in with those caveated it’s the very nastiest shocking attack on UK, and at same time as well thirty coalition allies who came to help US did take casualties, so stupid and nasty thing to say and do to all allies who came to help.
However, to understand it and if clever politics at play here, I do know on research into Hitler NAZI regime, that fascists and populists are noted for cunning politics for focusing much on a bit of actual factual truth in their policy’s and rhetoric, as seen from national or populist point of view plays very well with that crowd, and spinning it and bigging it up from there to win over people, which helps define Trump, Farage etc in how they go about things as different from how decent moderate fair minded politicians go about things.
I'm sorry I've tried really hard but I don't understand what you're saying. Is it important?
The Tweet came out and was discussed here days ago. That's quick journalism from the Guardian, they'll be reporting on the rise of Tiktok and the difficulty of getting on the property ladder soon.
It was embarrassing days ago. It’s embarrassing now. The more people who see this, the better.
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
He's so God-damned stupid that he doesn't get that Canada wants a deal with China because it's now impossible to do a deal with America, as he can simply blow up such deals at a whim, as he did with NAFTA, and now USMCA (which is his own deal).
Basically the lesson every sane person has learnt over the last year is that you can't do business with the Americans anymore, the country is run by a lunatic.
Whether you agree or disagree with the the proposed streamlining of police forces in England and Wales this is just a party political piece by Kuennsberg. Critiquing this government and the Blair government on behalf of the Conservative Party and promoting their narrative. There is absolutely none of the BBCs infamous and normally absurd balancing of the argument.
And PB considers the BBC to be Britain's last bastion of socialism.
She is not very good. She was at one time. I preferred her to Chris Mason who I'm still not a fan of but she's really not good or even interesting anymore
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
He's so God-damned stupid that he doesn't get that Canada wants a deal with China because it's now impossible to do a deal with America, as he can simply blow up such deals at a whim, as he did with NAFTA, and now USMCA (which is his own deal).
Basically the lesson every sane person has learnt over the last year is that you can't do business with the Americans anymore, the country is run by a lunatic.
The Donald Trump Asylum for the Criminally Insane.
In defence of historical truth, and write the right paragraphs summing this up for the record books, did Trump have a bit of a truthful point in his attack on NATO over Afghanistan War?
I am aware Afghanistan is split today, hardliners to the South and east with Supreme Leader, more moderate conservatives to the North and west, who are beginning to get their way a bit over the hardliners. I was too young to remember the Afghan war, but looking into it, some NATO countries did insist on national caveats that restricted their troops' engagement levels, which meant they were not deployed on the frontlines in Afghanistan. We lost 457, the US nearly two and half Thousand, France Germany Italy under 100 each.
Where UK was deployed was certainly front line in those toughest provinces. UK didn’t go with caveats. The defence of Trump is he bundled those without caveats to role so role was same as US in with, in with those with front line engagement caveats, when in Trump {and goodness knows how many other American} minds he’s thinking NATO article 5 invoked by US after it was attacked, but some NATO countries came to help with caveats. On the other hand, if knowingly not tired and ignorantly bundled non caveat’s in with those caveated it’s the very nastiest shocking attack on UK, and at same time as well thirty coalition allies who came to help US did take casualties, so stupid and nasty thing to say and do to all allies who came to help.
However, to understand it and if clever politics at play here, I do know on research into Hitler NAZI regime, that fascists and populists are noted for cunning politics for focusing much on a bit of actual factual truth in their policy’s and rhetoric, as seen from national or populist point of view plays very well with that crowd, and spinning it and bigging it up from there to win over people, which helps define Trump, Farage etc in how they go about things as different from how decent moderate fair minded politicians go about things.
I'm sorry I've tried really hard but I don't understand what you're saying. Is it important?
Yes. It’s bloody important. Try again. UK was attacked, we invoked article 5, some NATO members came for a front line role, others with caveats to limit their people getting hurt, which then maximises the amount of front line work others need to do. It becomes a question of what you are thinking, but as internationalists not diplomatically saying, doesn’t it? And such a thing is beautifully ripe for fascists and populists who are always nation comes first-ists, to exploit. I’m not in the group who regard Trump and Farage as simpleminded, glib, even bit boorish or stupid. I look on it and regard them as sinister. I thought the book of magic spells had been discredited, deemed too dangerous and put away like at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. And that a note was taken to remember the lessons forever - things like the ECHR set up to keep us in check and help us remember. And I’m not wrong.
From a friend in Iran back in touch after a fortnight’s enforced silence.
“And Trump, this stupid evil, he betrayed us, Trump is more hateful to me than Khamenei, because the ideology of Khamenei and the IRGC is clear but Trump promised and kept saying that he would help, that he would shoot the person who shot you. Trump is the lowest of leaders the world has ever seen.”
A very strange example from Jenrick here. He really comes across as slimy & insincere
🆕 Robert Jenrick with a brutal takedown on the Daily Expresso podcast. JJ Anisiøbi said that Badenoch was voted more popular than Farage in a recent poll, Jenrick: "Yeah, but you kind of are when you're irrelevant".
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
He's so God-damned stupid that he doesn't get that Canada wants a deal with China because it's now impossible to do a deal with America, as he can simply blow up such deals at a whim, as he did with NAFTA, and now USMCA (which is his own deal).
Basically the lesson every sane person has learnt over the last year is that you can't do business with the Americans anymore, the country is run by a lunatic.
I would love for Trump to have one lucid, coherent moment where he fully understands that he has utterly fucked America for decades to come. And that is ALL he will ever be remembered for.
However, his frontotemporal dementia is so far gone, I doubt he will.
My mother suffered from it. On one level, it can be quite funny. Like when I got berated for not congratulating her on the Nobel Prize she got awarded. Unlike Trump, her fixation was not on Peace, but Literature.
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
He's so God-damned stupid that he doesn't get that Canada wants a deal with China because it's now impossible to do a deal with America, as he can simply blow up such deals at a whim, as he did with NAFTA, and now USMCA (which is his own deal).
Basically the lesson every sane person has learnt over the last year is that you can't do business with the Americans anymore, the country is run by a lunatic.
I would love for Trump to have one lucid, coherent moment where he fully understands that he has utterly fucked America for decades to come. And that is ALL he will ever be remembered for.
However, his frontotemporal dementia is so far gone, I doubt he will.
My mother suffered from it. On one level, it can be quite funny. Like when I got berated for not congratulating her on the Nobel Prize she got awarded. Unlike Trump, her fixation was not on Peace, but Literature.
Torn between wanting it to end quickly, and wanting him to witness his entire World torn down, but as you say, may already be too late for that
In defence of historical truth, and write the right paragraphs summing this up for the record books, did Trump have a bit of a truthful point in his attack on NATO over Afghanistan War?
I am aware Afghanistan is split today, hardliners to the South and east with Supreme Leader, more moderate conservatives to the North and west, who are beginning to get their way a bit over the hardliners. I was too young to remember the Afghan war, but looking into it, some NATO countries did insist on national caveats that restricted their troops' engagement levels, which meant they were not deployed on the frontlines in Afghanistan. We lost 457, the US nearly two and half Thousand, France Germany Italy under 100 each.
Where UK was deployed was certainly front line in those toughest provinces. UK didn’t go with caveats. The defence of Trump is he bundled those without caveats to role so role was same as US in with, in with those with front line engagement caveats, when in Trump {and goodness knows how many other American} minds he’s thinking NATO article 5 invoked by US after it was attacked, but some NATO countries came to help with caveats. On the other hand, if knowingly not tired and ignorantly bundled non caveat’s in with those caveated it’s the very nastiest shocking attack on UK, and at same time as well thirty coalition allies who came to help US did take casualties, so stupid and nasty thing to say and do to all allies who came to help.
However, to understand it and if clever politics at play here, I do know on research into Hitler NAZI regime, that fascists and populists are noted for cunning politics for focusing much on a bit of actual factual truth in their policy’s and rhetoric, as seen from national or populist point of view plays very well with that crowd, and spinning it and bigging it up from there to win over people, which helps define Trump, Farage etc in how they go about things as different from how decent moderate fair minded politicians go about things.
I'm sorry I've tried really hard but I don't understand what you're saying. Is it important?
Yes. It’s bloody important. Try again. UK was attacked, we invoked article 5, some NATO members came for a front line role, others with caveats to limit their people getting hurt, which then maximises the amount of front line work others need to do. It becomes a question of what you are thinking, but as internationalists not diplomatically saying, doesn’t it? And such a thing is beautifully ripe for fascists and populists who are always nation comes first-ists, to exploit. I’m not in the group who regard Trump and Farage as simpleminded, glib, even bit boorish or stupid. I look on it and regard them as sinister. I thought the book of magic spells had been discredited, deemed too dangerous and put away like at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. And that a note was taken to remember the lessons forever - things like the ECHR set up to keep us in check and help us remember. And I’m not wrong.
I feel like I'm on mushrooms but they're out of season.
The other thing that happens tho is that a large number of white people from the neighborhood show up to observe. Literally the only thing that gives ICE goons pause is white people from the community watching them. That’s why every school has parent patrols and vulnerable places ask for observers.
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
He's so God-damned stupid that he doesn't get that Canada wants a deal with China because it's now impossible to do a deal with America, as he can simply blow up such deals at a whim, as he did with NAFTA, and now USMCA (which is his own deal).
Basically the lesson every sane person has learnt over the last year is that you can't do business with the Americans anymore, the country is run by a lunatic.
Canada getting into bed with China could escalate into a genuine casus belli.
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
He's so God-damned stupid that he doesn't get that Canada wants a deal with China because it's now impossible to do a deal with America, as he can simply blow up such deals at a whim, as he did with NAFTA, and now USMCA (which is his own deal).
Basically the lesson every sane person has learnt over the last year is that you can't do business with the Americans anymore, the country is run by a lunatic.
The changeability is worse, in some ways, than any misgivings about his policies or personality - countries do deals with horrible regimes all the time after all.
Reminds me a bit of a Pratchett bit about a fence having a reputation for honesty (in his own way) and paying his bills, since he'd not get any repeat business otherwise.
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
I've never heard him say anything as funny as, "No Mr Bond, I expect you to die."
Sadly Goldfinger never actually said that, Gert Fröbe being dubbed by an English actor.
Amazing that he did that and managed to fit in time to go around the Moon on Apollo 11 *and* fight against the British in the Irish War of Independence.
Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros’ worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump.
Germany holds the world’s second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately €164bn (£122bn) worth – 1,236 tonnes – is stored in New York.
Emanuel Mönch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germany’s federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too “risky” for it to be kept in the US under the current administration.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US,” he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. “In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold.”
It is a side effect of the Police and Crime Commissioners not being allowed to be MPs. The Mayor of Manchester is also the PCC for Greater Manchester Police, so he cannot be an MP. That has been the case since that role was created. It does not apply to all mayors - I don't know when it became part of the London mayoralty, although it now is, but the only other one affected is West Yorkshire.
In defence of historical truth, and write the right paragraphs summing this up for the record books, did Trump have a bit of a truthful point in his attack on NATO over Afghanistan War?
I am aware Afghanistan is split today, hardliners to the South and east with Supreme Leader, more moderate conservatives to the North and west, who are beginning to get their way a bit over the hardliners. I was too young to remember the Afghan war, but looking into it, some NATO countries did insist on national caveats that restricted their troops' engagement levels, which meant they were not deployed on the frontlines in Afghanistan. We lost 457, the US nearly two and half Thousand, France Germany Italy under 100 each.
Where UK was deployed was certainly front line in those toughest provinces. UK didn’t go with caveats. The defence of Trump is he bundled those without caveats to role so role was same as US in with, in with those with front line engagement caveats, when in Trump {and goodness knows how many other American} minds he’s thinking NATO article 5 invoked by US after it was attacked, but some NATO countries came to help with caveats. On the other hand, if knowingly not tired and ignorantly bundled non caveat’s in with those caveated it’s the very nastiest shocking attack on UK, and at same time as well thirty coalition allies who came to help US did take casualties, so stupid and nasty thing to say and do to all allies who came to help.
However, to understand it and if clever politics at play here, I do know on research into Hitler NAZI regime, that fascists and populists are noted for cunning politics for focusing much on a bit of actual factual truth in their policy’s and rhetoric, as seen from national or populist point of view plays very well with that crowd, and spinning it and bigging it up from there to win over people, which helps define Trump, Farage etc in how they go about things as different from how decent moderate fair minded politicians go about things.
I'm sorry I've tried really hard but I don't understand what you're saying. Is it important?
Yes. It’s bloody important. Try again. UK was attacked, we invoked article 5, some NATO members came for a front line role, others with caveats to limit their people getting hurt, which then maximises the amount of front line work others need to do. It becomes a question of what you are thinking, but as internationalists not diplomatically saying, doesn’t it? And such a thing is beautifully ripe for fascists and populists who are always nation comes first-ists, to exploit. I’m not in the group who regard Trump and Farage as simpleminded, glib, even bit boorish or stupid. I look on it and regard them as sinister. I thought the book of magic spells had been discredited, deemed too dangerous and put away like at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. And that a note was taken to remember the lessons forever - things like the ECHR set up to keep us in check and help us remember. And I’m not wrong.
I feel like I'm on mushrooms but they're out of season.
The chocolate 'shrooms is very popular these days....
Indeed. ICE are literally arresting people for being brown.
Indeed, though it's interesting they are afraid so say that in public (but will say it in court)
Kind of the opposite of most of Trump's legal challenges to the 2020 election, where he and his media supporters would make all sorts of claims in public, then water them down (or not claim them at all) in a court of law.
Like one where they repeatedly said election observers on their side were not allowed in a room, then confirmed to the judge the observers were in the room.
It is a side effect of the Police and Crime Commissioners not being allowed to be MPs. The Mayor of Manchester is also the PCC for Greater Manchester Police, so he cannot be an MP. That has been the case since that role was created. It does not apply to all mayors - I don't know when it became part of the London mayoralty, although it now is, but the only other one affected is West Yorkshire.
Why does it mean he has to resign as Mayor before running for Parliament? He could get elected, and then step down. That, in fact, seems sensible.
Although it might be a Labour Party rule as well as the law, and as a party rule apply to all mayoralties
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
Although technically that is true, handing the Mayoralty to Team Putin suggests he is considerably more interested in self agrandisement than either his voters in Greater Manchester or the Labour Party.
It is a side effect of the Police and Crime Commissioners not being allowed to be MPs. The Mayor of Manchester is also the PCC for Greater Manchester Police, so he cannot be an MP. That has been the case since that role was created. It does not apply to all mayors - I don't know when it became part of the London mayoralty, although it now is, but the only other one affected is West Yorkshire.
Why does it mean he has to resign as Mayor before running for Parliament? He could get elected, and then step down. That, in fact, seems sensible.
Although it might be a Labour Party rule as well as the law, and as a party rule apply to all mayoralties
AIUI he wouldn't 'step down' he would (if elected) automatically lose the mayoralty without needing to resign.
The Tweet came out and was discussed here days ago. That's quick journalism from the Guardian, they'll be reporting on the rise of Tiktok and the difficulty of getting on the property ladder soon.
It's not a news report though but a profile of these shady networks that fund and dominate the British Right. Actually, Nigel doesn't come out too badly, as it highlights the fact that Jenrick wanted Truss thrown out of the Tory party, so that sort of puts Nigel on the more sensible side of the skirmish in his recruitment policy (though all things are relative).
I was just thinking about if others had been Mayor and MP at the same time. And that reminded me of Dan Norris. What a mess of a situation for constituents.
Dan Norris, MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, was suspended from the Labour Party in April and has not attended Parliament since his release on police bail nine months ago.
It is a side effect of the Police and Crime Commissioners not being allowed to be MPs. The Mayor of Manchester is also the PCC for Greater Manchester Police, so he cannot be an MP. That has been the case since that role was created. It does not apply to all mayors - I don't know when it became part of the London mayoralty, although it now is, but the only other one affected is West Yorkshire.
Why does it mean he has to resign as Mayor before running for Parliament? He could get elected, and then step down. That, in fact, seems sensible.
Although it might be a Labour Party rule as well as the law, and as a party rule apply to all mayoralties
Often it is the case that you cannot even be a candidate if at the time of nomination you meet a disqualification criteria. Though that would seem a bit weird in the case of standing for another office, just because you cannot do both simultaneously.
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
From what I have seen, Labour Party rules require you to step down first.
I have always wondered why we do not see devolved roles as good experience for Westminster, but apparently it's not supposed to work that way (and I admit Boris isn't a good example).
In any sensible country, Mark Drakeford would have been invited into the Labour cabinet after stepping down as FM (I originally assumed he was quite old and probably wanted to retire, but then I saw he came back as Welsh Chancellor or whatever it's called). He has more experience of government than any current Cabinet minister with the possible exceptions of Cooper and Milliband
After about 8.00pm Uk time tonight there is a possible first window open for an initial strike on Iran. General conditions favourable.
Most Western militaries prefer to operate at night initially so, assuming that is the case, you'd assume they go between 8.30 through to about 1-2am UK time.
Trump: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken … If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products”
There doesn't seem to be any upsides to working with Trump, since he will alter his stance on a day by day basis.
He's so God-damned stupid that he doesn't get that Canada wants a deal with China because it's now impossible to do a deal with America, as he can simply blow up such deals at a whim, as he did with NAFTA, and now USMCA (which is his own deal).
Basically the lesson every sane person has learnt over the last year is that you can't do business with the Americans anymore, the country is run by a lunatic.
Canada getting into bed with China could escalate into a genuine casus belli.
Are Canada and China a couple of lesbian porn stars?
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
It is a side effect of the Police and Crime Commissioners not being allowed to be MPs. The Mayor of Manchester is also the PCC for Greater Manchester Police, so he cannot be an MP. That has been the case since that role was created. It does not apply to all mayors - I don't know when it became part of the London mayoralty, although it now is, but the only other one affected is West Yorkshire.
Why does it mean he has to resign as Mayor before running for Parliament? He could get elected, and then step down. That, in fact, seems sensible.
Although it might be a Labour Party rule as well as the law, and as a party rule apply to all mayoralties
In the other direction Brabin resigned as an MP only upon winning the mayoral election, so I'm not sure why it wouldn't apply exactly the same the other way.
It is a side effect of the Police and Crime Commissioners not being allowed to be MPs. The Mayor of Manchester is also the PCC for Greater Manchester Police, so he cannot be an MP. That has been the case since that role was created. It does not apply to all mayors - I don't know when it became part of the London mayoralty, although it now is, but the only other one affected is West Yorkshire.
Why does it mean he has to resign as Mayor before running for Parliament? He could get elected, and then step down. That, in fact, seems sensible.
Although it might be a Labour Party rule as well as the law, and as a party rule apply to all mayoralties
There’s no law about standing, but if elected to Parliament he vacates the Mayorality.
It’s all going to be Labour Party rules and machinations before that.
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
From what I have seen, Labour Party rules require you to step down first.
I have always wondered why we do not see devolved roles as good experience for Westminster, but apparently it's not supposed to work that way (and I admit Boris isn't a good example).
In any sensible country, Mark Drakeford would have been invited into the Labour cabinet after stepping down as FM (I originally assumed he was quite old and probably wanted to retire, but then I saw he came back as Welsh Chancellor or whatever it's called). He has more experience of government than any current Cabinet minister with the possible exceptions of Cooper and Milliband
Most of our mayors are pretty new and have been pretty limited in authority, so it was not especially good experience, but then in fairness what is? Being a councillor has some similarities but is very different in others.
I expect in time it will become more and more common, if the goverment's plans to get mayors everywhere in England come to fruition. And it might cause some friction, either with ex-MPs getting the good gigs (as we've already seen in places), or mayors coming into Parliament assuming they should get high profile jobs immediately because they were a mayor.
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
This is a key reason Burnham is unfit for high office. It's Johnson redux.
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
I was just thinking about if others had been Mayor and MP at the same time. And that reminded me of Dan Norris. What a mess of a situation for constituents.
Dan Norris, MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, was suspended from the Labour Party in April and has not attended Parliament since his release on police bail nine months ago.
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
From what I have seen, Labour Party rules require you to step down first.
I have always wondered why we do not see devolved roles as good experience for Westminster, but apparently it's not supposed to work that way (and I admit Boris isn't a good example).
In any sensible country, Mark Drakeford would have been invited into the Labour cabinet after stepping down as FM (I originally assumed he was quite old and probably wanted to retire, but then I saw he came back as Welsh Chancellor or whatever it's called). He has more experience of government than any current Cabinet minister with the possible exceptions of Cooper and Milliband
Most of our mayors are pretty new and have been pretty limited in authority, so it was not especially good experience, but then in fairness what is? Being a councillor has some similarities but is very different in others.
I expect in time it will become more and more common, if the goverment's plans to get mayors everywhere in England come to fruition. And it might cause some friction, either with ex-MPs getting the good gigs (as we've already seen in places), or mayors coming into Parliament assuming they should get high profile jobs immediately because they were a mayor.
Well, if the ex-mayor has executive experience, and a time served MP doesn't, then all things being equal you should give the job to the person with experience. It's about time we realised that being an MP is about being a legislator and does not of itself qualify to you to be a minister.
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
Isnt he required to stand down first?
I seem to remember that Boris didn't resign his parliamentary seat until after he'd won the London mayoralty. Presumably the idea was that he'd stay on as an MP if he lost. Won't it be the same rules in Manchester?
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
Isnt he required to stand down first?
I seem to remember that Boris didn't resign his parliamentary seat until after he'd won the London mayoralty. Presumably the idea was that he'd stay on as an MP if he lost. Won't it be the same rules in Manchester?
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
It is very much a construct of right wing media and Burnham's ego.
It is a side effect of the Police and Crime Commissioners not being allowed to be MPs. The Mayor of Manchester is also the PCC for Greater Manchester Police, so he cannot be an MP. That has been the case since that role was created. It does not apply to all mayors - I don't know when it became part of the London mayoralty, although it now is, but the only other one affected is West Yorkshire.
Why does it mean he has to resign as Mayor before running for Parliament? He could get elected, and then step down. That, in fact, seems sensible.
Although it might be a Labour Party rule as well as the law, and as a party rule apply to all mayoralties
In the other direction Brabin resigned as an MP only upon winning the mayoral election, so I'm not sure why it wouldn't apply exactly the same the other way.
An example in the same direction as Burnham would be doing, given that it is the PCC role that is restrictive here.
Festus Akinbusoye stood as the Conservative candidate in the Mid Bedfordshire by-election whilst PCC for Bedfordshire, and retained the latter role when he lost.
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
It is very much a construct of right wing media and Burnham's ego.
How so? All this Team Starmer will block Burnham standing angle hasn't been coming from right wing media.
If it is party rules that now require standing down before being a candidate, then I wonder if the rules permit the waiving of that rule by the NEC. Often wiggle room is built into the rules.
When Corbyn was barred there was a lot of nonsence spoken about challenges when IIRC the party rules were very clear that the NEC could do it. Whether they should was a separate question entirely.
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
Isnt he required to stand down first?
I seem to remember that Boris didn't resign his parliamentary seat until after he'd won the London mayoralty. Presumably the idea was that he'd stay on as an MP if he lost. Won't it be the same rules in Manchester?
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
Isnt he required to stand down first?
Have the rules changed since Johnson was Mayor of London? He was elected as MP in 2015 and didn't step down as Mayor until the new mayoral elections in 2016.
Edit: Apologies Stark Dawning I see you have made the same point below
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
It is very much a construct of right wing media and Burnham's ego.
How so? All this Team Starmer will block Burnham standing angle hasn't been coming from right wing media.
If course it has.
My own view is Burnham is mischief making in conjunction with the media.
Despite all the press hype, Burham would not lose his mayoral role unless he is actually elected as an MP. Therefore, there is no risk to him in standing; if he is blocked or fails at any stage, he is still the mayor.
From what I have seen, Labour Party rules require you to step down first.
I have always wondered why we do not see devolved roles as good experience for Westminster, but apparently it's not supposed to work that way (and I admit Boris isn't a good example).
In any sensible country, Mark Drakeford would have been invited into the Labour cabinet after stepping down as FM (I originally assumed he was quite old and probably wanted to retire, but then I saw he came back as Welsh Chancellor or whatever it's called). He has more experience of government than any current Cabinet minister with the possible exceptions of Cooper and Milliband
Most of our mayors are pretty new and have been pretty limited in authority, so it was not especially good experience, but then in fairness what is? Being a councillor has some similarities but is very different in others.
I expect in time it will become more and more common, if the goverment's plans to get mayors everywhere in England come to fruition. And it might cause some friction, either with ex-MPs getting the good gigs (as we've already seen in places), or mayors coming into Parliament assuming they should get high profile jobs immediately because they were a mayor.
Well, if the ex-mayor has executive experience, and a time served MP doesn't, then all things being equal you should give the job to the person with experience. It's about time we realised that being an MP is about being a legislator and does not of itself qualify to you to be a minister.
Possibly, but being a leader in parliament requires being able to manage your fellow MPs too (one reason Corbyn had trouble right from the start), and some ex-mayor coming in with a big ego because they were used to being big boots elsewhere could face challenges.
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
This is a key reason Burnham is unfit for high office. It's Johnson redux.
With Leave winning the Ref = the NEC *not* blocking him?
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
It is very much a construct of right wing media and Burnham's ego.
How so? All this Team Starmer will block Burnham standing angle hasn't been coming from right wing media.
If course it has.
My own view is Burnham is mischief making in conjunction with the media.
Are you suggesting the likes of the Guardian are now part of the right wing media?
Then he faces the challenge of getting selected by a panel of the party’s ruling national executive committee. Four NEC members who spoke to the Guardian gave his chances of being selected by that body as “zero”.
Along with Sky, BBC Newsnight, basically anybody with a microphone, twitter account or column in a media have been given the briefing that Team Starmer hate Burnham and they have a load of ways to block him which they will deploy.
Another thought that may run counter to the prevailing logic today.
It has been commented that Labour moved at lightning speed on the nomination process, which could facilitate a February by-election.
I believe all of Greater Manchester has elections in the locals round, so this speed could be seen a facilitating a mayoral election to take place in May, reducing the additional cost.
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
It is very much a construct of right wing media and Burnham's ego.
How so? All this Team Starmer will block Burnham standing angle hasn't been coming from right wing media.
If course it has.
My own view is Burnham is mischief making in conjunction with the media.
Are you suggesting the likes of the Guardian are now part of the right wing media?
Then he faces the challenge of getting selected by a panel of the party’s ruling national executive committee. Four NEC members who spoke to the Guardian gave his chances of being selected by that body as “zero”.
Along with Sky, BBC Newsnight, basically anybody with a microphone, twitter account or column in a media have been given the briefing that Team Starmer hate Burnham and they have a load of ways to block him which they will deploy.
Burnham is mischief making to feather his own nest. Media hacks see it as an embarrassment to Starmer to block Burnham which is why the press are keen for Burnham to run.
Humiliating Starmer and Labour is why PB Tories are desperate for him to run. Burnham isn't very bright is he?
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
It is very much a construct of right wing media and Burnham's ego.
How so? All this Team Starmer will block Burnham standing angle hasn't been coming from right wing media.
If course it has.
My own view is Burnham is mischief making in conjunction with the media.
You seem quite upset by all this but to try to pin this on right wing media is simply nonsense
This is being led by Angela Rayner and others very much supported by many on the left
Of coarse it will cause a fracture in labour whether he stands or doesn't but the person to look at here is Starmer who simply has not performed to any credible level
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
It is very much a construct of right wing media and Burnham's ego.
How so? All this Team Starmer will block Burnham standing angle hasn't been coming from right wing media.
If course it has.
My own view is Burnham is mischief making in conjunction with the media.
Are you suggesting the likes of the Guardian are now part of the right wing media?
Then he faces the challenge of getting selected by a panel of the party’s ruling national executive committee. Four NEC members who spoke to the Guardian gave his chances of being selected by that body as “zero”.
Along with Sky, BBC Newsnight, basically anybody with a microphone, twitter account or column in a media have been given the briefing that Team Starmer hate Burnham and they have a load of ways to block him which they will deploy.
Burnham is mischief making to feather his own nest. Media hacks see it as an embarrassment to Starmer to block Burnham which is why the press are keen for Burnham to run.
Burnham might be, but I am not following your logic on this big right wing conspiracy. If it was the Telegraphs says anonymous sources say Starmer will block him standing, sure, with you. But Guardian journalist says 4 NEC members have said they won't allow his selection, that is quite different, its a very specific claim.
@alexrogerssky A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
A different week, a different party having psychodrama.
It is very much a construct of right wing media and Burnham's ego.
How so? All this Team Starmer will block Burnham standing angle hasn't been coming from right wing media.
If course it has.
My own view is Burnham is mischief making in conjunction with the media.
You seem quite upset by all this but to try to pin this on right wing media is simply nonsense
This is being led by Angela Rayner and others very much supported by many on the left
Of coarse it will cause a fracture in labour whether he stands or doesn't but the person to look at here is Starmer who simply has not performed to any credible level
Burnham going for Gorton promotes Reform at a time where the Government are under pressure. Now you would prefer to see benefits for both Conservative and Reform at the expense of a party that isn't Reform or the Conservatives. I agree that Starmer has been a poor Prime Minister but my beef with Burnham he is digging the hole deeper and his ambition is assisting Farage.
I don't believe, and I am sure you agree, that Burnham would be anything other than an inadequate Prime Minister.
If it is party rules that now require standing down before being a candidate, then I wonder if the rules permit the waiving of that rule by the NEC. Often wiggle room is built into the rules.
When Corbyn was barred there was a lot of nonsence spoken about challenges when IIRC the party rules were very clear that the NEC could do it. Whether they should was a separate question entirely.
Erskine May says a PCC becomes disqualified to be a PCC if they become an MP.
I am on a train. It was crowded so I went for the first-class upgrade. I'm in my first class seat. It is full of people in groups TALKING TO EACH OTHER. BASTARDS. Apparently Amy would like a cat. One couple are sitting in separate seats. LISA HAVE YOU GOT THE TICKETS. One guy asked if the other ever had a beard. I cannot use this information.
I'm sorry, this is unacceptable. I want studious young men on laptops. Middle aged men with nose hair and good suits who work in the City. Prissy older women who look like Theresa May and tut if somebody says something. England, you have disappointed me.
Came back from Japan to Heathrow before Christmas. V long flight, bit grumpy and tired. Booked 1st class upgrades on seatfrog for train out of Paddington to Exeter as thought it would be worth it on this occasion.
Board train: - 1st class is rammed; - there's a proper dining car, with space for standard class passengers. I could have sat in that and had lunch for the price of my upgrade; - after a walk up and down the length of the train it becomes apparent that standard class is not only less busy but the carriages are also cooler, and the only 2 people talking self-importantly on their phones on the whole train are in first class.
FFAS !
My bus to the toon the other day. Guy sitting in the seat on the opposite site to me picking his nose, looking at it, flicking it, and biting his nails all through the journey. No spare seats and I can see it out of the corner of my eye.
I’m not a violent person, I have not thrown a punch in anger since I was at school, but I really wanted to do him some damage.
Comments
His latest project required close cooperation with the Chinese governments, their employees and a substantial number of members of the legally challenged community. But for the actions of an upper class white male imperialist, it would have been an overwhelming success.
Goldfinger for PM.
Sloppy journalism. How many more than a dozen is quite significant here if we are to assess how frequent it is.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2k98jw3xnxo
And PB considers the BBC to be Britain's last bastion of socialism.
He should be allowed to seek the approval of the electorate to become an MP.
ICE flew 2-year-old to Texas despite court order to release her from custody
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/ice-flew-2-year-old-to-texas-despite-court-order-to-release-her-from-custody/
Basically the lesson every sane person has learnt over the last year is that you can't do business with the Americans anymore, the country is run by a lunatic.
UK was attacked, we invoked article 5, some NATO members came for a front line role, others with caveats to limit their people getting hurt, which then maximises the amount of front line work others need to do. It becomes a question of what you are thinking, but as internationalists not diplomatically saying, doesn’t it? And such a thing is beautifully ripe for fascists and populists who are always nation comes first-ists, to exploit.
I’m not in the group who regard Trump and Farage as simpleminded, glib, even bit boorish or stupid. I look on it and regard them as sinister. I thought the book of magic spells had been discredited, deemed too dangerous and put away like at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. And that a note was taken to remember the lessons forever - things like the ECHR set up to keep us in check and help us remember.
And I’m not wrong.
From a friend in Iran back in touch after a fortnight’s enforced silence.
“And Trump, this stupid evil, he betrayed us, Trump is more hateful to me than Khamenei, because the ideology of Khamenei and the IRGC is clear but Trump promised and kept saying that he would help, that he would shoot the person who shot you. Trump is the lowest of leaders the world has ever seen.”
Welcome back.
@rgoodlaw.bsky.social
On camera: Vance, Noem say ICE doesn’t use race.
In court: DOJ's filings say the exact opposite.
Here's what the Justice Department actually told the Supreme Court, and how DOJ defends ICE's use of racially profiling.
https://bsky.app/profile/rgoodlaw.bsky.social/post/3md6fad3tr22x
However, his frontotemporal dementia is so far gone, I doubt he will.
My mother suffered from it. On one level, it can be quite funny. Like when I got berated for not congratulating her on the Nobel Prize she got awarded. Unlike Trump, her fixation was not on Peace, but Literature.
https://x.com/JadeFrancesAzim/status/2015003644135944619?s=20
on the same note
@normcharlatan.bsky.social
The other thing that happens tho is that a large number of white people from the neighborhood show up to observe. Literally the only thing that gives ICE goons pause is white people from the community watching them. That’s why every school has parent patrols and vulnerable places ask for observers.
Reminds me a bit of a Pratchett bit about a fence having a reputation for honesty (in his own way) and paying his bills, since he'd not get any repeat business otherwise.
It is a side effect of the Police and Crime Commissioners not being allowed to be MPs. The Mayor of Manchester is also the PCC for Greater Manchester Police, so he cannot be an MP. That has been the case since that role was created. It does not apply to all mayors - I don't know when it became part of the London mayoralty, although it now is, but the only other one affected is West Yorkshire.
Like one where they repeatedly said election observers on their side were not allowed in a room, then confirmed to the judge the observers were in the room.
He must be finding it hard.
Although it might be a Labour Party rule as well as the law, and as a party rule apply to all mayoralties
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-and-agents-combined-authority-mayoral-elections/what-you-need-know-you-stand-a-candidate/qualifications-and-disqualifications-standing-election-pcc/disqualifications/members-parliaments-and-assemblies
Whether that means he can't stand before resigning I am not quite sure. That might be a Labour party matter.
Dan Norris, MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, was suspended from the Labour Party in April and has not attended Parliament since his release on police bail nine months ago.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2k5dm07j7o
I have always wondered why we do not see devolved roles as good experience for Westminster, but apparently it's not supposed to work that way (and I admit Boris isn't a good example).
In any sensible country, Mark Drakeford would have been invited into the Labour cabinet after stepping down as FM (I originally assumed he was quite old and probably wanted to retire, but then I saw he came back as Welsh Chancellor or whatever it's called). He has more experience of government than any current Cabinet minister with the possible exceptions of Cooper and Milliband
Most Western militaries prefer to operate at night initially so, assuming that is the case, you'd assume they go between 8.30 through to about 1-2am UK time.
A number of Labour sources in the north west expect Andy Burnham will put in a nomination for the Gorton and Denton byelection by the 5pm deadline, with an announcement expected later today - but watch this space
The speculation is that Burnham expects to be blocked by the NEC - thereby triggering a wave of support which strengthens his position and weakens the PM's
It’s all going to be Labour Party rules and machinations before that.
I expect in time it will become more and more common, if the goverment's plans to get mayors everywhere in England come to fruition. And it might cause some friction, either with ex-MPs getting the good gigs (as we've already seen in places), or mayors coming into Parliament assuming they should get high profile jobs immediately because they were a mayor.
Festus Akinbusoye stood as the Conservative candidate in the Mid Bedfordshire by-election whilst PCC for Bedfordshire, and retained the latter role when he lost.
When Corbyn was barred there was a lot of nonsence spoken about challenges when IIRC the party rules were very clear that the NEC could do it. Whether they should was a separate question entirely.
Edit: Apologies Stark Dawning I see you have made the same point below
My own view is Burnham is mischief making in conjunction with the media.
Then he faces the challenge of getting selected by a panel of the party’s ruling national executive committee. Four NEC members who spoke to the Guardian gave his chances of being selected by that body as “zero”.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/22/andy-burnham-labour-nec-parliament-analysis
Along with Sky, BBC Newsnight, basically anybody with a microphone, twitter account or column in a media have been given the briefing that Team Starmer hate Burnham and they have a load of ways to block him which they will deploy.
It has been commented that Labour moved at lightning speed on the nomination process, which could facilitate a February by-election.
I believe all of Greater Manchester has elections in the locals round, so this speed could be seen a facilitating a mayoral election to take place in May, reducing the additional cost.
Humiliating Starmer and Labour is why PB Tories are desperate for him to run. Burnham isn't very bright is he?
The USA is fast becoming a pariah state and a third world cesspit .
This is being led by Angela Rayner and others very much supported by many on the left
Of coarse it will cause a fracture in labour whether he stands or doesn't but the person to look at here is Starmer who simply has not performed to any credible level
says everyone apparently!
I don't believe, and I am sure you agree, that Burnham would be anything other than an inadequate Prime Minister.
https://erskinemay.parliament.uk/section/5408/police-and-crime-commissioners-and-elected-mayors#:~:text=Footnotes,Police and Crime Commissioner functions.
I’m not a violent person, I have not thrown a punch in anger since I was at school, but I really wanted to do him some damage.