The forthcoming Super El Nino may well push the politics of climate change (or rather the politics of climate change mitigation) back up the agenda - we'll see.
30 years or so ago, Green politics meant something else - I lived near the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZed) and visited not long after it opened. It offered (or seemed to) an alternative sustainable model for future development and I know it was followed in some other places. It suggested, and I've always believed this, the possibility of human ingenuity and technological innovation as providing a response to and mitigation from the impact of climate change.
There was an eco-authoritarian streak even then in Green politics - the State would take the lead in reducing the environmental impact of individuals rather than individuals and communities leading the way.
Unfortunately, it seems, the current incarnation of Green politics has decided to stop talking about that and started talking about other things which is absurd at a point when genuine progress is being made to move away from fossil fuels to renewables and Net Zero policies, although derided by some, point the way to a different and sustainable economic model for the mid 21st century and beyond.
We may be a small player in emission terms but in technological innovation, we can and should be a world leader.
I think this year is going to be quite a biggy for climate change in the USA. There's a spring drought in the Southern USA with unseasonably high temperatures, and historically low snow levels in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Expect drought and fires.
Problem is, environmentalists spent so long admonishing deniers about "confusing weather and climate" that now the narratives about one year have less effect. Even saying that extreme weather events are more likely now muddies the waters. A sticky wicket.
Repeat after me: atmospheric physics isn’t a humanity.
The global radiation balance doesn’t actually care who’s winning the meme war. It just processes the inputs and outputs and makes things hotter.
I know. But our responses to it require democratic consent. And such pompousness (them, not you) is counter-productive.
But this is FRITLF again. The scientists are not pompous, they just state the facts. Politicians and activists might get pompous, but what about the climate deniers? Not exactly balanced, nuanced commentators. Why do sensible people have to be so perfect, yet the right wing polemicists can behave as twattishly they fancy and get away with it?
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Reform 26% (-1) Labour 22% (+1) Conservatives 17% (nc) Greens 15% (nc) Liberal Democrats 11% (-1).
Labour or Tory lead when?
I'm going to say Autumn. I feel like Reform will pick up a little after a decent Locals, even if it is less good than if the polling was as it was a few months ago.
The Lib Dems again showing they read the mood of the nation on the things that really matter.
This is an abomination. Half time ‘entertainment’ should be limited to a raffle prize draw and - at a push - a badly muffled interview with a retired player.
The forthcoming Super El Nino may well push the politics of climate change (or rather the politics of climate change mitigation) back up the agenda - we'll see.
30 years or so ago, Green politics meant something else - I lived near the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZed) and visited not long after it opened. It offered (or seemed to) an alternative sustainable model for future development and I know it was followed in some other places. It suggested, and I've always believed this, the possibility of human ingenuity and technological innovation as providing a response to and mitigation from the impact of climate change.
There was an eco-authoritarian streak even then in Green politics - the State would take the lead in reducing the environmental impact of individuals rather than individuals and communities leading the way.
Unfortunately, it seems, the current incarnation of Green politics has decided to stop talking about that and started talking about other things which is absurd at a point when genuine progress is being made to move away from fossil fuels to renewables and Net Zero policies, although derided by some, point the way to a different and sustainable economic model for the mid 21st century and beyond.
We may be a small player in emission terms but in technological innovation, we can and should be a world leader.
I think this year is going to be quite a biggy for climate change in the USA. There's a spring drought in the Southern USA with unseasonably high temperatures, and historically low snow levels in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Expect drought and fires.
Problem is, environmentalists spent so long admonishing deniers about "confusing weather and climate" that now the narratives about one year have less effect. Even saying that extreme weather events are more likely now muddies the waters. A sticky wicket.
Repeat after me: atmospheric physics isn’t a humanity.
The global radiation balance doesn’t actually care who’s winning the meme war. It just processes the inputs and outputs and makes things hotter.
I know. But our responses to it require democratic consent. And such pompousness (them, not you) is counter-productive.
But this is FRITLF again. The scientists are not pompous, they just state the facts. Politicians and activists might get pompous, but what about the climate deniers? Not exactly balanced, nuanced commentators. Why do sensible people have to be so perfect, yet the right wing polemicists can behave as twattishly they fancy and get away with it?
No one says it's fair. Less "why should", more "what works".
Good. Stride and Philp are terrible. And I don’t even know who they are
Lam is excellent. She could be the next Tory PM
Stride has been extremely poor. If you can't make a mockery of Reeves you really are not up to it.
Ain't nothin' gonna to break Mel Stride Nobody gonna slow me down, oh no I got to keep on moving Ain't nothin' gonna break Mel Stride I'm running and I won't touch ground Oh no, I got to keep on moving
Reform 26% (-1) Labour 22% (+1) Conservatives 17% (nc) Greens 15% (nc) Liberal Democrats 11% (-1).
Labour or Tory lead when?
Hard to truly assess any poll currently
Only common denominators
Reform leaking LD static Green levelling off Lab / Con anywhere between 17 and 22 very random
May locals will give us an actual national voting % although of course actually skewed by being thousands of local patch elections but then we will get post May polling as each party reacts to whatever pile of shit/looks promising result they have had in May
The current Iranian leadership will not give up uranium enrichment, its missile program, support for its regional network of proxies, or its strategic influence over the Strait of Hormuz.
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
The Lib Dems again showing they read the mood of the nation on the things that really matter.
This is an abomination. Half time ‘entertainment’ should be limited to a raffle prize draw and - at a push - a badly muffled interview with a retired player.
Good. Stride and Philp are terrible. And I don’t even know who they are
Lam is excellent. She could be the next Tory PM
Stride has been extremely poor. If you can't make a mockery of Reeves you really are not up to it.
Coutinho is already 'in' surely?
Of course it's entirely probable that Rachel is the economist Mark carney rates very highly but which the right wind media attack with unbridled nysoginistic lies
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
They have to be renewed every 10 years?
My unpopular policy proposal is we should have to be retested every 10 years.
The current Iranian leadership will not give up uranium enrichment, its missile program, support for its regional network of proxies, or its strategic influence over the Strait of Hormuz.
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
They have to be renewed every 10 years?
My unpopular policy proposal is we should have to be retested every 10 years.
I'd be quite happy with the worst 10% of drivers being taken off the road, but I'm sure most of them can behave for the duration of a test.
You could do a fair bit by tightening up the existing points system, and having better detection of poor driving, but you'd have to check people's licences more often and find a way to prevent/deter cloned plates.
Strictly speaking a car driven on cloned plates should stand out like a sore thumb on the ANPR system, and be an easy target for enforcement action.
Good. Stride and Philp are terrible. And I don’t even know who they are
Lam is excellent. She could be the next Tory PM
Stride has been extremely poor. If you can't make a mockery of Reeves you really are not up to it.
Coutinho is already 'in' surely?
Of course it's entirely probable that Rachel is the economist Mark carney rates very highly but which the right wind media attack with unbridled nysoginistic lies
🔷Nigel Farage records worst approval rating of this parliament at net -21. 🔴Keir Starmer is at -39. One of his best scores since last summer. 🔵The gap between Badenoch (-11) and Farage (-21) is at its widest since she became leader.
This is presumably polling done before the latest Lord Yummygate shenanigans?
Opinium conducted a nationally and politically representative survey of 2,014 UK adults between 15th and 17th April 2026.
So Wed to Fri, so two thirds of the fieldwork would have covered the latest Mandy revelations.
There's the time for it to sink in, I suppose.
But I guess the bigger questions are:
1 How much has this moved people from pro- to anti-Starmer? My take on what's been said here is that it's affected intensity of opinions, but not the opinions themselves.
2 How much of this has made the "two minutes and you're up to date on no-longer-local FM, weather and travel next" news bulletins that most normal people have the good sense to rely on? If we get to a point where SKS has to go, that will be different, but probably not in a way that is to the advantage of rival parties.
Back in the day, Sir Robert Worcester said it used to take around 10 to 14 days for a story/event to show an impact in the polls.
Mandelson is a complete non event or issue to 98% of the population
Thinking about this policy, I think it's a sign of very simplistic, almost childish thinking.
The desired end is a more equal society -> pass a law to enforce a more equal society. If only it was that simple.
But there was a brief discussion earlier of Denmark, that does have a more equal society. I would contend that the main factors that make Denmark a more equal society are stronger unions and better education.
How many PBers are in favour of weaker trade unions and reducing the number of kids who go to university, though?
It is a pretty daft policy as currently presented, as far too easily circumvented.
However the popularity of the policy across the board (including a majority of both Con and Reform voters!) Shows that the Greens are onto something. A lot of voters want to see something done to curb the greed of our new aristocracy.
More astute plutocrats might want to consider that the choice of redistribution or revolution is one that they might have to face. Tumbrils are being assembled, and a bit of wealth sharing may well be preferable to a pain in the neck.
This would be why the Greens voted against nationalising companies like the water companies run by shyster plutocrats, who mange both to rip us off, skim off every bit of money they can and fuck up the environment. would it?
Allies of Andy Burnham have identified a fresh path for the Greater Manchester mayor to return to Westminster and potentially run for Labour leader, via elections to the NEC over the summer
I can't read the FT piece as paywall but if anyone on PB happens to be able to get through it would be interesting to get a TL;DR
(partly an AI summary, but mostly me)
Burnham is working on gaining control of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where 16 out of roughly 40 positions will be elected in July. These positions include various roles and specific seats for youth, disability, and Black and minority ethnic representatives. Conversations between Burnham's team and four trade unions (inc Unison) suggest that Burnhamites might gain strength on the committee after the local elections. If they gain control or even enough strength, Starmer may be too weak to stop Burnham from being a candidate.
The committee's new make-up will be revealed at Labour’s annual conference in late September.
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
They have to be renewed every 10 years?
My unpopular policy proposal is we should have to be retested every 10 years.
Starmer might have banked a little goodwill from his leadership during the Iran War .
If I was one of his advisers I’d tell him to come out fighting , admit he was wrong over Mandelson, apologise to the public but say when it really came to the most important decision a PM can make he got it right as opposed to Farage and Badenoch .
He’s got nothing to lose and needs to own the mess but ensure the public are thinking , okay he fxcked up but I’d still prefer him in office at this time than the alternatives.
That would be good advice if he had come out against the Americans and Israelis illegal invasion of Iran but he did no such thing. After fumbling around he said he would only give 'defensive support' Which meant nothing. If he had the courage of his convictions he would have declared the invasion illegal which of course it was.
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
They have to be renewed every 10 years?
My unpopular policy proposal is we should have to be retested every 10 years.
Are their enough examiners???
Certainly there are not as things stand, would need funding to boost those numbers.
I also think many people (myself included) would not pass.
Allies of Andy Burnham have identified a fresh path for the Greater Manchester mayor to return to Westminster and potentially run for Labour leader, via elections to the NEC over the summer
I can't read the FT piece as paywall but if anyone on PB happens to be able to get through it would be interesting to get a TL;DR
(partly an AI summary, but mostly me)
Burnham is working on gaining control of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where 16 out of roughly 40 positions will be elected in July. These positions include various roles and specific seats for youth, disability, and Black and minority ethnic representatives. Conversations between Burnham's team and four trade unions (inc Unison) suggest that Burnhamites might gain strength on the committee after the local elections. If they gain control or even enough strength, Starmer may be too weak to stop Burnham from being a candidate.
The committee's new make-up will be revealed at Labour’s annual conference in late September.
If he was so interested in becoming an MP again he should have tried in 2024 . He’s only now interested again because he thinks he’s guaranteed to become Labour leader and PM .
Hr tried twice before to become leader and got trounced yet all of a sudden some Labour MPs treat him as the next coming of Christ .
If he was so interested in becoming an MP again he should have tried in 2024 . He’s only now interested again because he thinks he’s guaranteed to become Labour leader and PM .
Hr tried twice before to become leader and got trounced yet all of a sudden some Labour MPs treat him as the next coming of Christ .
When you're desperate you'll believe anything. Sometimes it works.
Tory MPs thought they were at risk and that Boris becoming leader would save them, and they were right. Later they thought he was dragging them down and didn't have a clear idea who could save them, ending up in a right old mess, and it did not save them. No guarantees.
The forthcoming Super El Nino may well push the politics of climate change (or rather the politics of climate change mitigation) back up the agenda - we'll see.
30 years or so ago, Green politics meant something else - I lived near the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZed) and visited not long after it opened. It offered (or seemed to) an alternative sustainable model for future development and I know it was followed in some other places. It suggested, and I've always believed this, the possibility of human ingenuity and technological innovation as providing a response to and mitigation from the impact of climate change.
There was an eco-authoritarian streak even then in Green politics - the State would take the lead in reducing the environmental impact of individuals rather than individuals and communities leading the way.
Unfortunately, it seems, the current incarnation of Green politics has decided to stop talking about that and started talking about other things which is absurd at a point when genuine progress is being made to move away from fossil fuels to renewables and Net Zero policies, although derided by some, point the way to a different and sustainable economic model for the mid 21st century and beyond.
We may be a small player in emission terms but in technological innovation, we can and should be a world leader.
I think this year is going to be quite a biggy for climate change in the USA. There's a spring drought in the Southern USA with unseasonably high temperatures, and historically low snow levels in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Expect drought and fires.
Problem is, environmentalists spent so long admonishing deniers about "confusing weather and climate" that now the narratives about one year have less effect. Even saying that extreme weather events are more likely now muddies the waters. A sticky wicket.
Repeat after me: atmospheric physics isn’t a humanity.
The global radiation balance doesn’t actually care who’s winning the meme war. It just processes the inputs and outputs and makes things hotter.
I know. But our responses to it require democratic consent. And such pompousness (them, not you) is counter-productive.
But this is FRITLF again. The scientists are not pompous, they just state the facts. Politicians and activists might get pompous, but what about the climate deniers? Not exactly balanced, nuanced commentators. Why do sensible people have to be so perfect, yet the right wing polemicists can behave as twattishly they fancy and get away with it?
No one says it's fair. Less "why should", more "what works".
But a big part of me wonders, as people like Trump and Putin rip up the world, whether the terrified submission of sensible people in the face of the colossal arrogance of the twats, is one of the reasons we keep diving deeper into the shit. Time to shake off the cowardice and stand up.
If anyone needs me I’m in the best room in Killeavy Castle Hotel, under the Ring of Gullion, County Down, Ulster
And I am sipping some wine as I contemplate the view from my bedroom
How on earth did they get planning permission for the travel lodge looking extension?
It’s quite jarring, isn’t it?
But then the castle is faux 19th century and not especially beautiful. It’s not like they desecrated a medieval jewel
And also, judging by the photos in the lobby, the entire place was burned out and derelict. So my guess is the authorities agreed to the big modern extension on the grounds that someone would save the old building and make it useful
And the grounds are exceptionally lovely, melting into the mountains of Mourne. Reminds me strongly of the way Gidleigh Park blurs into Dartmoor
If it's anything like Historic Environment Scotland (or English Heritage I think the English version is), you are not allowed to extend a historic building with a building that is in keeping with its style, as that is pastiche. So you have to add some sort of glass and steel carbuncle with a bit of slate cladding and a living roof - you have no choice.
No idea if this is the case in Ireland but it could well be.
If anyone needs me I’m in the best room in Killeavy Castle Hotel, under the Ring of Gullion, County Down, Ulster
And I am sipping some wine as I contemplate the view from my bedroom
How on earth did they get planning permission for the travel lodge looking extension?
It’s quite jarring, isn’t it?
But then the castle is faux 19th century and not especially beautiful. It’s not like they desecrated a medieval jewel
And also, judging by the photos in the lobby, the entire place was burned out and derelict. So my guess is the authorities agreed to the big modern extension on the grounds that someone would save the old building and make it useful
And the grounds are exceptionally lovely, melting into the mountains of Mourne. Reminds me strongly of the way Gidleigh Park blurs into Dartmoor
If it's anything like Historic Environment Scotland (or English Heritage I think the English version is), you are not allowed to extend a historic building with a building that is in keeping with its style, as that is pastiche. So you have to add some sort of glass and steel carbuncle with a bit of slate cladding and a living roof - you have no choice.
No idea if this is the case in Ireland but it could well be.
Maybe. I don’t know that was an actual rule tho? Just architectural fashion?
Anyway I was right about the antecedents. The castle is a 19th century folly, not the real thing. It looks a tiny bit naff to be honest (it is a pastiche in itself, ironically). But it has an eccentric charm
By 2019 it was totally derelict and the council gave it to the new owner with some eagerness, as long as he agreed to preserve access to the ancient woods etc
You can see good examples of this rule (complete with images) here in this glass company that specialises in such fuck ugly extensions:
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) set out broad guidelines for extensions to listed buildings:
1. Extensions must not detract from the character of the original structure 2. To this end, designers should aim for a modern addition that does not impact or overshadow the appearance of the original building
It's double-speak. One is respecting the character of the original structure by adding a glass shipping container to it in a way that you wouldn't be respecting it if you added a sympathetic extension with leaded windows and timber framing.
It varies. I really like some modernist extensions to historic buildings
The Louvre Pyramid is the classic example of a bold modern addition that really WORKS
But an awful lot fail
In general I think all domestic architecture should get the approval, or not, of King Charles III. I’m a bit more relaxed on public and commercial buildings. A bit
Personally I think the pyramid looks shite. It's kitsch. The tacky metal and glass hasn't aged well against the very attractive building it's been placed within.
But equally it's not really an extension, it's a sort of art installation in the middle, so I don't think it's really an example of the breed.
It is a bit dated. You can find more attractive juxtapositions of old buildings with modern glass structures randomly walking around the City of London.
The pyramid is just in that awkward period when it goes from being bold and modern to being old and venerated. In another 20-30 years everyone will love it
Because it is genuinely clever and rather beautiful. They need to do a better job of cleaning the glass. But then that is so hard as the Louvre is so insanely popular
I’d quite like to see an extension to the Scottish parliament. It’s an interesting example of no matter what they do it will be better than the `original
Every time I see that building in real life or in a photo I get a physical shock at its ugliness
The Scottish gov should just move back into Parliament House.
Then knock down the new Holyrood and sow the ground with salt. Turn it into a car wash with adjoining Quikfit tyre shop. It willl be better than the awful shite that cost $4bn
Is Parliament House not The Signet Library now? Where is it? I feel like I should know.
The forthcoming Super El Nino may well push the politics of climate change (or rather the politics of climate change mitigation) back up the agenda - we'll see.
30 years or so ago, Green politics meant something else - I lived near the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZed) and visited not long after it opened. It offered (or seemed to) an alternative sustainable model for future development and I know it was followed in some other places. It suggested, and I've always believed this, the possibility of human ingenuity and technological innovation as providing a response to and mitigation from the impact of climate change.
There was an eco-authoritarian streak even then in Green politics - the State would take the lead in reducing the environmental impact of individuals rather than individuals and communities leading the way.
Unfortunately, it seems, the current incarnation of Green politics has decided to stop talking about that and started talking about other things which is absurd at a point when genuine progress is being made to move away from fossil fuels to renewables and Net Zero policies, although derided by some, point the way to a different and sustainable economic model for the mid 21st century and beyond.
We may be a small player in emission terms but in technological innovation, we can and should be a world leader.
I think this year is going to be quite a biggy for climate change in the USA. There's a spring drought in the Southern USA with unseasonably high temperatures, and historically low snow levels in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Expect drought and fires.
Problem is, environmentalists spent so long admonishing deniers about "confusing weather and climate" that now the narratives about one year have less effect. Even saying that extreme weather events are more likely now muddies the waters. A sticky wicket.
Repeat after me: atmospheric physics isn’t a humanity.
The global radiation balance doesn’t actually care who’s winning the meme war. It just processes the inputs and outputs and makes things hotter.
I know. But our responses to it require democratic consent. And such pompousness (them, not you) is counter-productive.
But this is FRITLF again. The scientists are not pompous, they just state the facts. Politicians and activists might get pompous, but what about the climate deniers? Not exactly balanced, nuanced commentators. Why do sensible people have to be so perfect, yet the right wing polemicists can behave as twattishly they fancy and get away with it?
No one says it's fair. Less "why should", more "what works".
But a big part of me wonders, as people like Trump and Putin rip up the world, whether the terrified submission of sensible people in the face of the colossal arrogance of the twats, is one of the reasons we keep diving deeper into the shit. Time to shake off the cowardice and stand up.
We like to think we'd stand up to such things, but truth is most of us wouldn't. We've been very fortunate that our history through luck and much effort handed us so many freedoms and (mostly) peaceful ways of collaborating globally, even if the whole thing was creaky around the edges particularly in the poorer and more violent places of the world.
PB overreacts again. Unfortunately on Labour matters this board can be a touch silly.
I don't know why you are thinking PB only overreacts and becomes silly in relation to Labour matters. It's always been silly.
I think with Labour in particular some people think Labour does leadership like the Tories.
It is not the way they 'do leadership', it is simply that the rules make getting rid of a Labour leader fraught with difficulty and high risk. If the Tories' system was the same, you would see exactly the same from them.
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
They have to be renewed every 10 years?
My unpopular policy proposal is we should have to be retested every 10 years.
Are their enough examiners???
Certainly there are not as things stand, would need funding to boost those numbers.
I also think many people (myself included) would not pass.
Hence why it is an unpopular policy idea.
A driving licence expires when you are 70 when you are sent a renewal notice and medical questionaire which usually goes to DVLA medical team and if ok, it is renewed for 3 years and then the process is repeated
I had to declare my pacemaker and that I drive with glasses
I have my own eye test annually as I expect the DVLA to make an eye test compulsory which I fully endorse
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
The photo license does expire after 10 years
OK, fair enough. I had to trade in my old paper license when I hit 70 and its successor is only good for three years (or less...). I really miss that bedraggled piece of green paper I used to hawk around car rental offices here, there and everywhere, and the condescension on the face of the staff as it confirmed everything they'd been told about 'modern' Britain.
The forthcoming Super El Nino may well push the politics of climate change (or rather the politics of climate change mitigation) back up the agenda - we'll see.
30 years or so ago, Green politics meant something else - I lived near the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZed) and visited not long after it opened. It offered (or seemed to) an alternative sustainable model for future development and I know it was followed in some other places. It suggested, and I've always believed this, the possibility of human ingenuity and technological innovation as providing a response to and mitigation from the impact of climate change.
There was an eco-authoritarian streak even then in Green politics - the State would take the lead in reducing the environmental impact of individuals rather than individuals and communities leading the way.
Unfortunately, it seems, the current incarnation of Green politics has decided to stop talking about that and started talking about other things which is absurd at a point when genuine progress is being made to move away from fossil fuels to renewables and Net Zero policies, although derided by some, point the way to a different and sustainable economic model for the mid 21st century and beyond.
We may be a small player in emission terms but in technological innovation, we can and should be a world leader.
I think this year is going to be quite a biggy for climate change in the USA. There's a spring drought in the Southern USA with unseasonably high temperatures, and historically low snow levels in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Expect drought and fires.
Problem is, environmentalists spent so long admonishing deniers about "confusing weather and climate" that now the narratives about one year have less effect. Even saying that extreme weather events are more likely now muddies the waters. A sticky wicket.
Repeat after me: atmospheric physics isn’t a humanity.
The global radiation balance doesn’t actually care who’s winning the meme war. It just processes the inputs and outputs and makes things hotter.
I know. But our responses to it require democratic consent. And such pompousness (them, not you) is counter-productive.
But this is FRITLF again. The scientists are not pompous, they just state the facts. Politicians and activists might get pompous, but what about the climate deniers? Not exactly balanced, nuanced commentators. Why do sensible people have to be so perfect, yet the right wing polemicists can behave as twattishly they fancy and get away with it?
No one says it's fair. Less "why should", more "what works".
But a big part of me wonders, as people like Trump and Putin rip up the world, whether the terrified submission of sensible people in the face of the colossal arrogance of the twats, is one of the reasons we keep diving deeper into the shit. Time to shake off the cowardice and stand up.
Adorable that you're classing your lot as sensible people.
Allies of Andy Burnham have identified a fresh path for the Greater Manchester mayor to return to Westminster and potentially run for Labour leader, via elections to the NEC over the summer
I can't read the FT piece as paywall but if anyone on PB happens to be able to get through it would be interesting to get a TL;DR
(partly an AI summary, but mostly me)
Burnham is working on gaining control of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where 16 out of roughly 40 positions will be elected in July. These positions include various roles and specific seats for youth, disability, and Black and minority ethnic representatives. Conversations between Burnham's team and four trade unions (inc Unison) suggest that Burnhamites might gain strength on the committee after the local elections. If they gain control or even enough strength, Starmer may be too weak to stop Burnham from being a candidate.
The committee's new make-up will be revealed at Labour’s annual conference in late September.
Allies of Andy Burnham have identified a fresh path for the Greater Manchester mayor to return to Westminster and potentially run for Labour leader, via elections to the NEC over the summer
I can't read the FT piece as paywall but if anyone on PB happens to be able to get through it would be interesting to get a TL;DR
(partly an AI summary, but mostly me)
Burnham is working on gaining control of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where 16 out of roughly 40 positions will be elected in July. These positions include various roles and specific seats for youth, disability, and Black and minority ethnic representatives. Conversations between Burnham's team and four trade unions (inc Unison) suggest that Burnhamites might gain strength on the committee after the local elections. If they gain control or even enough strength, Starmer may be too weak to stop Burnham from being a candidate.
The committee's new make-up will be revealed at Labour’s annual conference in late September.
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
The photo license does expire after 10 years
OK, fair enough. I had to trade in my old paper license when I hit 70 and its successor is only good for three years (or less...). I really miss that bedraggled piece of green paper I used to hawk around car rental offices here, there and everywhere, and the condescension on the face of the staff as it confirmed everything they'd been told about 'modern' Britain.
My present license is only schedules for 8 years as I would reach
Presumably he'll be accorded the same license Alec Douglas Home enjoyed in 1963. At least he doesn't have to renounce a peerage. I'm guessing the leadership of Greater Manchester is easier to shuffle off.
Stood first for parliament in 1997, then 2001 & 2015, before winning in 2024. Gumption or delusion, one of the two. But also:
"In January 2025, she said that Butlin's was 'partly' to blame for the low social mobility in her constituency by offering employment that does not require qualifications.[11]
On 18 March 2025, the BBC reported that during Gilmour's visit to Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station in her constituency, she was abusive to a security guard after he had pointed out that her driving licence was expired and that he had informed the police. Witnesses stated that she described a film presented by site workers with further abusive language. She denied the allegations.[12]
On 18 July 2025, the Daily Telegraph reported that Gilmour had submitted an expenses claim for £11.81 in December 2024 for a pub meal, which included chips, a halloumi wrap, a hot drink, and a half-pint of cider. The claim was subsequently rejected."
Sounds charming.
Under what circumstances does a UK driving license 'expire'? It's good until you're 70 and she's still only 61.
The photo license does expire after 10 years
OK, fair enough. I had to trade in my old paper license when I hit 70 and its successor is only good for three years (or less...). I really miss that bedraggled piece of green paper I used to hawk around car rental offices here, there and everywhere, and the condescension on the face of the staff as it confirmed everything they'd been told about 'modern' Britain.
My present license is only schedules for 8 years as I would reach
Allies of Andy Burnham have identified a fresh path for the Greater Manchester mayor to return to Westminster and potentially run for Labour leader, via elections to the NEC over the summer
I can't read the FT piece as paywall but if anyone on PB happens to be able to get through it would be interesting to get a TL;DR
(partly an AI summary, but mostly me)
Burnham is working on gaining control of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where 16 out of roughly 40 positions will be elected in July. These positions include various roles and specific seats for youth, disability, and Black and minority ethnic representatives. Conversations between Burnham's team and four trade unions (inc Unison) suggest that Burnhamites might gain strength on the committee after the local elections. If they gain control or even enough strength, Starmer may be too weak to stop Burnham from being a candidate.
The committee's new make-up will be revealed at Labour’s annual conference in late September.
The single biggest client of Lord Mandelson’s lobbying firm was a company linked to the Chinese military, leaked documents show
Global Counsel, in which Mandelson retained shares while he was the UK ambassador to Washington, received £2.24 million from WuXi AppTec, a Shanghai-listed life science company, last year
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
I suspect there has been some direct switching from Ref to Green actually. Ref were the outsider party and then they took a bunch of prominent ex-Tories and now Green are the new outsiders.
The guardian has about 98 articles gunning for Skyr. It’s an interesting phenomenon. Likewise the FT, which is generally if mildly quite pro Labour - and certainly Remainer like Starmer - is almost as vitriolic
The Blob Media wants Skyr gone. ASAP. Not sure why. Angry disappointment? Genuine shock and disgust? Fear of Reform?
Their problem is they don’t have a clear favourite to replace him
The whole process of 'vetting' is open to question. Is it supposed to discover past events that might embarrass the present government or is it supposed to predict a candidate's future actions based on their past record? They are not the same thing. If 'vetting' is the answer, what is the question? No doubt Guy Burgess was well and truly vetted back in the day.
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
I suspect there has been some direct switching from Ref to Green actually. Ref were the outsider party and then they took a bunch of prominent ex-Tories and now Green are the new outsiders.
There's been at least one going the other direction too.
The guardian has about 98 articles gunning for Skyr. It’s an interesting phenomenon. Likewise the FT, which is generally if mildly quite pro Labour - and certainly Remainer like Starmer - is almost as vitriolic
The Blob Media wants Skyr gone. ASAP. Not sure why. Angry disappointment? Genuine shock and disgust? Fear of Reform?
Their problem is they don’t have a clear favourite to replace him
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
I suspect there has been some direct switching from Ref to Green actually. Ref were the outsider party and then they took a bunch of prominent ex-Tories and now Green are the new outsiders.
If Reform voters are all racists and stupid, as some on here have claimed, and they are now switching to the Greens, does this make the Greens the party for stupid racists?
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
I suspect there has been some direct switching from Ref to Green actually. Ref were the outsider party and then they took a bunch of prominent ex-Tories and now Green are the new outsiders.
If Reform voters are all racists and stupid, as some on here have claimed, and they are now switching to the Greens, does this make the Greens the party for stupid racists?
Discuss.
If the Greens have attracted some former Reform voters they still only have a minority of them, and so they'd be at best [worst?] the second-largest party for stupid racists, assuming everything else in your comment was accurate.
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
I suspect there has been some direct switching from Ref to Green actually. Ref were the outsider party and then they took a bunch of prominent ex-Tories and now Green are the new outsiders.
If Reform voters are all racists and stupid, as some on here have claimed, and they are now switching to the Greens, does this make the Greens the party for stupid racists?
Discuss.
Political anoraks tend to focus too much on theory and ideology. Some people like to be protest voters and will vote for the party that most aligns with a sense of protest. Once that was the Lib Dems, then along came UKIP/Reform and now we have the competition of the Greens.
Very risky by Kemi. If tonight’s Opinium poll is correct and the Tories are third behind Labour as well as Reform if she sacks Stride he will be out for revenge. Stride backed Cleverly in the final round in 2024 so he would likely do a Howe on her to get his man in to replace her. Philp would also become an enemy of Kemi on the backbenches if sacked.
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
The forthcoming Super El Nino may well push the politics of climate change (or rather the politics of climate change mitigation) back up the agenda - we'll see.
30 years or so ago, Green politics meant something else - I lived near the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZed) and visited not long after it opened. It offered (or seemed to) an alternative sustainable model for future development and I know it was followed in some other places. It suggested, and I've always believed this, the possibility of human ingenuity and technological innovation as providing a response to and mitigation from the impact of climate change.
There was an eco-authoritarian streak even then in Green politics - the State would take the lead in reducing the environmental impact of individuals rather than individuals and communities leading the way.
Unfortunately, it seems, the current incarnation of Green politics has decided to stop talking about that and started talking about other things which is absurd at a point when genuine progress is being made to move away from fossil fuels to renewables and Net Zero policies, although derided by some, point the way to a different and sustainable economic model for the mid 21st century and beyond.
We may be a small player in emission terms but in technological innovation, we can and should be a world leader.
I think this year is going to be quite a biggy for climate change in the USA. There's a spring drought in the Southern USA with unseasonably high temperatures, and historically low snow levels in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Expect drought and fires.
Problem is, environmentalists spent so long admonishing deniers about "confusing weather and climate" that now the narratives about one year have less effect. Even saying that extreme weather events are more likely now muddies the waters. A sticky wicket.
Repeat after me: atmospheric physics isn’t a humanity.
The global radiation balance doesn’t actually care who’s winning the meme war. It just processes the inputs and outputs and makes things hotter.
I know. But our responses to it require democratic consent. And such pompousness (them, not you) is counter-productive.
But this is FRITLF again. The scientists are not pompous, they just state the facts. Politicians and activists might get pompous, but what about the climate deniers? Not exactly balanced, nuanced commentators. Why do sensible people have to be so perfect, yet the right wing polemicists can behave as twattishly they fancy and get away with it?
No one says it's fair. Less "why should", more "what works".
But a big part of me wonders, as people like Trump and Putin rip up the world, whether the terrified submission of sensible people in the face of the colossal arrogance of the twats, is one of the reasons we keep diving deeper into the shit. Time to shake off the cowardice and stand up.
Adorable that you're classing your lot as sensible people.
“Your lot”. People who acknowledge the physical reality of the greenhouse effect. Yes.
Very risky by Kemi. If tonight’s Opinium poll is correct and the Tories are third behind Labour as well as Reform if she sacks Stride he will be out for revenge. Stride backed Cleverly in the final round in 2024 so he would likely do a Howe on her to get his man in to replace her. Philp would also become an enemy of Kemi on the backbenches if sacked.
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
Strange moment for an announcement/leak. 23:50 Saturday evening.
Allies of Andy Burnham have identified a fresh path for the Greater Manchester mayor to return to Westminster and potentially run for Labour leader, via elections to the NEC over the summer
I can't read the FT piece as paywall but if anyone on PB happens to be able to get through it would be interesting to get a TL;DR
(partly an AI summary, but mostly me)
Burnham is working on gaining control of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where 16 out of roughly 40 positions will be elected in July. These positions include various roles and specific seats for youth, disability, and Black and minority ethnic representatives. Conversations between Burnham's team and four trade unions (inc Unison) suggest that Burnhamites might gain strength on the committee after the local elections. If they gain control or even enough strength, Starmer may be too weak to stop Burnham from being a candidate.
The committee's new make-up will be revealed at Labour’s annual conference in late September.
Very risky by Kemi. If tonight’s Opinium poll is correct and the Tories are third behind Labour as well as Reform if she sacks Stride he will be out for revenge. Stride backed Cleverly in the final round in 2024 so he would likely do a Howe on her to get his man in to replace her. Philp would also become an enemy of Kemi on the backbenches if sacked.
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
Strange moment for an announcement/leak. 23:50 Saturday evening.
Very risky by Kemi. If tonight’s Opinium poll is correct and the Tories are third behind Labour as well as Reform if she sacks Stride he will be out for revenge. Stride backed Cleverly in the final round in 2024 so he would likely do a Howe on her to get his man in to replace her. Philp would also become an enemy of Kemi on the backbenches if sacked.
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
Strange moment for an announcement/leak. 23:50 Saturday evening.
Never heard of Rankin.
One of the Tories rare inner city MPs, nicknamed Uptown Top Rankin. Apparently.
A former foreign office official called me on Friday to say “there’s no way Nick Dyer is the right person to sort things out”. System proceeding as normal
A former foreign office official called me on Friday to say “there’s no way Nick Dyer is the right person to sort things out”. System proceeding as normal
Civil servants are such bitches. Maybe they should be called “uncivil servants”.
Very risky by Kemi. If tonight’s Opinium poll is correct and the Tories are third behind Labour as well as Reform if she sacks Stride he will be out for revenge. Stride backed Cleverly in the final round in 2024 so he would likely do a Howe on her to get his man in to replace her. Philp would also become an enemy of Kemi on the backbenches if sacked.
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
Strange moment for an announcement/leak. 23:50 Saturday evening.
Never heard of Rankin.
One of the Tories rare inner city MPs, nicknamed Uptown Top Rankin. Apparently.
Windsor is a town with a royal castle, hardly inner city
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
Very risky by Kemi. If tonight’s Opinium poll is correct and the Tories are third behind Labour as well as Reform if she sacks Stride he will be out for revenge. Stride backed Cleverly in the final round in 2024 so he would likely do a Howe on her to get his man in to replace her. Philp would also become an enemy of Kemi on the backbenches if sacked.
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
Strange moment for an announcement/leak. 23:50 Saturday evening.
Never heard of Rankin.
One of the Tories rare inner city MPs, nicknamed Uptown Top Rankin. Apparently.
Windsor is a town with a royal castle, hardly inner city
It was a joke HYUFD. Up town top ranking being a late 70s reggae/pop song.
Very risky by Kemi. If tonight’s Opinium poll is correct and the Tories are third behind Labour as well as Reform if she sacks Stride he will be out for revenge. Stride backed Cleverly in the final round in 2024 so he would likely do a Howe on her to get his man in to replace her. Philp would also become an enemy of Kemi on the backbenches if sacked.
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
Strange moment for an announcement/leak. 23:50 Saturday evening.
Never heard of Rankin.
One of the Tories rare inner city MPs, nicknamed Uptown Top Rankin. Apparently.
Windsor is a town with a royal castle, hardly inner city
You have to be a certain age to get 'uptown top rankin'
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
I suspect there has been some direct switching from Ref to Green actually. Ref were the outsider party and then they took a bunch of prominent ex-Tories and now Green are the new outsiders.
I don't think that's it - I think it's actually the social acceptability of the Greens that is helping them. They have a bit of edge, but at the end of the day they will not cause a disgusted reaction at parties. As a people, we have a powerful instinct to conform and herd.
The Greens offer rebellion but in a way that is acceptable to the right sort of people. By contrast, Reform have faced a greater level of attacks than before, with a sustained attempt by the Government to portray them as the unacceptable face of right wing politics.
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
I suspect there has been some direct switching from Ref to Green actually. Ref were the outsider party and then they took a bunch of prominent ex-Tories and now Green are the new outsiders.
I don't think that's it - I think it's actually the social acceptability of the Greens that is helping them. They have a bit of edge, but at the end of the day they will not cause a disgusted reaction at parties. As a people, we have a powerful instinct to conform and herd.
The Greens offer rebellion but in a way that is acceptable to the right sort of people. By contrast, Reform have faced a greater level of attacks than before, with a sustained attempt by the Government to portray them as the unacceptable face of right wing politics.
Greens get Corbyn 2019 voters, Reform get Boris 2019 voters
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
I think it is close enough between Labour and the Tories in the opinion polls that the differential turnout that benefits the opposition and older voters in lower turnout local elections should see the Tories safely ahead of Labour in the projected national share.
The Greens are probably a bit too far behind, and rely too much on younger voters to finish ahead of the Tories, while the Lib Dems tend to overperform in local elections, so I'd guess at the projected national share putting the parties in the order RFM-LDM-CON-GRN-LAB.
Bearing in mind that the Tories were fourth in 2025, I'm not sure why you're so fixated on them needing to come second for Kemi to avoid a leadership challenge? Would you elaborate on your reasoning?
Burnham seems far more interested in climbing the greasy pole at any cost. He is not interested in his City, his County, his Party or the Country. Show me a wildly ambitious politician and I will show you an egotistical w*nker!
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
I suspect there has been some direct switching from Ref to Green actually. Ref were the outsider party and then they took a bunch of prominent ex-Tories and now Green are the new outsiders.
I don't think that's it - I think it's actually the social acceptability of the Greens that is helping them. They have a bit of edge, but at the end of the day they will not cause a disgusted reaction at parties. As a people, we have a powerful instinct to conform and herd.
The Greens offer rebellion but in a way that is acceptable to the right sort of people. By contrast, Reform have faced a greater level of attacks than before, with a sustained attempt by the Government to portray them as the unacceptable face of right wing politics.
There are lots of social groups now where being a Reform supporter is the norm, and supporting any of the other parties would be a social outlier.
Now that Reform have broken through that barrier into the lead ahead of the Tories, it's one of the social effects that will work in their favour.
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
You have to admit that Stride and Philp were utterly abject and wooden. Good move from Badenoch.
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
You have to admit that Stride and Philp were utterly abject and wooden. Good move from Badenoch.
Stride was a good Minister for the Today programme. Every time he was on he managed to do the anti-politician thing of answering questions and being super on top of his brief. He’s not going to get the voters wet in their knickers but was good and useful but probably best as party chairman or similar as calm and answers questions. I do think Coutinho would be a good shadow chancellor.
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
You have to admit that Stride and Philp were utterly abject and wooden. Good move from Badenoch.
Philp is a wet fish however and needs to focus on being a constituency MP. Or bait.
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
I think it is close enough between Labour and the Tories in the opinion polls that the differential turnout that benefits the opposition and older voters in lower turnout local elections should see the Tories safely ahead of Labour in the projected national share.
The Greens are probably a bit too far behind, and rely too much on younger voters to finish ahead of the Tories, while the Lib Dems tend to overperform in local elections, so I'd guess at the projected national share putting the parties in the order RFM-LDM-CON-GRN-LAB.
Bearing in mind that the Tories were fourth in 2025, I'm not sure why you're so fixated on them needing to come second for Kemi to avoid a leadership challenge? Would you elaborate on your reasoning?
If she does sack Stride and Philp and can't even beat one of the most unpopular parties of government of modern times in a local election Kemi is gone, they will manoeuvre to replace her with Cleverly over the summer. She needs the Tories to be at least a clear second to Reform
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
You have to admit that Stride and Philp were utterly abject and wooden. Good move from Badenoch.
A potential checkmate own goal for her. Stride will shift to Cleverly and Philp was one of her main backers in 2024, if both are sacked they will be her enemies on the backbenches and a VONC in her leadership becomes likely if the May results are poor for the Tories
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
I think it is close enough between Labour and the Tories in the opinion polls that the differential turnout that benefits the opposition and older voters in lower turnout local elections should see the Tories safely ahead of Labour in the projected national share.
The Greens are probably a bit too far behind, and rely too much on younger voters to finish ahead of the Tories, while the Lib Dems tend to overperform in local elections, so I'd guess at the projected national share putting the parties in the order RFM-LDM-CON-GRN-LAB.
Bearing in mind that the Tories were fourth in 2025, I'm not sure why you're so fixated on them needing to come second for Kemi to avoid a leadership challenge? Would you elaborate on your reasoning?
If she does sack Stride and Philp and can't even beat one of the most unpopular parties of government of modern times in a local election she is gone, they will manoeuvre to replace her with Cleverly. She needs the Tories to be at least a clear second to Reform
I’m intrigued by your strong support for cleverly as I don’t see what he has, has done or can do. He messed up his own leadership campaign by all accounts which doesn’t suggest he is safer hands. Kemi needs to chill and hopefully another few years of LotO will do that but I don’t see what magic cleverly has that you see.
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
I think it is close enough between Labour and the Tories in the opinion polls that the differential turnout that benefits the opposition and older voters in lower turnout local elections should see the Tories safely ahead of Labour in the projected national share.
The Greens are probably a bit too far behind, and rely too much on younger voters to finish ahead of the Tories, while the Lib Dems tend to overperform in local elections, so I'd guess at the projected national share putting the parties in the order RFM-LDM-CON-GRN-LAB.
Bearing in mind that the Tories were fourth in 2025, I'm not sure why you're so fixated on them needing to come second for Kemi to avoid a leadership challenge? Would you elaborate on your reasoning?
If she does sack Stride and Philp and can't even beat one of the most unpopular parties of government of modern times in a local election she is gone, they will manoeuvre to replace her with Cleverly. She needs the Tories to be at least a clear second to Reform
I’m intrigued by your vehement support for cleverly as I don’t see what he has, has done or can do. He messed up his own leadership campaign by all accounts which doesn’t suggest he is safer hands. Kemi needs to chill and hopefully another few years of LotO will do that but I don’t see what magic cleverly has that you see.
Saying this as someone who would have been ok with cleverly as a Howard place holder btw.
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
I think it is close enough between Labour and the Tories in the opinion polls that the differential turnout that benefits the opposition and older voters in lower turnout local elections should see the Tories safely ahead of Labour in the projected national share.
The Greens are probably a bit too far behind, and rely too much on younger voters to finish ahead of the Tories, while the Lib Dems tend to overperform in local elections, so I'd guess at the projected national share putting the parties in the order RFM-LDM-CON-GRN-LAB.
Bearing in mind that the Tories were fourth in 2025, I'm not sure why you're so fixated on them needing to come second for Kemi to avoid a leadership challenge? Would you elaborate on your reasoning?
If she does sack Stride and Philp and can't even beat one of the most unpopular parties of government of modern times in a local election she is gone, they will manoeuvre to replace her with Cleverly. She needs the Tories to be at least a clear second to Reform
I’m intrigued by your strong support for cleverly as I don’t see what he has, has done or can do. He messed up his own leadership campaign by all accounts which doesn’t suggest he is safer hands. Kemi needs to chill and hopefully another few years of LotO will do that but I don’t see what magic cleverly has that you see.
Well for starters he can win over more tactical voters from Labour and the LDs in Tory held seats if the Tories are third in May.
As I said if that occurs and she has sacked Stride and Philp there will be a VONC and Kemi will likely be gone
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
I think it is close enough between Labour and the Tories in the opinion polls that the differential turnout that benefits the opposition and older voters in lower turnout local elections should see the Tories safely ahead of Labour in the projected national share.
The Greens are probably a bit too far behind, and rely too much on younger voters to finish ahead of the Tories, while the Lib Dems tend to overperform in local elections, so I'd guess at the projected national share putting the parties in the order RFM-LDM-CON-GRN-LAB.
Bearing in mind that the Tories were fourth in 2025, I'm not sure why you're so fixated on them needing to come second for Kemi to avoid a leadership challenge? Would you elaborate on your reasoning?
If she does sack Stride and Philp and can't even beat one of the most unpopular parties of government of modern times in a local election she is gone, they will manoeuvre to replace her with Cleverly. She needs the Tories to be at least a clear second to Reform
I’m intrigued by your strong support for cleverly as I don’t see what he has, has done or can do. He messed up his own leadership campaign by all accounts which doesn’t suggest he is safer hands. Kemi needs to chill and hopefully another few years of LotO will do that but I don’t see what magic cleverly has that you see.
Well for starters he can win over more tactical voters from Labour and the LDs in Tory held seats if the Tories are third in May.
As I said if that occurs and she has sacked Stride and Philp there will be a VONC and Kemi will likely be gone
Very risky by Kemi. If tonight’s Opinium poll is correct and the Tories are third behind Labour as well as Reform if she sacks Stride he will be out for revenge. Stride backed Cleverly in the final round in 2024 so he would likely do a Howe on her to get his man in to replace her. Philp would also become an enemy of Kemi on the backbenches if sacked.
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
Strange moment for an announcement/leak. 23:50 Saturday evening.
Breaking Shadow Cabinet reshuffle news, Stride is off to the Ministry of Silly Walks. More to come.
Kemi now better pray Opinium is wrong and the Tories are second in May because if they are third or worse, having sacked Stride, he will shift firmly to Team Cleverly and she will likely be gone by the end of July
You have to admit that Stride and Philp were utterly abject and wooden. Good move from Badenoch.
A potential checkmate own goal for her. Stride will shift to Cleverly and Philp was one of her main backers in 2024, if both are sacked they will be her enemies on the backbenches and a VONC in her leadership becomes likely if the May results are poor for the Tories
Good morning
Kemi is not going to do a reshuffle before May's elections
Stride is personable but Philp is poor
If the rumours are true then I have no doubt she will not face a vonc despite your constant assertions that Cleverly is some Prince over the water
Comments
Luke Akehurst
@lukeakehurst
New
@OpiniumResearch poll released this evening:
Reform 26% (-1)
Labour 22% (+1)
Conservatives 17% (nc)
Greens 15% (nc)
Liberal Democrats 11% (-1).
I'm sure the former Conservative MP noticed his vote nearly halve.
I'm sure the Liberal Democrats noticed their vote nearly double.
Would need balance - Cooper keeps Foreign? Mahmood keeps Home?
But what of Wes?
Only common denominators
Reform leaking
LD static
Green levelling off
Lab / Con anywhere between 17 and 22 very random
Nobody gonna slow me down, oh no
I got to keep on moving
Ain't nothin' gonna break Mel Stride
I'm running and I won't touch ground
Oh no, I got to keep on moving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6yYHsC0nws
Comes across as an air head.
My unpopular policy proposal is we should have to be retested every 10 years.
You could do a fair bit by tightening up the existing points system, and having better detection of poor driving, but you'd have to check people's licences more often and find a way to prevent/deter cloned plates.
Strictly speaking a car driven on cloned plates should stand out like a sore thumb on the ANPR system, and be an easy target for enforcement action.
It's simply a non issue outside of Westminster
The Greens are not a serious party.
Burnham is working on gaining control of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where 16 out of roughly 40 positions will be elected in July. These positions include various roles and specific seats for youth, disability, and Black and minority ethnic representatives. Conversations between Burnham's team and four trade unions (inc Unison) suggest that Burnhamites might gain strength on the committee after the local elections. If they gain control or even enough strength, Starmer may be too weak to stop Burnham from being a candidate.
The committee's new make-up will be revealed at Labour’s annual conference in late September.
That’s what MPs are waiting for.
Or do you mean bombing?
I also think many people (myself included) would not pass.
Hence why it is an unpopular policy idea.
If he was so interested in becoming an MP again he should have tried in 2024 . He’s only now interested again because he thinks he’s guaranteed to become Labour leader and PM .
Hr tried twice before to become leader and got trounced yet all of a sudden some Labour MPs treat him as the next coming of Christ .
Tory MPs thought they were at risk and that Boris becoming leader would save them, and they were right. Later they thought he was dragging them down and didn't have a clear idea who could save them, ending up in a right old mess, and it did not save them. No guarantees.
I had to declare my pacemaker and that I drive with glasses
I have my own eye test annually as I expect the DVLA to make an eye test compulsory which I fully endorse
Green clearly up, Reform clearly down. Con/Lab/LD slightly down
It is unacceptable that the Committee has been hoodwinked like this. We will have answers.
https://x.com/emilythornberry/status/2045596449254076900?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
EXCLUSIVE
The single biggest client of Lord Mandelson’s lobbying firm was a company linked to the Chinese military, leaked documents show
Global Counsel, in which Mandelson retained shares while he was the UK ambassador to Washington, received £2.24 million from WuXi AppTec, a Shanghai-listed life science company, last year
The Blob Media wants Skyr gone. ASAP. Not sure why. Angry disappointment? Genuine shock and disgust? Fear of Reform?
Their problem is they don’t have a clear favourite to replace him
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/news-opinion/councillor-who-swapped-greens-reform-33290978
FT: Embarrassment.
Discuss.
PM's Office of Japan
@JPN_PMO
·
36m
[Emergency alert]
North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/19/japan/north-korea-missiles-japan-defense/
Lam and Rankin were Jenrick backers in 2024 so would be a clear shift to the right by Badenoch and if poor results in May that would be enough to see Cleverly backers and even some former Kemi backers like Philp plot to oust her in a VONC over the summer
Never heard of Rankin.
As in, Weekend at...
https://x.com/ShippersUnbound/status/2045635351675367615
A former foreign office official called me on Friday to say “there’s no way Nick Dyer is the right person to sort things out”. System proceeding as normal
The Greens offer rebellion but in a way that is acceptable to the right sort of people. By contrast, Reform have faced a greater level of attacks than before, with a sustained attempt by the Government to portray them as the unacceptable face of right wing politics.
The Greens are probably a bit too far behind, and rely too much on younger voters to finish ahead of the Tories, while the Lib Dems tend to overperform in local elections, so I'd guess at the projected national share putting the parties in the order RFM-LDM-CON-GRN-LAB.
Bearing in mind that the Tories were fourth in 2025, I'm not sure why you're so fixated on them needing to come second for Kemi to avoid a leadership challenge? Would you elaborate on your reasoning?
Now that Reform have broken through that barrier into the lead ahead of the Tories, it's one of the social effects that will work in their favour.
As I said if that occurs and she has sacked Stride and Philp there will be a VONC and Kemi will likely be gone
Kemi is not going to do a reshuffle before May's elections
Stride is personable but Philp is poor
If the rumours are true then I have no doubt she will not face a vonc despite your constant assertions that Cleverly is some Prince over the water