Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
One huge problem with faith schools in my area, is that they are essentially selective of the better off children.
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
The Globalist Wall Street Journal has no idea what they are doing or saying. They are owned by the polluted thinking of the European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of "screwing" the United States of America. Their (WSJ!) thinking is antiquated and weak, and very bad for the USA. But have no fear, we will WIN on everything!!! Egg prices are down, oil is down, interest rates are down, and TARIFF RELATED MONEY IS POURING INTO THE UNITED STATES. "The only thing you have to fear, is fear itself!"
Hang on, aren't the Tariffs on and off faster than a hookers knickers? Surely money not pouring in.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
One huge problem with faith schools in my area, is that they are essentially selective of the better off children.
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
Mm some interesting and constructive comments today, not just this one.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
No way the EU backs down. Further retaliatory tariffs will be put in place.
Unfortunately I suspect the lead time for Scotland to increase its whisky production as substitution for bourbon is rather long...
Why bother? Bourbon is rubbish and seems to always end up diluted with soft drinks, You can do that Bells, or even a cheap supermarket blend.
Bourbon isn’t all rubbish. John Daniel’s maybe. There are plenty of brands that aren’t.
I'm a fan of Scottish Whiskey and like peaty ones a lot, but I don't mind a bit of variety. Any tips on a bourbon that I might actually like? I like to try new stuff.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
Popcorn all round - apart from the whisky industry
I think we can expect some USA legal actions on some of these tariffs, as well as responses. Trump's basis for being able to do all of these himself, is - I think - National Emergency. And that is questionable, apart from the national emergency he is creating himself.
WTO is not being pursued yet because of snail's pace (and Canada lost some cases last time round).
He believes in power, not, law. We are about to find out what happens.
The Republicans in the House have voted to stop Congressional overview of the tariffs.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
I think she's fantastic. Hope she ends up as education secretary in a future government, probably a Labour one with the direction they seem to be moving in at the moment with the NHS reforms?!
Jeremy Hunt, the former Tory health secretary, said that potentially this announcement could lead to “real transformation”. He told Streeting:
Can I commend the boldness of today’s announcement. If the NHS is going to be turned around, it’s going to need radical reforms.
If the result of today is to replace bureaucratic over-centralisation with political over-centralisation, it will fail. But if what happens today is that we move to the decentralised model that we have for police and for schools, it could be the start of a real transformation.
Hunt basically saying Lansley was an idiot with a stupid and fixated idea?
Hunt's book on the NHS is well worth the read. I think he was one of the few Health Ministers of my career who really understood the issues.
Having a good day working on social media for my nascent toys business. Had a reasonable run into Christmas but has been largely dormant this year. I never did get round to building all the social media stuff (instead cross-promoting on YouTube) so today is the day.
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.bsky.social · 49m Surprise! The Russians, who have repeatedly said they don't want a ceasefire, have once again said they don't want a ceasefire
Zelenskyy has played this rather well. He agreed to something that he must have known was never going to fly and in exchange he has got his supplies and his intelligence back all whilst he has got the Europeans to massively step up their support for Ukraine and Ukraine's future. When you are trying to deal with childish simpletons such as he to put up with in the Oval Office that is a really good result.
The next stage is to use the increased support from both the US and Europe to start driving the Russians back.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
There is no US Champagne business. And I thought they spelled whisky as "whiskey" in the US? Is this Trump's Scottish heritage showing through?
A mildly interesting fact about German is that the word for debt is the same as the word for guilt. Helps to explain why they are especially concerned with avoiding it, for example with credit cards being less popular, etc.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
I think she's fantastic. Hope she ends up as education secretary in a future government, probably a Labour one with the direction they seem to be moving in at the moment with the NHS reforms?!
KB of five years ago might have been interesting- though then, she was happy to acknowledge that her way of running a school wasn't for everyone and (implicitly) it only works with other schools nearby to take the square pegs.
Since then, she has begun to circle the GBNews plughole. Not as badly as some, but enough to be concerning.
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.bsky.social · 49m Surprise! The Russians, who have repeatedly said they don't want a ceasefire, have once again said they don't want a ceasefire
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
I'm no socialist.
State schools of all descriptions are only financially viable if at or close to full attendance per year.
That means there cannot be more significantly more school places in a given area than there are pupils. Unless you want government spending on schools to increase significantly.
In towns and cities there will be some choice due to population density. But that choice doesn't need to include faith schools. Admissions based on parental faith should be in the private sector only.
That is, incidentally, a liberal principle and not a socialist one.
Coming in Halfway through so may get the wrong end of the stick…
The issue is there are very good faith schools that provide an excellent (and not very religious) education. Some LEAs dislike them because they are independent of the LEA. The risk is by giving the LEA control of numbers is it can be used to squeeze these good schools to expand / support weaker providers that are controlled by the LEA.
Surely it’s a basic principle that the good schools should be enabled to grow their pupil headcount?
Biggest issue with schools was Gove allowing "free schools" total freedom as to their location not where there was need for additional places. Result, some schools becoming unviable as their intake became shared with the free school set up round the corner.
"Good schools" will grow their headcount only as far as they can cream off pupils with high attainment. Case in point the CofE primary school in our LEA, which had a very large site but refused to increase intake for the primary school bulge a few years ago. The council had to squeeze all the additional intake into the LEA controlled schools.
The problem is the belief that school places are entirely predictive and do not vary according to circumstances.
For example, when West London Free School was setup, there were cries that no more places were needed. Hadn’t they read The Plan?
Yet, in the event, the local schools are all still running at 95%+ of capacity (which is another stupidity).
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
I'm no socialist.
State schools of all descriptions are only financially viable if at or close to full attendance per year.
That means there cannot be more significantly more school places in a given area than there are pupils. Unless you want government spending on schools to increase significantly.
In towns and cities there will be some choice due to population density. But that choice doesn't need to include faith schools. Admissions based on parental faith should be in the private sector only.
That is, incidentally, a liberal principle and not a socialist one.
Surely it’s a basic principle that the good schools should be enabled to grow their pupil headcount?
I agree the best schools should increase headcount, but I can see there needs to be an independent arbiter as to which schools increase/maintain and which decrease. Otherwise you end up in a prisoners dilemma situation where every school tries to have more places than they can fill and costs go up.
The principle should be oversubscribed schools get to increase or maintain, unsubscribed schools are required to decrease. Perhaps the legislation should make this clear if local authorities are going to do something stupid.
The religious school part is I opposed any religious based entry criteria to a state funded school. I don't particularly care if run by local authorities, free schools or church run so long as that criteria is met.
There are a couple of catches there.
One is that very few schools want to expand. If you have a happy and successful school of 1000, it's a high risk/low reward gamble to try to turn that into a school of 1200 or more.
The other is that shrinking schools have sticky struggles. You quickly end up compromising on breadth of teaching to make the finances work at all- especially at the funding levels in the state sector.
School choice requires city living; otherwise, you can't gather together enough children in one place. And that's if you are prepared to fund the necessary overcapacity, which we generally aren't.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
No way the EU backs down. Further retaliatory tariffs will be put in place.
Unfortunately I suspect the lead time for Scotland to increase its whisky production as substitution for bourbon is rather long...
Why bother? Bourbon is rubbish and seems to always end up diluted with soft drinks, You can do that Bells, or even a cheap supermarket blend.
Bourbon isn’t all rubbish. John Daniel’s maybe. There are plenty of brands that aren’t.
I'm a fan of Scottish Whiskey and like peaty ones a lot, but I don't mind a bit of variety. Any tips on a bourbon that I might actually like? I like to try new stuff.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Bollocks. Switzerland manages fine.
Both the Americans and some Europeans overestimate Europes economic dependence on the US. It’s important, but not existential. See also German dependence on Russian gas. That’s true both of the EU member states and the non-EU European economies. I don’t think it requires any major “pivot to China”.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Survive what? We are at a lower level of threat now than we have been in my life time. Western Europe faced a potential conventional threat from Russia but the loss of 10k+ tanks and much of their artillery in Ukraine has removed that threat.
We no longer have the umbrella of American support but that has been increasingly threadbare in recent decades anyway and we have the time to do something about it.
We face economic threats from the Chinese in the form of dumping and the US in the form of Trump but our security is actually ok. It makes sense to cooperate with Europe on defence and I am sure that we will but the Chinese are a problem, not a solution.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
No way the EU backs down. Further retaliatory tariffs will be put in place.
Unfortunately I suspect the lead time for Scotland to increase its whisky production as substitution for bourbon is rather long...
Why bother? Bourbon is rubbish and seems to always end up diluted with soft drinks, You can do that Bells, or even a cheap supermarket blend.
Bourbon isn’t all rubbish. John Daniel’s maybe. There are plenty of brands that aren’t.
I'm a fan of Scottish Whiskey and like peaty ones a lot, but I don't mind a bit of variety. Any tips on a bourbon that I might actually like? I like to try new stuff.
I enjoy Woodford
Been there in person and done the tour. Was a very enjoyable afternoon.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Bollocks. Switzerland manages fine.
But with a population of just 8 million, who are docile, highly conscientious, and well-organised.
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.bsky.social · 49m Surprise! The Russians, who have repeatedly said they don't want a ceasefire, have once again said they don't want a ceasefire
Zelenskyy has played this rather well. He agreed to something that he must have known was never going to fly and in exchange he has got his supplies and his intelligence back all whilst he has got the Europeans to massively step up their support for Ukraine and Ukraine's future. When you are trying to deal with childish simpletons such as he to put up with in the Oval Office that is a really good result.
The next stage is to use the increased support from both the US and Europe to start driving the Russians back.
The issue that the Americans don't really seem to have gotten their head around is that Russia has taken 600,000 casualties (that's about one-in-five 18 to 24 year olds), and needs to show a "win".
Peter Kyle, has asked ChatGPT for advice on why the adoption of artificial intelligence is so slow in the UK business community – and which podcasts he should appear on.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Survive what? We are at a lower level of threat now than we have been in my life time. Western Europe faced a potential conventional threat from Russia but the loss of 10k+ tanks and much of their artillery in Ukraine has removed that threat.
We no longer have the umbrella of American support but that has been increasingly threadbare in recent decades anyway and we have the time to do something about it.
We face economic threats from the Chinese in the form of dumping and the US in the form of Trump but our security is actually ok. It makes sense to cooperate with Europe on defence and I am sure that we will but the Chinese are a problem, not a solution.
I mean more the more the economic threat from a collapse in America, as still our largest trading partner, currently.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
No way the EU backs down. Further retaliatory tariffs will be put in place.
Unfortunately I suspect the lead time for Scotland to increase its whisky production as substitution for bourbon is rather long...
Why bother? Bourbon is rubbish and seems to always end up diluted with soft drinks, You can do that Bells, or even a cheap supermarket blend.
Bourbon isn’t all rubbish. John Daniel’s maybe. There are plenty of brands that aren’t.
I'm a fan of Scottish Whiskey and like peaty ones a lot, but I don't mind a bit of variety. Any tips on a bourbon that I might actually like? I like to try new stuff.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Almost every European nation is a lot wealthier than China.
Peter Kyle, has asked ChatGPT for advice on why the adoption of artificial intelligence is so slow in the UK business community – and which podcasts he should appear on.
All of these questions seem like pretty reasonable ones for a Minister to ask an AI? They’re the kind of things you might have googled for a few years ago, but since web search went to shit due to the adpocalypse, a current AI is probably your best source of this kind of low stakes information.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Bollocks. Switzerland manages fine.
Both the Americans and some Europeans overestimate Europes economic dependence on the US. It’s important, but not existential. See also German dependence on Russian gas. That’s true both of the EU member states and the non-EU European economies. I don’t think it requires any major “pivot to China”.
China isn't even our 5th largest trading partner afaicr. This 'we must attach ourselves to someone bigger' nonsense is based on complete ignorance.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.bsky.social · 49m Surprise! The Russians, who have repeatedly said they don't want a ceasefire, have once again said they don't want a ceasefire
Zelenskyy has played this rather well. He agreed to something that he must have known was never going to fly and in exchange he has got his supplies and his intelligence back all whilst he has got the Europeans to massively step up their support for Ukraine and Ukraine's future. When you are trying to deal with childish simpletons such as he to put up with in the Oval Office that is a really good result.
The next stage is to use the increased support from both the US and Europe to start driving the Russians back.
The issue that the Americans don't really seem to have gotten their head around is that Russia has taken 600,000 casualties (that's about one-in-five 18 to 24 year olds), and needs to show a "win".
It’s an example (like a lot of wars), of the sunk cost fallacy.
It’s like Napoleon’s attempt to conquer Spain and Portugal. As French losses mounted, so he believed one more push would secure victory.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
Popcorn all round - apart from the whisky industry
I think we can expect some USA legal actions on some of these tariffs, as well as responses. Trump's basis for being able to do all of these himself, is - I think - National Emergency. And that is questionable, apart from the national emergency he is creating himself.
WTO is not being pursued yet because of snail's pace (and Canada lost some cases last time round).
He believes in power, not, law. We are about to find out what happens.
The Republicans in the House have voted to stop Congressional overview of the tariffs.
They might just as well vote to abolish themselves. They are a parcel of craven fools.
Peter Kyle, has asked ChatGPT for advice on why the adoption of artificial intelligence is so slow in the UK business community – and which podcasts he should appear on.
All of these questions seem like pretty reasonable ones for a Minister to ask an AI? They’re the kind of things you might have googled for a few years ago, but since web search went to shit due to the adpocalypse, a current AI is probably your best source of this kind of low stakes information.
I think it was more interesting precedent that they were released under FOI. Would all of a ministers google searches be released under FOI?
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Bollocks. Switzerland manages fine.
Both the Americans and some Europeans overestimate Europes economic dependence on the US. It’s important, but not existential. See also German dependence on Russian gas. That’s true both of the EU member states and the non-EU European economies. I don’t think it requires any major “pivot to China”.
China isn't even our 5th largest trading partner afaicr. This 'we must attach ourselves to someone bigger' nonsense is based on complete ignorance.
The post-Brexit economic results don't bear this out. Postimperial exceptionalism dies hard, as the Americans may end up funding out, too.
Ms Mone not a happy bunny. "PPE Medpro fulfilled all its contracts to specification and delivered on time. They did their job." Blaming the last government, and the civil service.
A mildly interesting fact about German is that the word for debt is the same as the word for guilt. Helps to explain why they are especially concerned with avoiding it, for example with credit cards being less popular, etc.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to not buy a Swastikar...
The Highway Patrol’s investigation into a November Cybertruck crash in Piedmont where three college kids died is finding two very Tesla problems: the vehicle immediately caught fire, and its doors would not open.
One prominent feature of the 'Cybertruck' was that it had bullet-proof windows. As not demonstrated by Musky Baby at its unveiling. I've never had anyone adequately explain why bullet-proof windows are a good selling point for an everyday vehicle, and how they increase general safety...
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to not buy a Swastikar...
The Highway Patrol’s investigation into a November Cybertruck crash in Piedmont where three college kids died is finding two very Tesla problems: the vehicle immediately caught fire, and its doors would not open.
One prominent feature of the 'Cybertruck' was that it had bullet-proof windows. As not demonstrated by Musky Baby at its unveiling. I've never had anyone adequately explain why bullet-proof windows are a good selling point for an everyday vehicle, and how they increase general safety...
It is perfectly possible to demonstrate such stuff for marketing purposes:
Unison says handling of NHS England abolition announcement 'shambolic'
"The health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end. But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist. The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way."
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.bsky.social · 49m Surprise! The Russians, who have repeatedly said they don't want a ceasefire, have once again said they don't want a ceasefire
Zelenskyy has played this rather well. He agreed to something that he must have known was never going to fly and in exchange he has got his supplies and his intelligence back all whilst he has got the Europeans to massively step up their support for Ukraine and Ukraine's future. When you are trying to deal with childish simpletons such as he to put up with in the Oval Office that is a really good result.
The next stage is to use the increased support from both the US and Europe to start driving the Russians back.
The issue that the Americans don't really seem to have gotten their head around is that Russia has taken 600,000 casualties (that's about one-in-five 18 to 24 year olds), and needs to show a "win".
Another issue Americans haven't got their head around is just how cost-effective the Ukrainians are. USA has poured trillions into containing Russia since the WW2, only for the Ukrainians to do a much better job and all USA has to do is supply some surplus kit and a comparatively trivial amount of cash (with the Europeans providing most of that).
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
No way the EU backs down. Further retaliatory tariffs will be put in place.
Unfortunately I suspect the lead time for Scotland to increase its whisky production as substitution for bourbon is rather long...
Why bother? Bourbon is rubbish and seems to always end up diluted with soft drinks, You can do that Bells, or even a cheap supermarket blend.
Bourbon isn’t all rubbish. John Daniel’s maybe. There are plenty of brands that aren’t.
I'm a fan of Scottish Whiskey and like peaty ones a lot, but I don't mind a bit of variety. Any tips on a bourbon that I might actually like? I like to try new stuff.
I sometimes ask for a Knob Creek when I fancy a bourbon in a bar, for the comedy effect if nothing else. But I make sure they have a bottle first!
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
I campaigned for Remain but Christ on a bike, even I want Steve Bray to STFU forever.
I would like to know who is still funding his all these years on.
I thought he had moved on from Stop Brexit, to all Tories are Russian stooges, now is he back on Stop Brexit?
Last time I saw him in was just after the election and he was banging on about the Tories being corrupt and stealing Covid billions, being Russian stooges, the latter did amuse me.
Ms Mone not a happy bunny. "PPE Medpro fulfilled all its contracts to specification and delivered on time. They did their job." Blaming the last government, and the civil service.
The naked greed of Ms Mone is what is so infuriating.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
Ms Mone not a happy bunny. "PPE Medpro fulfilled all its contracts to specification and delivered on time. They did their job." Blaming the last government, and the civil service.
Is she going to start a class action for all investigations by the NCA to be openly declared to the persons of interest (suspects)?
Unison says handling of NHS England abolition announcement 'shambolic'
"The health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end. But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist. The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way."
Can confirm: my NHS England staff who I have as students are reeling.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Bollocks. Switzerland manages fine.
But with a population of just 8 million, who are docile, highly conscientious, and well-organised.
The UK is pretty different.
Switzerland is not in the EU, or indeed even the EEA any more, but it is very close integrated with the EU. It is as closely integrated as you can be without actually being in it. You can definitely count it as part of the European/EU bloc.
@bondegezou taking another L today with the government abolishing NHS management and bureaucracy after his protestations for months that it is impossible and we need more admin staff in the NHS and more managers to suck the blood out of it.
Obviously you're delighted, but I can't see how abolishing NHS England removes the need for its various functions. Be interesting if they can actually reduce overall headcount.
What I'm confused about is who is actually doing Public Health in England now? That's by far the most important thing the NHS needs to fix in terms of obesity, diabetes etc.
The Streeting line is that executive functions were duplicated between NHS England and the Dept of Health. Those functions will be absorbed into the Dept of Health.
It can't take me long to become an armchair PB expert on the overlapping branches of NHS organisation and how to sort them out, starting from my position of complete indifference and ignorance can it?
I find the allocation of responsibility (along with the means of funding) for stuff like public health absolutely baffling, and am happy to admit it.
I suspect a lot of the public didn't even know Public Health England no longer existed.
The idea was that local government would have better local knowledge and ties into local communities than the NHS, and that there was benefit in integrating public health activity with other council functions like social care, housing, and environmental health.
The problem being that Local Authority resources have been more than decimated.
Unison says handling of NHS England abolition announcement 'shambolic'
"The health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end. But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist. The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way."
Can confirm: my NHS England staff who I have as students are reeling.
Do you believe the 50% headcount cut can or will happen? Seems very DOGE...
Unison says handling of NHS England abolition announcement 'shambolic'
"The health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end. But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist. The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way."
We could have asked Lord Sugar to quiz them on their weekly achievements.
Trump might fall for this nonsense. Europe must not.
Russian President Vladimir Putin may demand a halt to arms supplies to Ukraine as a condition for a temporary ceasefire, Bloomberg reports with reference to sources close to the Kremlin. https://x.com/Hromadske/status/1899858864662589643
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Bollocks. Switzerland manages fine.
But with a population of just 8 million, who are docile, highly conscientious, and well-organised.
The UK is pretty different.
Switzerland is not in the EU, or indeed even the EEA any more, but it is very close integrated with the EU. It is as closely integrated as you can be without actually being in it. You can definitely count it as part of the European/EU bloc.
But without the political interference from the EU. Seems a very good solution to me.
I must say, I'm not really sure that everyone has really taken onboard the level of impact of what may take place in the U.S.
An economic collapse of your biggest trading partner, which may even be the ultimate goal of people like Thiel, would be a huge event
Or the resurgence of US industry.
If Trump's tariffs only increase inflation then they will hit the economy but if they lead to more Americans buying US produced goods that may lead to a new era of protectionism across the developed world
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
It is partly China's over production and dumping cheap goods on western economies that has exacerbated the decimation of much north American and European industry, even Biden and the EU put tariffs on China.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
One huge problem with faith schools in my area, is that they are essentially selective of the better off children.
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
If more parents of children on free school meals went to church they would get a place at their nearest top church school, it is not difficult.
Churches still provide food banks for the poor anyway
Unison says handling of NHS England abolition announcement 'shambolic'
"The health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end. But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist. The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way."
Can confirm: my NHS England staff who I have as students are reeling.
Do you believe the 50% headcount cut can or will happen? Seems very DOGE...
I don't know. NHS England has already undergone a 40% cut in staff a few years back, so a 50% cut now is actually a smaller cut in terms of number of people! There will be some savings from not having NHSE separate from DHSC. I guess, yes, they can cut jobs if they want to.
Remember that NHS England is not the NHS in England. Most NHS staff are in hospital Trusts or primary care, etc.
Is it a good idea? I suspect not. A big reorganisation like this eats up everyone's attention and what you get at the end of it isn't going to sway many votes. If you actually want changes that patients and the public can see, then focus on making those and don't spend your political capital on a reorganisation. You could have brought NHS England closer to the DHSC in a more gradual manner, in a less revolutionary/DOGE-y way.
Also, NHS England has the potential to do great things. Managers can be a very cost effective way of spending money. I work mostly in digital health. If you're going to realise the potential for digital, including AI, to transform healthcare, you need people in NHS England or DHSC doing that work, supporting that transformation. Cutting those roles and everyone who still has a job having to spend all their time worrying about the reorganisation, that's not going to help anything.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
I'm, not a statistr socialist - you are, because you want to impose doctrine on children at the public expense.
You said
"They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school."
That's crystal clear language. Parents only go to a sectarian school when the others are defective, not because of the religion.
Because on average faith schools get better results that is why
In economic terms, can Europe survive an American collapse by allying with China ?
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The UK, and the big economies of Europe, need to stand on their own two feet, rather than looking for some big boy to protect them.
The US has played that role for 80 years. I doubt without similar patronage from a much larger partner the UK could survive, especially outside the E.U. It would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
Bollocks. Switzerland manages fine.
But with a population of just 8 million, who are docile, highly conscientious, and well-organised.
The UK is pretty different.
Switzerland is not in the EU, or indeed even the EEA any more, but it is very close integrated with the EU. It is as closely integrated as you can be without actually being in it. You can definitely count it as part of the European/EU bloc.
But without the political interference from the EU. Seems a very good solution to me.
Switzerland is very definitely not free of political interference from the EU. They have negotiated a special relationship and managed to maintain certain rules that they wanted to, but by and large they are rule followers not rule makers on most EU rules.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
One huge problem with faith schools in my area, is that they are essentially selective of the better off children.
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
If more parents of children on free school meals went to church they would get a place at their nearest top church school, it is not difficult.
Churches still provide food banks for the poor anyway
"it is not difficult"
School uniforms, school transport for a school that may be on the other side of the city, school outings, school field trips, pressure to make donations to match well off parents ...
AND as already explained today, needing to live in one place for years.
Does your church food bank provide brioche, I wonder?
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
I'm, not a statistr socialist - you are, because you want to impose doctrine on children at the public expense.
You said
"They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school."
That's crystal clear language. Parents only go to a sectarian school when the others are defective, not because of the religion.
Because on average faith schools get better results that is why
In other words, not because they are faith schools.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
Popcorn all round - apart from the whisky industry
I think we can expect some USA legal actions on some of these tariffs, as well as responses. Trump's basis for being able to do all of these himself, is - I think - National Emergency. And that is questionable, apart from the national emergency he is creating himself.
WTO is not being pursued yet because of snail's pace (and Canada lost some cases last time round).
He believes in power, not, law. We are about to find out what happens.
The Republicans in the House have voted to stop Congressional overview of the tariffs.
They might just as well vote to abolish themselves. They are a parcel of craven fools.
They *are* voting to abolish themselves.
Trump. Ruling by Decree. With Congress voting to remove their right of oversight and to censure any member who dissents.
This is how it ends. How the midterms get removed from the agenda. When the legislature has no intention of impinging on the dictatorial rights of the executive.
And just in case there is a problem, have a distraction. The government has directed the military to prepare a spread of options to take the Panama Canal. You can guarantee that options for Greenland and Canada are also being done.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
I'm, not a statistr socialist - you are, because you want to impose doctrine on children at the public expense.
You said
"They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school."
That's crystal clear language. Parents only go to a sectarian school when the others are defective, not because of the religion.
Because on average faith schools get better results that is why
In other words, not because they are faith schools.
In large part because they are faith schools and have good discipline and high standards
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
One huge problem with faith schools in my area, is that they are essentially selective of the better off children.
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
If more parents of children on free school meals went to church they would get a place at their nearest top church school, it is not difficult.
Churches still provide food banks for the poor anyway
"it is not difficult"
School uniforms, school transport for a school that may be on the other side of the city, school outings, school field trips, pressure to make donations to match well off parents ...
AND as already explained today, needing to live in one place for years.
Does your church food bank provide brioche, I wonder?
Those are costs at any school, faith or not, Outstanding faith schools also admit by church attendance unlike Outstanding secular state schools which admit on whether you can afford to buy a house in their catchment area.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to not buy a Swastikar...
The Highway Patrol’s investigation into a November Cybertruck crash in Piedmont where three college kids died is finding two very Tesla problems: the vehicle immediately caught fire, and its doors would not open.
Today is the vote in the Bundestag on reforming the debt brake. It's still unclear if it will get the 2 thirds majority needed.
If the Russians agree to the ceasefire Ukraine has accepted it may not be needed for the moment anyway
Nonsense
Putin has said he won't even accept European and NATO peacekeepers, it would likely be Turkish, Brazilian, Indian troops etc enforcing any ceasefire.
It would just be future deterrence NATO nations needed to increase their militaries for
Sorry to be picky but Turkey is in NATO so you could have Australian or New Zealand troops I suppose though I agree more likely are Brazilians, Nigerians or Indians. To be honest, if someone else is paying for them (who?), I imagine some countries would be happy to have their soldiers billeted somewhere else at someone else's expense.
Putin gets on with Erdogan so would probably accept Turkish troops, the Russians already rejected Australian involvement
It is time that the Russians are told to FUCK OFF over what they will and won't accept. The suggestion that they should be able to veto who is president and what nationality of troops are allowed in a sovereign country is beyond outrageous. Every concession is a reward for their aggression. Europe needs to keep all sanctions in place and continue to isolate Russia where possible. More appeasement only encourages the aggressor.
It seems to me the only way Trump can force a quick end to the war that isn't a clear win for Russia is to threaten Putin with a continuation (or even escalation) of US military support for Ukraine if he doesn't make big meaningful concessions. However he can't threaten this with any credibility because he's already made it clear he isn't prepared to stay involved militarily. "You make a deal or we're out" he said to Zelensky in the WH, and for once I think he was speaking the truth. That is his position.
So otoh he wants to get his big moment and live up to his self-image as the great dealmaker, but otoh he can't and won't force Russia to back down from its red lines (being they keep what they've taken and Ukraine gets no Art 5 type protection on the rest). Any deal would therefore be mainly on Russia's terms and can happen only if Ukraine feels forced to sign it due to having no realistic alternative. I think that's what this boils down to now. Will Europe's offer allow Zelensky to genuinely feel that no deal is better than a bad deal?
I think this a pretty good summary of where we are. It's why Europe building up its own military strength is so important, £6bn being cut from benefits should be just the start. Outsourcing our security to America means we have to live with the politics of America, I think a few cuts to the welfare state is a small price to end our obsession with the USA.
We could pop taxes up to French levels, spend 9% of GDP on defence and have military expenditure 3x as high as Russia. The funniest thing about this debate is the rather blatant attempts to shoehorn personal political obsessions into the debate.
My version of this is put fuel duty up to where it should be without the incessant freezes since 2010. That gets you 0.8 per cent of GDP while primarily taxing higher income people, who drive 3x as much as poorer people. And it pushes people off an OPEC controlled commodity onto EVs. Easy. Next.
That massively pushes up inflation and the idea that people can afford to just pop over onto EVs is for the birds. Again it is Robert's comment on elasticity. When you push on something as fundemental as transport, something else gets pushed out in away that not only reduces your return but can actively reverse what you are trying to do.
I'm just using it as an example of how the link between defence and welfare spending is a bit contrived.
But it's weird how fuel duty is always described as inflationary, but other taxes, bus/rail fares etc are not. Fuel is 20% cheaper than it was in 2010, so that's consistent deflationary pressure for higher income households. In terms of elasticities, we've disincentivised switching to EVs throughout that period as a result.
Well for a start bus and train fares don't affect the cost of transporting goods.
Moreover, there were 64 billion passenger km travelled by train in 2022. In the same year there were 532 billion km travelled by car - and that is only based on a driver in each car and ignoring passengers.
As we see everytime there has been a jump in fuel prices, it is far more inflationary compared to public transport costs. The OBR said that the reduction in 5p reduction in fuel duty in 2022 reduced CPI by 0.2%
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has been caught in a scuffle with an anti Brexit campaigner outside Parliament. The Ashfield MP was filmed trading insults with 'Stop Brexit' campaigner Steve Bray in Westminster in a heated exchange which eventually saw police intervene.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to not buy a Swastikar...
The Highway Patrol’s investigation into a November Cybertruck crash in Piedmont where three college kids died is finding two very Tesla problems: the vehicle immediately caught fire, and its doors would not open.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
One huge problem with faith schools in my area, is that they are essentially selective of the better off children.
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
If more parents of children on free school meals went to church they would get a place at their nearest top church school, it is not difficult.
Churches still provide food banks for the poor anyway
"it is not difficult"
School uniforms, school transport for a school that may be on the other side of the city, school outings, school field trips, pressure to make donations to match well off parents ...
AND as already explained today, needing to live in one place for years.
Does your church food bank provide brioche, I wonder?
Those are costs at any school, faith or not, Outstanding faith schools also admit by church attendance unlike Outstanding secular state schools which admit on whether you can afford to buy a house in their catchment area.
Fuck the renters, then?
So let me get this right. The Conservative Party policy has been to manage state schools so badly that only approved Tory voters, ie house owners, can afford to buy in certain areas, or to pay the extra costs of sending children to faith schools?
And in all cases to pay the extre, no not fees no sir, but, erm, donations to actually help the school achieve basic work?
Unison says handling of NHS England abolition announcement 'shambolic'
"The health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end. But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist. The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way."
Can confirm: my NHS England staff who I have as students are reeling.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
I'm no socialist.
State schools of all descriptions are only financially viable if at or close to full attendance per year.
That means there cannot be more significantly more school places in a given area than there are pupils. Unless you want government spending on schools to increase significantly.
In towns and cities there will be some choice due to population density. But that choice doesn't need to include faith schools. Admissions based on parental faith should be in the private sector only.
That is, incidentally, a liberal principle and not a socialist one.
Yes, a socialist society would have no place for any private schools, faith or otherwise.
Birbelsingh contests that Phillipson's education policy is Marxist. Interesting I thought.
Her results may speak for themselves but I consider her methods to be almost Victorian. I don't like her attitude!
If you didn't already have enough reasons to not buy a Swastikar...
The Highway Patrol’s investigation into a November Cybertruck crash in Piedmont where three college kids died is finding two very Tesla problems: the vehicle immediately caught fire, and its doors would not open.
The Globalist Wall Street Journal has no idea what they are doing or saying. They are owned by the polluted thinking of the European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of "screwing" the United States of America. Their (WSJ!) thinking is antiquated and weak, and very bad for the USA. But have no fear, we will WIN on everything!!! Egg prices are down, oil is down, interest rates are down, and TARIFF RELATED MONEY IS POURING INTO THE UNITED STATES. "The only thing you have to fear, is fear itself!"
Aren't egg prices up significantly? Perhaps if a President lies enough it becomes the truth.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
One huge problem with faith schools in my area, is that they are essentially selective of the better off children.
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
If more parents of children on free school meals went to church they would get a place at their nearest top church school, it is not difficult.
Churches still provide food banks for the poor anyway
"it is not difficult"
School uniforms, school transport for a school that may be on the other side of the city, school outings, school field trips, pressure to make donations to match well off parents ...
AND as already explained today, needing to live in one place for years.
Does your church food bank provide brioche, I wonder?
Those are costs at any school, faith or not, Outstanding faith schools also admit by church attendance unlike Outstanding secular state schools which admit on whether you can afford to buy a house in their catchment area.
Fuck the renters, then?
So let me get this right. The Conservative Party policy has been to manage state schools so badly that only approved Tory voters, ie house owners, can afford to buy in certain areas, or to pay the extra costs of sending children to faith schools?
And in all cases to pay the extre, no not fees no sir, but, erm, donations to actually help the school achieve basic work?
Trump might fall for this nonsense. Europe must not.
Russian President Vladimir Putin may demand a halt to arms supplies to Ukraine as a condition for a temporary ceasefire, Bloomberg reports with reference to sources close to the Kremlin. https://x.com/Hromadske/status/1899858864662589643
I don't recall Ukraine requiring a halt to Iranian and N Korean supplies to Russia
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
I'm no socialist.
State schools of all descriptions are only financially viable if at or close to full attendance per year.
That means there cannot be more significantly more school places in a given area than there are pupils. Unless you want government spending on schools to increase significantly.
In towns and cities there will be some choice due to population density. But that choice doesn't need to include faith schools. Admissions based on parental faith should be in the private sector only.
That is, incidentally, a liberal principle and not a socialist one.
Yes, a socialist society would have no place for any private schools, faith or otherwise.
Birbelsingh contests that Phillipson's education policy is Marxist. Interesting I thought.
Her results may speak for themselves but I consider her methods to be almost Victorian. I don't like her attitude!
You don't have to. Her school is chosen by parents who do. The goal, surely, must be for schools to relfect what parents want, rather than what the state wants. And many parents want what Birbalsingh offers. I wouldn't want it for my kids. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.
Unison says handling of NHS England abolition announcement 'shambolic'
"The health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end. But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist. The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way."
Can confirm: my NHS England staff who I have as students are reeling.
Do you believe the 50% headcount cut can or will happen? Seems very DOGE...
I don't know. NHS England has already undergone a 40% cut in staff a few years back, so a 50% cut now is actually a smaller cut in terms of number of people! There will be some savings from not having NHSE separate from DHSC. I guess, yes, they can cut jobs if they want to.
Remember that NHS England is not the NHS in England. Most NHS staff are in hospital Trusts or primary care, etc.
Is it a good idea? I suspect not. A big reorganisation like this eats up everyone's attention and what you get at the end of it isn't going to sway many votes. If you actually want changes that patients and the public can see, then focus on making those and don't spend your political capital on a reorganisation. You could have brought NHS England closer to the DHSC in a more gradual manner, in a less revolutionary/DOGE-y way.
Also, NHS England has the potential to do great things. Managers can be a very cost effective way of spending money. I work mostly in digital health. If you're going to realise the potential for digital, including AI, to transform healthcare, you need people in NHS England or DHSC doing that work, supporting that transformation. Cutting those roles and everyone who still has a job having to spend all their time worrying about the reorganisation, that's not going to help anything.
WATO had Jeremy Hunt on. He is broadly supportive. Sarah Montague wasn't expecting that and tried to paint it as a Lansleyesque root and branch disaster.
I too am nervous that Tories seem to like the abolition of NHS England.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
I'm no socialist.
State schools of all descriptions are only financially viable if at or close to full attendance per year.
That means there cannot be more significantly more school places in a given area than there are pupils. Unless you want government spending on schools to increase significantly.
In towns and cities there will be some choice due to population density. But that choice doesn't need to include faith schools. Admissions based on parental faith should be in the private sector only.
That is, incidentally, a liberal principle and not a socialist one.
Yes, a socialist society would have no place for any private schools, faith or otherwise.
Birbelsingh contests that Phillipson's education policy is Marxist. Interesting I thought.
Her results may speak for themselves but I consider her methods to be almost Victorian. I don't like her attitude!
You don't have to. Her school is chosen by parents who do. The goal, surely, must be for schools to relfect what parents want, rather than what the state wants. And many parents want what Birbalsingh offers. I wouldn't want it for my kids. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.
I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't send my kids there, but each to their own.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to not buy a Swastikar...
The Highway Patrol’s investigation into a November Cybertruck crash in Piedmont where three college kids died is finding two very Tesla problems: the vehicle immediately caught fire, and its doors would not open.
A car made by a not-Nazi-honest that burns its inhabitants alive. I don't know where to go with that.
They used to use railway carriages. Perhaps an electric car/ overweight truck is just a natural progression for the extermination of people Nazis don't like.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
I'm no socialist.
State schools of all descriptions are only financially viable if at or close to full attendance per year.
That means there cannot be more significantly more school places in a given area than there are pupils. Unless you want government spending on schools to increase significantly.
In towns and cities there will be some choice due to population density. But that choice doesn't need to include faith schools. Admissions based on parental faith should be in the private sector only.
That is, incidentally, a liberal principle and not a socialist one.
Yes, a socialist society would have no place for any private schools, faith or otherwise.
Birbelsingh contests that Phillipson's education policy is Marxist. Interesting I thought.
Her results may speak for themselves but I consider her methods to be almost Victorian. I don't like her attitude!
You don't have to. Her school is chosen by parents who do. The goal, surely, must be for schools to relfect what parents want, rather than what the state wants. And many parents want what Birbalsingh offers. I wouldn't want it for my kids. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.
True. But neither does it mean she'd be any better as a putative Education Secretary than any of the undistinguished crew we've suffered for the last couple of decades.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to not buy a Swastikar...
The Highway Patrol’s investigation into a November Cybertruck crash in Piedmont where three college kids died is finding two very Tesla problems: the vehicle immediately caught fire, and its doors would not open.
Listening to Birbelsingh on Nick Ferrari. This woman is out of control. I recommend anyone with interest in schools policy to listen to this on Global Player. I was shocked. Those of a more conservative point of view will be cheered.
She's flavour of the month with the Christian Nationalists because she banned prayer rituals in school policy (no religious groups such as a Christian Union) then won a court case defending it against a challenge by Muslim pupil. I'll have a listen to Nick Ferrari. As far as I have tracked her, she seems consistent since her first speech to the Conservative Party conference 15 or 16 years ago when she was identified; I'm not sure of the process by which she was identified as Miss Snuffy.
(Religion in Public Life has been an area of interest of mine for decades, as you know.)
That lets the CNats (and GBNews etc) pretend that it's about Muslims, and reflects desire to stir things up, when it was more like a victory for "secular" school cultures excluding religion, which is one groups like the National Secular Society have been on for decades. @BartholomewRoberts may be more up to date than me on that side of it.
It was a somewhat complex argument, because iirc it was about prayer ritual in the playground as effectively a form of protest when her school refused to provide a prayer room for pupils.
The self-described "freedom of XYZ" groups take the other side than they do on "silent prayer" (ie intimidation and interference) outside abortion clinics - for some reason .
It’s interesting to see the reactions.
@Mexicanpete is shocked because it seems like restricting the *requirements* of a minority.
The GBNews take it as anti-Muslim.
Most people don’t want more religion in our schools - even the weak-tea-and-biscuits form of Christianity.
They do when the only outstanding state primary or secondary school in their area is a C of E or Roman Catholic school.
Then you get parents queuing round the block to get into the church congregation on a Sunday for the months leading up to the decision on who gets places so they can get the Vicar's reference
That's 'they have to put up with it' rather than 'want it', on your own testimony.
No they want it as it offers choice from the bog standard comp or academy down the road
No, look at your own language and logic. They only want religious schools when there is no alternative. Ergo they don't want the religion bit.
My own language is clear, as a Conservative I want as many private schools, grammar schools, religious schools, free schools, academies etc as possible ie offer a real alternative. As do parents who choose such schools.
You as a statist socialist want to give consumers one bog standard comp option in education as you dislike choice elsewhere
The illusion of choice.
My son's state primary school is non-religious until year 2, then (mildly) C of E from years 3-6. There is no religious element of the admissions process.
But we chose it because it was the best school we were in the catchment area for.
If we'd ended up living the other side of town -which we almost did until a sale fell through - he would that gone to a different, non-religious state primary school. Which is just as good.
The focus for government should be on improving the standards of all schools. The religious element is outdated and doesn't reflect the beliefs of the vast majority of parents of young children.
Just the usual one size fits all rubbish from secular leftists like you.
Nope, we need more choice and more variety of schools including more good faith schools, you could afford to buy into the catchment area of a good school, many in poorer areas can't
One huge problem with faith schools in my area, is that they are essentially selective of the better off children.
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
If more parents of children on free school meals went to church they would get a place at their nearest top church school, it is not difficult.
Churches still provide food banks for the poor anyway
It's "not difficult", and yet it doesn't happen.
I'm sure I don't need to tell you, but consider the reasons why people might be poor. Relationship breakdowns, losing a job, lack of education, dealing with disabilities, death of a partner, spent time in the care system. You're much more likely to be in less secure rented accommodation and moving area more regularly. You're likely to be working in a low paid, more insecure job. You're more likely to be a single parent.
These are all reasons why planning three or even four years in advance for a school place, attending masses, and spending time doing the extra-curricular bits and pieces that all form part of the application process are much more difficult. People with better jobs, their own homes, fewer money worries, are in a much better position, and that's exactly why that middle class selection occurs.
I'm actually surprisingly angry at that response, coming from someone who I assume considers themselves a Christian (and I do apologise if you hadn't intended it to sound so dismissive). I can only hope that maybe you've had such a fortunate life, that you simply don't have an understanding of why some people have more immediate stresses on their lives, and can't spend time jumping through hoops for some benefit years down the line.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to not buy a Swastikar...
The Highway Patrol’s investigation into a November Cybertruck crash in Piedmont where three college kids died is finding two very Tesla problems: the vehicle immediately caught fire, and its doors would not open.
The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.
Popcorn all round - apart from the whisky industry
I think we can expect some USA legal actions on some of these tariffs, as well as responses. Trump's basis for being able to do all of these himself, is - I think - National Emergency. And that is questionable, apart from the national emergency he is creating himself.
WTO is not being pursued yet because of snail's pace (and Canada lost some cases last time round).
He believes in power, not, law. We are about to find out what happens.
The Republicans in the House have voted to stop Congressional overview of the tariffs.
They might just as well vote to abolish themselves. They are a parcel of craven fools.
They *are* voting to abolish themselves.
Trump. Ruling by Decree. With Congress voting to remove their right of oversight and to censure any member who dissents.
This is how it ends. How the midterms get removed from the agenda. When the legislature has no intention of impinging on the dictatorial rights of the executive.
And just in case there is a problem, have a distraction. The government has directed the military to prepare a spread of options to take the Panama Canal. You can guarantee that options for Greenland and Canada are also being done.
Want an excuse for no election? WE ARE AT WAR
The USA held elections on the regular cycle in all previous wars, including 1864 in the middle of their Civil War, though not all states voted.
Comments
All the rules around admission mean that settled families, who can plan their children's education years in advance, have time to rack up the points their local church is handing out, and navigate the various rules, are much more likely to get places. That leads to a huge middle class bias, which in turn leads to better results, which leads to more competition for places, and the cycle goes on.
The schools get to the top of the results charts, but have shockingly few children on free school meals when compared with neighbouring non-faith schools.
I'm not religious myself, but did attend a Catholic school, and I'm not sure the Jesus that they taught us about would have approved at all. It's almost the exact opposite of "Christian", yet the local ministers seem delighted with their full churches, apparently turn a blind eye, and ignore their actual mission.
It may become the only option for Europe, including Britain.
The next stage is to use the increased support from both the US and Europe to start driving the Russians back.
Since then, she has begun to circle the GBNews plughole. Not as badly as some, but enough to be concerning.
The Art of the DealIt would need very much stronger trade links with China just to start with, I expect.
For example, when West London Free School was setup, there were cries that no more places were needed. Hadn’t they read The Plan?
Yet, in the event, the local schools are all still running at 95%+ of capacity (which is another stupidity).
One is that very few schools want to expand. If you have a happy and successful school of 1000, it's a high risk/low reward gamble to try to turn that into a school of 1200 or more.
The other is that shrinking schools have sticky struggles. You quickly end up compromising on breadth of teaching to make the finances work at all- especially at the funding levels in the state sector.
School choice requires city living; otherwise, you can't gather together enough children in one place. And that's if you are prepared to fund the necessary overcapacity, which we generally aren't.
We no longer have the umbrella of American support but that has been increasingly threadbare in recent decades anyway and we have the time to do something about it.
We face economic threats from the Chinese in the form of dumping and the US in the form of Trump but our security is actually ok. It makes sense to cooperate with Europe on defence and I am sure that we will but the Chinese are a problem, not a solution.
The UK is pretty different.
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2472068-revealed-how-the-uk-tech-secretary-uses-chatgpt-for-policy-advice/
A launch pad problem prompted SpaceX to delay a flight to the ISS to replace NASA's two stuck astronauts
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14494613/Reform-UK-Lee-Anderson-scuffle-Stop-Brexit-campaigner.html
Why is Scott P, I mean Steve Bray, still at it?
It’s like Napoleon’s attempt to conquer Spain and Portugal. As French losses mounted, so he believed one more push would secure victory.
Ms Mone not a happy bunny. "PPE Medpro fulfilled all its contracts to specification and delivered on time. They did their job." Blaming the last government, and the civil service.
They used us; time to repay the compliment.
I thought he had moved on from Stop Brexit, to all Tories are Russian stooges, now is he back on Stop Brexit?
An economic collapse of your biggest trading partner, which may even be the ultimate goal of people like Thiel, would be a huge event
https://youtu.be/Gnjb1WVkhmU?si=WJpbE5IV1wX9Xd3i
"The health service needs thousands more staff and to be able to hold on to experienced employees. At the moment, it’s struggling to do that. Giving staff a decent pay rise would help no end. But this announcement will have left NHS England staff reeling. Just days ago they learned their numbers were to be slashed by half, now they discover their employer will cease to exist. The way the news of the axing has been handled is nothing short of shambolic. It could surely have been managed in a more sympathetic way."
But I make sure they have a bottle first!
Europe must not.
Russian President Vladimir Putin may demand a halt to arms supplies to Ukraine as a condition for a temporary ceasefire, Bloomberg reports with reference to sources close to the Kremlin.
https://x.com/Hromadske/status/1899858864662589643
If Trump's tariffs only increase inflation then they will hit the economy but if they lead to more Americans buying US produced goods that may lead to a new era of protectionism across the developed world
Churches still provide food banks for the poor anyway
Remember that NHS England is not the NHS in England. Most NHS staff are in hospital Trusts or primary care, etc.
Is it a good idea? I suspect not. A big reorganisation like this eats up everyone's attention and what you get at the end of it isn't going to sway many votes. If you actually want changes that patients and the public can see, then focus on making those and don't spend your political capital on a reorganisation. You could have brought NHS England closer to the DHSC in a more gradual manner, in a less revolutionary/DOGE-y way.
Also, NHS England has the potential to do great things. Managers can be a very cost effective way of spending money. I work mostly in digital health. If you're going to realise the potential for digital, including AI, to transform healthcare, you need people in NHS England or DHSC doing that work, supporting that transformation. Cutting those roles and everyone who still has a job having to spend all their time worrying about the reorganisation, that's not going to help anything.
School uniforms, school transport for a school that may be on the other side of the city, school outings, school field trips, pressure to make donations to match well off parents ...
AND as already explained today, needing to live in one place for years.
Does your church food bank provide brioche, I wonder?
Trump. Ruling by Decree. With Congress voting to remove their right of oversight and to censure any member who dissents.
This is how it ends. How the midterms get removed from the agenda. When the legislature has no intention of impinging on the dictatorial rights of the executive.
And just in case there is a problem, have a distraction. The government has directed the military to prepare a spread of options to take the Panama Canal. You can guarantee that options for Greenland and Canada are also being done.
Want an excuse for no election? WE ARE AT WAR
Moreover, there were 64 billion passenger km travelled by train in 2022. In the same year there were 532 billion km travelled by car - and that is only based on a driver in each car and ignoring passengers.
As we see everytime there has been a jump in fuel prices, it is far more inflationary compared to public transport costs. The OBR said that the reduction in 5p reduction in fuel duty in 2022 reduced CPI by 0.2%
So let me get this right. The Conservative Party policy has been to manage state schools so badly that only approved Tory voters, ie house owners, can afford to buy in certain areas, or to pay the extra costs of sending children to faith schools?
And in all cases to pay the extre, no not fees no sir, but, erm, donations to actually help the school achieve basic work?
And to hell with the rest.
Her results may speak for themselves but I consider her methods to be almost Victorian. I don't like her attitude!
The goal, surely, must be for schools to relfect what parents want, rather than what the state wants. And many parents want what Birbalsingh offers.
I wouldn't want it for my kids. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.
I too am nervous that Tories seem to like the abolition of NHS England.
But neither does it mean she'd be any better as a putative Education Secretary than any of the undistinguished crew we've suffered for the last couple of decades.
It did do to a certain extent in 2008, but then the U.S A. was nowhere near such a thing
I'm sure I don't need to tell you, but consider the reasons why people might be poor. Relationship breakdowns, losing a job, lack of education, dealing with disabilities, death of a partner, spent time in the care system. You're much more likely to be in less secure rented accommodation and moving area more regularly. You're likely to be working in a low paid, more insecure job. You're more likely to be a single parent.
These are all reasons why planning three or even four years in advance for a school place, attending masses, and spending time doing the extra-curricular bits and pieces that all form part of the application process are much more difficult. People with better jobs, their own homes, fewer money worries, are in a much better position, and that's exactly why that middle class selection occurs.
I'm actually surprisingly angry at that response, coming from someone who I assume considers themselves a Christian (and I do apologise if you hadn't intended it to sound so dismissive). I can only hope that maybe you've had such a fortunate life, that you simply don't have an understanding of why some people have more immediate stresses on their lives, and can't spend time jumping through hoops for some benefit years down the line.