Govt says when it appointed Mandelson as ambassador it didn’t know the extent of his relationship with Epstein. But we reported on it back in 2019 (see below). Only cursory due diligence was required…The decision to appoint him was a matter of political judgement.
Lord Glasman write a memo to Morgan McSweeney after Trump’s inauguration
“In the memo, a copy of which was seen by the Mail, he told Mr McSweeney: 'The brutal truth is that the vast majority of people I met… consider our Labour Government to be a front organisation for paedophiles and Pakistani rape gangs.
'They consider our position on the Chagos Islands an example of progressive idiocy and our appointment of Peter Mandelson an unnecessary provocation. They think our Army has gone to hell and our country is overwhelmed by legal and illegal migrants.'
He added: 'Withdraw Peter Mandelson. He is the wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place.'
Lord Mandelson was appointed less than three weeks later.”
Govt says when it appointed Mandelson as ambassador it didn’t know the extent of his relationship with Epstein. But we reported on it back in 2019 (see below). Only cursory due diligence was required…The decision to appoint him was a matter of political judgement.
So the government didn’t officially know, but privately they knew.
Which isn’t knowing. But is “knowing”.
Guangzhou is a chemical weapons plant masquerading as a fertilizer plant. We know this. The Chinese know that we know. But we make-believe that we don't know and the Chinese make-believe that they believe that we don't know, but know that we know. Everybody knows.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
It is perfectly possible to be thoroughly nasty piece of work and a Biblical Christian. His views on stoning gays, that slavery is fine and dandy and that women should be subservient are all backed in scripture.
It doesn't justify his murder of course. However improbable, I would have preferred him to study and absorb the Sermon on the Mount, and to repent of his intolerance, welcoming the stranger, feeding the poor, visiting criminals in jail etc. The killer has denied him the possibility of that sort of spiritual growth.
I see people like Kirk very much as the Pharisees were seen by the Gospel writers, obsessed with rules and propping up the establishment, rather than embracing the Spirit.
While acknowledging that many on here who are now experts on the Life and Works of Charlie Kirk, I am simply someone who has followed his (snipped for the socials) interactions on campuses over the past months and years.
I have never heard of him saying he wants to stone gays and I googled it just now so would be interested in your sources. Would he have said something like that? Maybe - if it is in scripture, in which case I'm sure it would have come with context. I have never, ever heard him wish harm on anyone or any type of person. Please post the clip.
But it is surely the height of hubris for you, as a co-religionist of his, arbitrarily to decide which bits of scripture are okay and which bits are, er, beyond the pale.
Govt says when it appointed Mandelson as ambassador it didn’t know the extent of his relationship with Epstein. But we reported on it back in 2019 (see below). Only cursory due diligence was required…The decision to appoint him was a matter of political judgement.
Lord Glasman write a memo to Morgan McSweeney after Trump’s inauguration
“In the memo, a copy of which was seen by the Mail, he told Mr McSweeney: 'The brutal truth is that the vast majority of people I met… consider our Labour Government to be a front organisation for paedophiles and Pakistani rape gangs.
'They consider our position on the Chagos Islands an example of progressive idiocy and our appointment of Peter Mandelson an unnecessary provocation. They think our Army has gone to hell and our country is overwhelmed by legal and illegal migrants.'
He added: 'Withdraw Peter Mandelson. He is the wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place.'
Lord Mandelson was appointed less than three weeks later.”
Hang on, this quote isn't internally consistent. It implies both that Mr Mandelsonm had been appointed and then that he hadn't yet been. Something missing? Was the first bit just about the proposal and the second bit full confirmation (showing his credentials, whatever it's called)?
Mandelson's exit is a disaster for UK Gov planning for Trump's imminent State Visit next week. No Ambassador during the visit is embarrassing and disruptive. FCDO is thrilled - they can now engineer a career ambo. No political figure will now touch any abmo post. Starmer's fault
I was expecting him to say Gary Glitter was our new ambassador to Russia
Good morning
Last night on the immigration debate on Sky he wore a union jack tie so much a tradition for labour politicians
This morning, again on Sky, he was evasive about Mandelson being asked to attend FO affairs committee and even said everything is out now about Mandelson
I am very much in agreement with Labour mps and others that Mandelson has to go now
Epstein v Trump - cannot control Trump's position
Epstein v Andrew - ostracised by society
Epstein v Mandelson - cannot be moved because it may upset Trump
Since when have we lost our moral compass?
Ooh , ooh I know that one. When Boris Johnson became Foreign Secretary.
Fair comment but it doesn't excuse us keeping Mandelson in office
This story is world news and he shames our country as long as he remains in office
I expect this weekends papers will be all over this issue
Gone by Monday
In my geekiness I watched PMQ’s last night. To see this improved Badenoch performance. She was good - eloquent, stuck to her brief, pressed cleverly - but she’ll have to do a lot more than “good” to have a chance of saving her job
What surprised me was Starmer, and how bad he was. He’s a professional lawyer of high esteem? - he must have prepped for questions about Mandy. But he looked nonplussed, bewildered, even a bit scared
Starmer went into management, maybe he was never a good trial lawyer
Yet I’ve met people - in the judiciary - who say he WAS good
Something has happened to him. @Theuniondivvie made this point yesterday - a few years ago there was a different Starmer - fairly affable, articulate, persuasive. Never witty or charming but at least human. Not this sad flustered robot we have now
When acting as a barrister in court almost always the attacks and criticisms and the shrapnel that flies around are about the case, about someone or something else which is not you personally. It is fairly rare to be attacked on your probity or competence as such (and at Starmer's exalted level, never). For a rare exception of dramatic quality see perhaps:
Politics is different. And Starmer is being attacked for personal probity, judgment and competence in the Mandelson appointment. Everyone knows he is hiding stuff, and everyone knows it is wrong that Lord M is in his job. That is much harder to take. Defending an indefensible case or client in court is, by comparison, child's play.
Good morning everybody.
And is precisely why Starmer shouldn't have agreed to stand as Labour leader. Anyone who has climbed the political greasy pole has come to know that that's what happens to you, and has developed the skills and or temperament to shrug it off, especially if un-, or only partially, justified. Starmer just didn't do his apprenticeship, articles or whatever you want to call it.
Incidentally, on the front I wonder whether it's the same in Canada and if so how Mark Carney is coping.
Given Starmer won the biggest Labour majority since Blair after 4 consecutive Labour defeats and clearly is a more competent PM than Corbyn or Long Bailey would have been despite everything somewhat strange comment.
I am sure Carney is coping well having won the biggest come from behind victory for any party in Canadian electoral history
Starmer is doing his best to prove he is worse than Corbyn would have been. The media must have their tails up. Two scalps in a week. I expect a concentrated attack on Starmer next. I hope they are successful.
Starmers judgement is now really really questionable. Backing Ang is one thing, but backing Mandy, when EVERYONE knows what a dodgy slimey sleazy person he is, when he had to resign twice before over sleaze is really taking the biscuit.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
The guy said that empathy was a made up term, he said Jews controlled the media and were pushing hatred of white people, he said black people only got their jobs because of affirmative action, he said school shootings were worth it to protect gun rights... yeah sounds like a lovely man.
For someone who hadn't heard of him until last night you happen to have a lot of his wit and wisdom to hand.
A quick google "Charlie Kirk....Jews" shows that many in that community, including notably Benjamin Netanyahu, are very much mourning his killing.
I have only ever heard him talk about black people in the context of proportional numbers and the major cause of death of black youths (he would say other black youths).
The 2nd Amendment yes he did say that, not particularly nasty although I don't happen to agree with it.
He was a big friend of Israel because, like a lot of US evangelicas, he saw the return of the Jews to Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy and hence bringing forward the end times scenario sketched out in the Book of Revelation (at which point Jews in common with other non Christians will come to a sticky end). There is no inconsistency in this worldview with also thinking Jews in the US are a sinister cabal seeking to replace white Christians with minorities.
Yes I am aware of the support for Israel from evangelical Christians. Could you please post the source clip where he said that about the media. I'm interested in hearing it directly.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
The guy said that empathy was a made up term, he said Jews controlled the media and were pushing hatred of white people, he said black people only got their jobs because of affirmative action, he said school shootings were worth it to protect gun rights... yeah sounds like a lovely man.
We have to be very careful, when condemning his brutal murder, not to condone some of his more (ahem) interesting views.
Exactly. The guy was spreading poison in US politics. Equally his murder is an abomination. There should be no place for political violence anywhere. Unfortunately the US is an extremely violent society and there doesn't seem to be any will to deal with that. If they don't want to fix their problems, I'm not going to get too upset about the ongoing death toll, as there are more worthy objects of our sympathy out there.
So now you're a Charlie Kirk expert. From zero to hero in 12 hours. Or should that be the other way round.
I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I can read and I know a fair amount abut the Christian nationalist movement in the US even if I don't follow individual members of the movement.
I was expecting him to say Gary Glitter was our new ambassador to Russia
Good morning
Last night on the immigration debate on Sky he wore a union jack tie so much a tradition for labour politicians
This morning, again on Sky, he was evasive about Mandelson being asked to attend FO affairs committee and even said everything is out now about Mandelson
I am very much in agreement with Labour mps and others that Mandelson has to go now
Epstein v Trump - cannot control Trump's position
Epstein v Andrew - ostracised by society
Epstein v Mandelson - cannot be moved because it may upset Trump
Since when have we lost our moral compass?
Ooh , ooh I know that one. When Boris Johnson became Foreign Secretary.
Fair comment but it doesn't excuse us keeping Mandelson in office
This story is world news and he shames our country as long as he remains in office
I expect this weekends papers will be all over this issue
Gone by Monday
In my geekiness I watched PMQ’s last night. To see this improved Badenoch performance. She was good - eloquent, stuck to her brief, pressed cleverly - but she’ll have to do a lot more than “good” to have a chance of saving her job
What surprised me was Starmer, and how bad he was. He’s a professional lawyer of high esteem? - he must have prepped for questions about Mandy. But he looked nonplussed, bewildered, even a bit scared
He was so poor it was peculiar. Starmer is not a happy man
Surely he goes tomorrow. We have a nice little rhythm going now, anger and allegations grow Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Starmer defends on Monday and Wednesday, Thursday a little more shit comes out, Friday gone.
Last week Ange, this week Peter Yum Yum, next week who knows but it will take the same pattern as Starmer is useless.
Yes. Not sure he lasts until the weekend, reading these latest remarks
There is just so much in the emails and letters. It is indeed “disturbing”
Eg what the fexk did Mandy mean, of Epstein’s conviction for pedophilia and trafficking, “this is so unfair IT COULD NEVER HAPPEN IN BRITAIN”
Er, what?? Is he saying we protect child rapists? If they are powerful? Or something else? Then what?
On the answer to your final question, isn't it obviously and undeniably a yes? Look at how the establishment protected Jimmy Savile, Janner, Rolf Harris and that's without getting into the dicey subject of Rotherham.
The UK has form on protecting rapists and child abusers, Mandy was absolutely correct in suggesting that Epstein would have had institutional protection from the establishment in this country.
That's one plausible interpretation. It could also be that he's referring to to the plea bargaining process which goes on in the US in a way which is different to the UK and which can potentially be very oppressive. Though the criticism of Epstein's conviction was that he was allowed to plead to a relatively small offence and got a light sentence. But either way it comes across appallingly because the UK's record on dealing with sexual violence against women and girls has been so poor.
But all this was known to Mandelson and will likely have been known to Starmer. It's not the publicity which is bad but the fact of his turning a blind eye to Epstein's behaviour. If he was appointed despite that, what is the reason for sacking him now? If the only reason for doing so is bad publicity it does suggest that the substance of wrongdoing does not matter provided you can keep it hidden. That is not necessarily the best message to send.
Why on Earth did Sir Keir say he had full confidence in Mandy yesterday? Utterly bizarre
Because if you are not planning to fire someone immediately, you have to say that.
Just as if you are asked if you are staying on as PM until the next election you have to say that you are, even if you are thinking of stepping down at some time.
Trying to work out who if anyone in the UK is the equivalent of Kirk, Walsh and Shapiro.
Tommy perhaps. Katie. Owen.
Okay not too tricky.
I don't think there is a British equivalent really. Kirk fancied himself as a debater and intellectual, rather than the street agitator style of Robinson. British Right Wing Populism doesn't have the intellectual foundations of MAGA, centered as it is in Evangelical Christianity, Guns and White supremacy.
Dan Hannan, Peter Hitchens, most GB news presenters, even Clarkson or Kelvin McKenzie
None of those are "centered in Evangelical Christianity, Guns and White supremacy.".
Nor did any build their following but setting up an organisation to proselytise on college campuses.
UK politics doesn't really have an equivalent of that US style conservatism, and we are better for it.
Possibly a nearer thing (and it's still not really comparable) might be Tommy Robinson.
What an interesting question.
Maga is not centered on "Evangelical Christianity"; that is just a skin, and they have put it through a filter to exclude the parts that don't fit with an "America first" worldview. Recall how frightened and vicious Trump and Vance were when Bishop Budde reminded them that "mercy" and 'caring for the refugee' are Christian (and Evangelical Christian) values.
Evangelical Christianity has gone through a filter in Maga in the same way as the Dutch Reformed Church ended up justifying apartheid - the tradition of say Hegseth is similar, embracing women as subservient and so on. There' an 'intellectual' justification too, which is easier to fall for in the American context - Manifest Destiny and the rest of the self-justifying garbage, which is met even amongst liberals ("the USA is the best country in the world" etc).
Remember that Martin Luther King was an Evangelical Christian (Baptist Minister); it's never as simple as we would like.
On UK equivalents, I'd go for someone more intellectual than a street thug like Tommy Robinson, since Turning Point targets universities and young adults. Perhaps a better equivalent is Matt Gooodwin or someone attached to Natcon or in the Free Speech Union or anti-abortion circles. There's a whole zoo of Right-fringe organisations trying to be intellectual, but I don't know any figures who have made it.
I don't know eg a younger populist version of Douglas Murray, who might qualify. Most of the Evangelicals on the political right in the UK do not seem to go down that route, and pull back towards more useful emphases (eg Steve Barclay); they sort of self-triangulate and avoid the rabbit hole. That's partly to do with UK evangelicals being far more integrated.
Does Paul Marshall have any programmes for developing thought leaders?
Bishop Budde is a liberal Catholic Episcopalian Anglican not an Evangelical
That's correct, but 'mercy' and 'caring for the refugee' are Evangelical Christian values, too.
If an Evangelical Bishop has told Trump or Vance, I'd love to see the video.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
Whether committed religionists are nice or nasty, and in what mixture, is a question of fact in every case. There are many traps for the unwary 'committed' believer - like the sort who end up backing 'Jesus, babies, guns, whites, English speaking, autocrats, kleptocrats'.
There is however a good deal to be said for 'uncommitted religionists'. The sort, of which there were quite a lot, who thought that the best way of loving and honouring God (whichever god she was) was to live a life according to principle and moral fundamentals, and to assume all power is service and that if god made and cared for all things then in our own tiny sphere of life we we could best honour and worship god by caring for others and doing no evil, and not leaving out the unlovable and the unloved to the best of our finite abilities.
This is by the way, a perfectly possible and sensible reading of what Jesus - and I suspect quite few other religious leaders - were on about. Significantly more likely than that Jesus was really on about the merits of gun ownership and white supremacy.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
The guy said that empathy was a made up term, he said Jews controlled the media and were pushing hatred of white people, he said black people only got their jobs because of affirmative action, he said school shootings were worth it to protect gun rights... yeah sounds like a lovely man.
For someone who hadn't heard of him until last night you happen to have a lot of his wit and wisdom to hand.
A quick google "Charlie Kirk....Jews" shows that many in that community, including notably Benjamin Netanyahu, are very much mourning his killing.
I have only ever heard him talk about black people in the context of proportional numbers and the major cause of death of black youths (he would say other black youths).
The 2nd Amendment yes he did say that, not particularly nasty although I don't happen to agree with it.
He was a big friend of Israel because, like a lot of US evangelicas, he saw the return of the Jews to Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy and hence bringing forward the end times scenario sketched out in the Book of Revelation (at which point Jews in common with other non Christians will come to a sticky end). There is no inconsistency in this worldview with also thinking Jews in the US are a sinister cabal seeking to replace white Christians with minorities.
Yes I am aware of the support for Israel from evangelical Christians. Could you please post the source clip where he said that about the media. I'm interested in hearing it directly.
Robert Peston @Peston And it may be a coincidence, but I am told the chancellor has been summoned to London for an emergency meeting
is Something afoot?
Yay, a Twofer on Labour leadership election, why vote for just a Deputy Leader when you can vote for a new Leader at the same time. Grown-ups only may apply to stand.
Starmer has now, with a state visit imminent, lost both his people with good links to the Trump White House – Mandelson and Lammy. Doubly ironic if it was Mandelson who persuaded Starmer to move the Foreign Secretary.
A Reform source says White House will be ‘furious’ at this ahead of state visit, given Trump’s Epstein links
Wouldn’t it be delicious if Farage was found to have links to Epstein.
What if Mandy doxes him?
It might be amusing but I doubt Nigel Farage had either the power or money to be of any interest to Epstein. Only if a foreign intelligence agency was pulling the strings would a minor politician be worth targeting.
Why on Earth did Sir Keir say he had full confidence in Mandy yesterday? Utterly bizarre
Last Week and this week shows how wise Kemi was at PMQs. Criticism of Kemi from the left is inherently racist, little better than saying Blacks who are Conservatives are Uncle Toms.
Does the Prime Minister have confidence in Angela Rayner ? Yes, err no. Does the Prime Minister have confidence the the Ambassador to the US ? Yes, err no.
The President of the NFU has welcomed the appointment of the new Defra Secretary as whoever she is, she cannot be worse than Steven Reed - true obviously. That shows how much Labour thinks about Housing and Local Government. How long before local government agrees with the President of the NFU, not long I guess.
Does the Prime Minister have confidence in Steven Reed ? Yes, err, you must be joking !
An insider points out that they will now have to publish the vetting to prove the claim that it's new evidence. Which is, needless to say, extremely awks
I was expecting him to say Gary Glitter was our new ambassador to Russia
Good morning
Last night on the immigration debate on Sky he wore a union jack tie so much a tradition for labour politicians
This morning, again on Sky, he was evasive about Mandelson being asked to attend FO affairs committee and even said everything is out now about Mandelson
I am very much in agreement with Labour mps and others that Mandelson has to go now
Epstein v Trump - cannot control Trump's position
Epstein v Andrew - ostracised by society
Epstein v Mandelson - cannot be moved because it may upset Trump
Since when have we lost our moral compass?
Ooh , ooh I know that one. When Boris Johnson became Foreign Secretary.
Fair comment but it doesn't excuse us keeping Mandelson in office
This story is world news and he shames our country as long as he remains in office
I expect this weekends papers will be all over this issue
Gone by Monday
In my geekiness I watched PMQ’s last night. To see this improved Badenoch performance. She was good - eloquent, stuck to her brief, pressed cleverly - but she’ll have to do a lot more than “good” to have a chance of saving her job
What surprised me was Starmer, and how bad he was. He’s a professional lawyer of high esteem? - he must have prepped for questions about Mandy. But he looked nonplussed, bewildered, even a bit scared
Starmer went into management, maybe he was never a good trial lawyer
Yet I’ve met people - in the judiciary - who say he WAS good
Something has happened to him. @Theuniondivvie made this point yesterday - a few years ago there was a different Starmer - fairly affable, articulate, persuasive. Never witty or charming but at least human. Not this sad flustered robot we have now
When acting as a barrister in court almost always the attacks and criticisms and the shrapnel that flies around are about the case, about someone or something else which is not you personally. It is fairly rare to be attacked on your probity or competence as such (and at Starmer's exalted level, never). For a rare exception of dramatic quality see perhaps:
Politics is different. And Starmer is being attacked for personal probity, judgment and competence in the Mandelson appointment. Everyone knows he is hiding stuff, and everyone knows it is wrong that Lord M is in his job. That is much harder to take. Defending an indefensible case or client in court is, by comparison, child's play.
Good morning everybody.
And is precisely why Starmer shouldn't have agreed to stand as Labour leader. Anyone who has climbed the political greasy pole has come to know that that's what happens to you, and has developed the skills and or temperament to shrug it off, especially if un-, or only partially, justified. Starmer just didn't do his apprenticeship, articles or whatever you want to call it.
Incidentally, on the front I wonder whether it's the same in Canada and if so how Mark Carney is coping.
Given Starmer won the biggest Labour majority since Blair after 4 consecutive Labour defeats and clearly is a more competent PM than Corbyn or Long Bailey would have been despite everything somewhat strange comment.
I am sure Carney is coping well having won the biggest come from behind victory for any party in Canadian electoral history
Winning the biggest majority since whoever doesn't demonstrate 'competence'. After all, he was up against a tired and incompetent existing government (I recognise that YMMV) .And we don't know for sure how Corbyn would have managed as PM; he's had a long, long tine in politics and he just might have had experience enough. And he's apparently a good constituency MP.
Robert Peston @Peston And it may be a coincidence, but I am told the chancellor has been summoned to London for an emergency meeting
is Something afoot?
Summoned from where? Her day job is next door. Was Reeves due to make a speech outside the capital? If so, knowing who the Chancellor will be standing up might give us more insight into how serious things are.
It's always Casey when there's shit all over the floor and walls.
Rufus Sewell could be fun, from his performance in The Diplomat. Might confuse the Yanks though if they've seen the show and think he's actually one of them.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
Whether committed religionists are nice or nasty, and in what mixture, is a question of fact in every case. There are many traps for the unwary 'committed' believer - like the sort who end up backing 'Jesus, babies, guns, whites, English speaking, autocrats, kleptocrats'.
There is however a good deal to be said for 'uncommitted religionists'. The sort, of which there were quite a lot, who thought that the best way of loving and honouring God (whichever god she was) was to live a life according to principle and moral fundamentals, and to assume all power is service and that if god made and cared for all things then in our own tiny sphere of life we we could best honour and worship god by caring for others and doing no evil, and not leaving out the unlovable and the unloved to the best of our finite abilities.
This is by the way, a perfectly possible and sensible reading of what Jesus - and I suspect quite few other religious leaders - were on about. Significantly more likely than that Jesus was really on about the merits of gun ownership and white supremacy.
Yeah but you don't really need Jesus and the whole on the third day he was risen bit to live a "good" life.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
The guy said that empathy was a made up term, he said Jews controlled the media and were pushing hatred of white people, he said black people only got their jobs because of affirmative action, he said school shootings were worth it to protect gun rights... yeah sounds like a lovely man.
For someone who hadn't heard of him until last night you happen to have a lot of his wit and wisdom to hand.
A quick google "Charlie Kirk....Jews" shows that many in that community, including notably Benjamin Netanyahu, are very much mourning his killing.
I have only ever heard him talk about black people in the context of proportional numbers and the major cause of death of black youths (he would say other black youths).
The 2nd Amendment yes he did say that, not particularly nasty although I don't happen to agree with it.
He was a big friend of Israel because, like a lot of US evangelicas, he saw the return of the Jews to Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy and hence bringing forward the end times scenario sketched out in the Book of Revelation (at which point Jews in common with other non Christians will come to a sticky end). There is no inconsistency in this worldview with also thinking Jews in the US are a sinister cabal seeking to replace white Christians with minorities.
Yes I am aware of the support for Israel from evangelical Christians. Could you please post the source clip where he said that about the media. I'm interested in hearing it directly.
An insider points out that they will now have to publish the vetting to prove the claim that it's new evidence. Which is, needless to say, extremely awks
An insider would know this is complete cobblers and "they" do not have to publish the vetting.
It's always Casey when there's shit all over the floor and walls.
Rufus Sewell could be fun, from his performance in The Diplomat. Might confuse the Yanks though if they've seen the show and think he's actually one of them.
Isn't it his wife who is the diplomat in that show?
Starmer should resign, but not because of Mandelson. His tweet about Charlie Kirk - a man that I, who live in America and follow politics, had barely heard of - shows that he has a profoundly flawed sense of of what is material to his job as PM of the UK.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
It is perfectly possible to be thoroughly nasty piece of work and a Biblical Christian. His views on stoning gays, that slavery is fine and dandy and that women should be subservient are all backed in scripture.
It doesn't justify his murder of course. However improbable, I would have preferred him to study and absorb the Sermon on the Mount, and to repent of his intolerance, welcoming the stranger, feeding the poor, visiting criminals in jail etc. The killer has denied him the possibility of that sort of spiritual growth.
I see people like Kirk very much as the Pharisees were seen by the Gospel writers, obsessed with rules and propping up the establishment, rather than embracing the Spirit.
Are you sure that he supported stoning gays and slavery, in the modern era? I dislike the Lost Cause, but very few even of Lost Causers argue that slavery is something that should be brought back.
Was the sacking of Mandelson the wisest move? Surely it feeds a sense of panic and the notion that a hapless government was duped. I would have thought they'd simply order Mandy to resign: 'While I've done nothing materially wrong ... Yes, I made mistakes .. however, I don't want my presence to serve as a distraction or cause unnecessary embarrassment to the prime minster ... .'
Why on Earth did Sir Keir say he had full confidence in Mandy yesterday? Utterly bizarre
Last Week and this week shows how wise Kemi was at PMQs. Criticism of Kemi from the left is inherently racist, little better than saying Blacks who are Conservatives are Uncle Toms.
Does the Prime Minister have confidence in Angela Rayner ? Yes, err no. Does the Prime Minister have confidence the the Ambassador to the US ? Yes, err no.
The President of the NFU has welcomed the appointment of the new Defra Secretary as whoever she is, she cannot be worse than Steven Reed - true obviously. That shows how much Labour thinks about Housing and Local Government. How long before local government agrees with the President of the NFU, not long I guess.
Does the Prime Minister have confidence in Steven Reed ? Yes, err, you must be joking !
Mandy is a really good scalp for Kemi to have bagged.
Why on Earth did Sir Keir say he had full confidence in Mandy yesterday? Utterly bizarre
Last Week and this week shows how wise Kemi was at PMQs. Criticism of Kemi from the left is inherently racist, little better than saying Blacks who are Conservatives are Uncle Toms.
Does the Prime Minister have confidence in Angela Rayner ? Yes, err no. Does the Prime Minister have confidence the the Ambassador to the US ? Yes, err no.
The President of the NFU has welcomed the appointment of the new Defra Secretary as whoever she is, she cannot be worse than Steven Reed - true obviously. That shows how much Labour thinks about Housing and Local Government. How long before local government agrees with the President of the NFU, not long I guess.
Does the Prime Minister have confidence in Steven Reed ? Yes, err, you must be joking !
Mandy is a really good scalp for Kemi to have bagged.
Maybe she can yet turn it around.
Sky reporting Badenoch is the only leader to issue a statement condenming Starmer
Starmer should resign, but not because of Mandelson. His tweet about Charlie Kirk - a man that I, who live in America and follow politics, had barely heard of - shows that he has a profoundly flawed sense of of what is material to his job as PM of the UK.
Starmer's tweet about Charlie Kirk was for Trump's consumption. Doesn't seem unreasonable if you accept the British PM should be doing everything possible to maintain a positive relationship with the US President.
It's always Casey when there's shit all over the floor and walls.
Rufus Sewell could be fun, from his performance in The Diplomat. Might confuse the Yanks though if they've seen the show and think he's actually one of them.
Isn't it his wife who is the diplomat in that show?
Mind you I only watched one series.
Yes. I'm stretching my expertise here as it was one of my wife's breastfeeding shows, so I only saw bits here and there, but wasn't the set-up that Sewell was a previous ambassador (not sure whether to UK?) and so there was some tension with him thinking he knew best etc?
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
The guy said that empathy was a made up term, he said Jews controlled the media and were pushing hatred of white people, he said black people only got their jobs because of affirmative action, he said school shootings were worth it to protect gun rights... yeah sounds like a lovely man.
For someone who hadn't heard of him until last night you happen to have a lot of his wit and wisdom to hand.
A quick google "Charlie Kirk....Jews" shows that many in that community, including notably Benjamin Netanyahu, are very much mourning his killing.
I have only ever heard him talk about black people in the context of proportional numbers and the major cause of death of black youths (he would say other black youths).
The 2nd Amendment yes he did say that, not particularly nasty although I don't happen to agree with it.
He was a big friend of Israel because, like a lot of US evangelicas, he saw the return of the Jews to Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy and hence bringing forward the end times scenario sketched out in the Book of Revelation (at which point Jews in common with other non Christians will come to a sticky end). There is no inconsistency in this worldview with also thinking Jews in the US are a sinister cabal seeking to replace white Christians with minorities.
Yes I am aware of the support for Israel from evangelical Christians. Could you please post the source clip where he said that about the media. I'm interested in hearing it directly.
This piece I think has links to the comments, apparently made on his show/podcast.
"APPARENTLY"
LOL
In other words you have never heard him say any of those things. FFS it helps if you don't make stuff up.
Wikipedia: Kirk was highly supportive of Israel. Amidst the Gaza war, Israeli politicians and political activists including Itamar Ben-Gvir, Eli Cohen, Danny Danon, Benny Gantz, Isaac Herzog, Yoav Kisch, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Netanyahu, Amir Ohana, Miri Regev and Miki Zohar mourned Kirk's death, with many describing him as a "friend" of Israel and a few linking his death to anti-Zionist activism. *
Iran–Israel War Main article: Iran-Israel War In June 2025, Kirk opposed the involvement of the United States in the Iran–Israel War.
* In the usual manner of X, there are a significant number of posts (probably bots) blaming "the Jews" for his murder.
Was the sacking of Mandelson the wisest move? Surely it feeds a sense of panic and the notion that a hapless government was duped. I would have thought they'd simply order Mandy to resign: 'While I've done nothing materially wrong ... Yes, I made mistakes .. however, I don't want my presence to serve as a distraction or cause unnecessary embarrassment to the prime minster ... .'
Robert Peston @Peston And it may be a coincidence, but I am told the chancellor has been summoned to London for an emergency meeting
is Something afoot?
Summoned from where? Her day job is next door. Was Reeves due to make a speech outside the capital? If so, knowing who the Chancellor will be standing up might give us more insight into how serious things are.
Perhaps they've decided it's a good day to bury bad news?
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
The guy said that empathy was a made up term, he said Jews controlled the media and were pushing hatred of white people, he said black people only got their jobs because of affirmative action, he said school shootings were worth it to protect gun rights... yeah sounds like a lovely man.
For someone who hadn't heard of him until last night you happen to have a lot of his wit and wisdom to hand.
A quick google "Charlie Kirk....Jews" shows that many in that community, including notably Benjamin Netanyahu, are very much mourning his killing.
I have only ever heard him talk about black people in the context of proportional numbers and the major cause of death of black youths (he would say other black youths).
The 2nd Amendment yes he did say that, not particularly nasty although I don't happen to agree with it.
He was a big friend of Israel because, like a lot of US evangelicas, he saw the return of the Jews to Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy and hence bringing forward the end times scenario sketched out in the Book of Revelation (at which point Jews in common with other non Christians will come to a sticky end). There is no inconsistency in this worldview with also thinking Jews in the US are a sinister cabal seeking to replace white Christians with minorities.
Yes I am aware of the support for Israel from evangelical Christians. Could you please post the source clip where he said that about the media. I'm interested in hearing it directly.
This piece I think has links to the comments, apparently made on his show/podcast.
"APPARENTLY"
LOL
In other words you have never heard him say any of those things. FFS it helps if you don't make stuff up.
I'm quoting from a balanced write up of his views in a respected publication. Are you saying he didn't say these things? Or are you just embarrassed to be sticking up for someone who is on record spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories?
Starmer should resign, but not because of Mandelson. His tweet about Charlie Kirk - a man that I, who live in America and follow politics, had barely heard of - shows that he has a profoundly flawed sense of of what is material to his job as PM of the UK.
Starmer's tweet about Charlie Kirk was for Trump's consumption. Doesn't seem unreasonable if you accept the British PM should be doing everything possible to maintain a positive relationship with the US President.
If so, the days of Blair being Bush’s so-called poodle look like a golden age.
Starmer, and perhaps Britain, needs to grow a spine.
An award show that is voted for by ITV viewers giving a number of awards to ITV programs and presenters - it's not a surprise.
Also Molly Mae's show was a lighter touch with a large audience than the other programs.
I’m having a day of ignorance the last 24 hours. I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was save a vague sense he was someone American, I’d no idea what the NTA was until this post, and I’ve never heard of Mollie Mae.
Phew that is a relief. I'm not feeling so stupid now. All over my head. I didn't even have a vague sense re Charlie Kirk.
I hadn't heard of him either.
Yeah me neither. Seems like a thoroughly nasty piece of work but it should go without saying that his murder is a terrible thing. After Sandy Hook though I decided not to allow myself to get too upset about US gun violence. It's like a drug addict who keeps relapsing and OD'ing. People who apparently have no desire to help themselves don't really deserve our sympathy.
Not a thoroughly nasty piece of work at all. A committed Christian (which I find bonkers but it takes all sorts) and articulated the views that are anti-fashionable and, no doubt (@Foxy?) biblically-based. I have heard him articulate support for Israel in terms of Jesus being Jewish and walking on water wherever it was but which is now modern-day Israel.
I have a lot of sympathy for saying committed religionists are weird, albeit, ironically, essentially human (and therefore scared which makes them turn to an unseen greater power), but not "thoroughly nasty".
Whether committed religionists are nice or nasty, and in what mixture, is a question of fact in every case. There are many traps for the unwary 'committed' believer - like the sort who end up backing 'Jesus, babies, guns, whites, English speaking, autocrats, kleptocrats'.
There is however a good deal to be said for 'uncommitted religionists'. The sort, of which there were quite a lot, who thought that the best way of loving and honouring God (whichever god she was) was to live a life according to principle and moral fundamentals, and to assume all power is service and that if god made and cared for all things then in our own tiny sphere of life we we could best honour and worship god by caring for others and doing no evil, and not leaving out the unlovable and the unloved to the best of our finite abilities.
This is by the way, a perfectly possible and sensible reading of what Jesus - and I suspect quite few other religious leaders - were on about. Significantly more likely than that Jesus was really on about the merits of gun ownership and white supremacy.
Yeah but you don't really need Jesus and the whole on the third day he was risen bit to live a "good" life.
Of course, that goes without saying. I didn't compose the last 2000 years of human and religious history. We are where we are.
A fully formed religion needs a bit more to get going than 'be nice'. In particular early Christianity resolved a couple of tricky issues such as the Jewish and pagan rather gloomy expectations of the afterlife, replacing them with hope; it promoted strongly the significance of very poor and oppressed humanity - ie most of it, in the great scheme of things, something Romans were not great at. Also the religion set up the idea, still immensely strong, of a jurisdiction on the basis of humble servanthood rather than Caesar like power.
Despite the epic fails of the last 2000 years, I still like all those things, and FWIW I think each of them ultimately derive from the thoughts of Jesus himself, who was a very remarkable person.
Comments
Trying to claim 'decisive' action taken.
Absolute arses
Lots of questions for the Prime Minister
“In the memo, a copy of which was seen by the Mail, he told Mr McSweeney: 'The brutal truth is that the vast majority of people I met… consider our Labour Government to be a front organisation for paedophiles and Pakistani rape gangs.
'They consider our position on the Chagos Islands an example of progressive idiocy and our appointment of Peter Mandelson an unnecessary provocation. They think our Army has gone to hell and our country is overwhelmed by legal and illegal migrants.'
He added: 'Withdraw Peter Mandelson. He is the wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place.'
Lord Mandelson was appointed less than three weeks later.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15086451/Downing-Street-ignored-warnings-Peter-Mandelsons-friendship-Jeffrey-Epstein.html
Two weeks in a row now, the PM has effectively backed someone had PMQs and they’ve had to resign later that week.
Some Labour MPs v unimpressed by handling of these situations.
A Reform source says White House will be ‘furious’ at this ahead of state visit, given Trump’s Epstein links
Which isn’t knowing. But is “knowing”.
Guangzhou is a chemical weapons plant masquerading as a fertilizer plant. We know this. The Chinese know that we know. But we make-believe that we don't know and the Chinese make-believe that they believe that we don't know, but know that we know. Everybody knows.
I have never heard of him saying he wants to stone gays and I googled it just now so would be interested in your sources. Would he have said something like that? Maybe - if it is in scripture, in which case I'm sure it would have come with context. I have never, ever heard him wish harm on anyone or any type of person. Please post the clip.
But it is surely the height of hubris for you, as a co-religionist of his, arbitrarily to decide which bits of scripture are okay and which bits are, er, beyond the pale.
Mandelson's exit is a disaster for UK Gov planning for Trump's imminent State Visit next week. No Ambassador during the visit is embarrassing and disruptive. FCDO is thrilled - they can now engineer a career ambo. No political figure will now touch any abmo post. Starmer's fault
Another own goal from Starmer who never needed to appoint Mandelson but took the risk and it’s imploded.
No reply in the Commons when minister Stephen Doughty is asked whether Mandelson retains the Labour whip in the House of Lords
Bets on how long it takes Starmer to remove the whip?
Over/Under 1 week?
Less than 24 hours after I said I thought Starmer wouldn't sack Mandy, he does.
Robert Peston
@Peston
And it may be a coincidence, but I am told the chancellor has been summoned to London for an emergency meeting
is Something afoot?
But all this was known to Mandelson and will likely have been known to Starmer. It's not the publicity which is bad but the fact of his turning a blind eye to Epstein's behaviour. If he was appointed despite that, what is the reason for sacking him now? If the only reason for doing so is bad publicity it does suggest that the substance of wrongdoing does not matter provided you can keep it hidden. That is not necessarily the best message to send.
Just as if you are asked if you are staying on as PM until the next election you have to say that you are, even if you are thinking of stepping down at some time.
If an Evangelical Bishop has told Trump or Vance, I'd love to see the video.
There is however a good deal to be said for 'uncommitted religionists'. The sort, of which there were quite a lot, who thought that the best way of loving and honouring God (whichever god she was) was to live a life according to principle and moral fundamentals, and to assume all power is service and that if god made and cared for all things then in our own tiny sphere of life we we could best honour and worship god by caring for others and doing no evil, and not leaving out the unlovable and the unloved to the best of our finite abilities.
This is by the way, a perfectly possible and sensible reading of what Jesus - and I suspect quite few other religious leaders - were on about. Significantly more likely than that Jesus was really on about the merits of gun ownership and white supremacy.
https://andrewspreviews.substack.com/p/previewing-the-six-local-by-elections
This piece I think has links to the comments, apparently made on his show/podcast.
Give it Rayner til end of season?
I hear George Osborne's free
This is the third or maybe even the fourth?
Labour needs a reset away from continuity Tory ineptitude. Hard to see how that happens under Starmer.
His only safety net seems to be the lack of anyone obviously head and shoulders above.
By-election in Wilmslow Lacey Green today, which includes Styal - ISTR @TSE lived in Styal for a bit (this isn't a weak attempt at a pun, btw).
Does the Prime Minister have confidence in Angela Rayner ? Yes, err no.
Does the Prime Minister have confidence the the Ambassador to the US ? Yes, err no.
The President of the NFU has welcomed the appointment of the new Defra Secretary as whoever she is, she cannot be worse than Steven Reed - true obviously. That shows how much Labour thinks about Housing and Local Government. How long before local government agrees with the President of the NFU, not long I guess.
Does the Prime Minister have confidence in Steven Reed ? Yes, err, you must be joking !
There's an awful lot of news going on at the moment, isn't there?
It's always Casey when there's shit all over the floor and walls.
An insider points out that they will now have to publish the vetting to prove the claim that it's new evidence. Which is, needless to say, extremely awks
Either they knew everything and didn't care. Or they didn't and didn't do even the most basic due diligence.
Rubbish judgment.
Epstein has brought down two - maybe three! - public figures in the UK.
But none in the U.S.
- it’s only confirmed when it’s officially denied
- someone is doomed if they have “the Full Confidence” of the PM
LOL
In other words you have never heard him say any of those things. FFS it helps if you don't make stuff up.
Mind you I only watched one series.
Are there are any questions the PM should have answered last week?
Overheard in the lobby: "He's a quitter, not a fighter"
His tweet about Charlie Kirk - a man that I, who live in America and follow politics, had barely heard of - shows that he has a profoundly flawed sense of of what is material to his job as PM of the UK.
Lads, I’ve got an idea.
https://x.com/mikeysmith/status/1966086799702335659
Maybe she can yet turn it around.
Problem is, who else is there?
(And is that the White House position ?)
Given Trump's Epstein links, why is Reform's leader such a devoted admirer of him ?
@benrileysmith
·
16m
Phase 2, week one: Lose the Deputy PM
Phase 2, week two: Lose the US ambo
What will week three bring?
https://x.com/benrileysmith/status/1966082892011893240
Everyone else is silent
However, he is an ethical disaster.
Almost Boris-levels.
Get that photo of Trump and Farage in Oval Office last week all over social media. Flood the zone on FB.
Kirk was highly supportive of Israel. Amidst the Gaza war, Israeli politicians and political activists including Itamar Ben-Gvir, Eli Cohen, Danny Danon, Benny Gantz, Isaac Herzog, Yoav Kisch, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Netanyahu, Amir Ohana, Miri Regev and Miki Zohar mourned Kirk's death, with many describing him as a "friend" of Israel and a few linking his death to anti-Zionist activism. *
Iran–Israel War
Main article: Iran-Israel War
In June 2025, Kirk opposed the involvement of the United States in the Iran–Israel War.
* In the usual manner of X, there are a significant number of posts (probably bots) blaming "the Jews" for his murder.
Starmer, and perhaps Britain, needs to grow a spine.
A fully formed religion needs a bit more to get going than 'be nice'. In particular early Christianity resolved a couple of tricky issues such as the Jewish and pagan rather gloomy expectations of the afterlife, replacing them with hope; it promoted strongly the significance of very poor and oppressed humanity - ie most of it, in the great scheme of things, something Romans were not great at. Also the religion set up the idea, still immensely strong, of a jurisdiction on the basis of humble servanthood rather than Caesar like power.
Despite the epic fails of the last 2000 years, I still like all those things, and FWIW I think each of them ultimately derive from the thoughts of Jesus himself, who was a very remarkable person.