Friday 25 April: The race for renewable energy leaves rural land vulnerable to misuse

Posted on by Geoff Graham

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403 thoughts on “Friday 25 April: The race for renewable energy leaves rural land vulnerable to misuse”

    1. Good morning. I have a cooking competition tomorrow and i think i have woken with a cold.

    1. Maybe only a female magician can, at Easter time, produced a rabbit from an egg?

    2. Izzy Wizzy, Let's Get Busy.

      Sooty would never have dreamt about letting a woman have his wand!

      2. Wasn't Sooty's wand held between the thumb and one of Ronnie Corbett's fingers?

        (NOT Old Steptoe's son
        &
        NOT Ronnie Braker's partner in comedy.)

          1. The anaesthetist at my dentist when I was about 7 was called Mr Corbett! He always promised to bring Sooty with him ‘next time’!

  4. Good morning, all. Grey, calm, chilly.

    Had a thought last night: Schwab = Blatter = Samaranch = interchangeable despots.

  5. ‘Missed penis’ on Bayeux Tapestry raises questions between scholars

    Medieval experts debate whether depiction of a running man shows male genitalia or a sword’s sheath

    25 April 2025 7:00am BST

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/briefs/2025/04/24/TELEMMGLPICT000421301797_17454907603760_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqnWG5O-ONY95CoHJGE_0GjjUArhp340FJVUObuOgqbQs.jpeg?imwidth=1920
    Dr Christopher Monk argues the pale and black threads ‘depict all the necessary parts’ of what could be the Bayeux Tapestry’s 94th penis Credit: Bayeux Museum/Solent News & Photo Agency

    A row has broken out between scholars after an expert claimed to have discovered an extra penis on the Bayeux Tapestry.

    Seven years ago, Prof George Garnett, an Oxford academic, claimed to have identified 93 depictions of male genitalia in the tapestry; five were on men, while 88 belonged to horses.

    However, Dr Christopher Monk, a mediaeval scholar and expert on Anglo-Saxon nudity, has now claimed that he has found a another penis, pushing the figure up to 94.

    The dispute centres around one contested depiction of a running man who appears to have something hanging low beneath his tunic.

    Prof Garnett is firm in his view that this is a scabbard of a sword or dagger.

    Dr Monk, on the other hand, is sure it is a penis.

    “I am in no doubt that the appendage is a depiction of male genitalia – the missed penis, shall we say?” Dr Monk told the HistoryExtra Podcast.

    “The detail is surprisingly anatomically fulsome.”

    Dr Monk said that the stitching indicates that the shape is a penis, with later restoration stitches making it all the more phallic.

    He said the pale thread appears to be from the original tapestry, making up the circular testicles and possibly the glans. He also said the black stitches of the shaft are from later restorations of the tapestry.

    Dr Monk added: “That’s my own interpretation of the stitches which… depict all the necessary parts – a penis, with its distinct glans, and two testicles.”

    The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England, led by William, the Duke of Normandy, challenging Harold II, King of England.

    At nearly 70 metres long, it is thought to date to the 11th century, within a few years of the battle.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/briefs/2025/04/24/TELEMMGLPICT000421311210_17454907763190_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq6j9HHYJjpjTnjkIu1TeiQd9r7DFGyLP6aOIybd86Xjk.jpeg?imwidth=960 Prof George Garnett believes the designer of the tapestry had an ‘obsession’ with male genitalia Credit: Bayeux Museum/Solent News & Photo Agency

    Referring to his original research in 2018, Prof Garnett, of St Hugh’s College at Oxford University, said: “By my calculations there are 93 penises in what survives of the original tapestry.

    “Four of these are attached to men, and what may be a fifth appears on a soldier’s corpse in the margin below a late stage in the Battle of Hastings, as his chain mail is stripped from him.

    “There is also what appears to be a pair of testicles, the penis itself being concealed by a discreetly positioned axe handle … All of these human male genitalia are confined to the upper or lower borders.

    “There are 88 penises depicted on horses, all in the main action; and curiously, none on dogs, or on any of the other many creatures in the main frame or borders.”

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/briefs/2025/04/24/TELEMMGLPICT000421312040_17454907905570_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqmKqJetyVX5oZAa8YracBqeiw0thcDRogynoNBJj_FA0.jpeg?imwidth=960
    Out of the 93 penises on the tapestry, 88 belong to the horses which are ‘all in the main action’ of the Battle of Hastings

    He added that he believed the designer of the tapestry had an “obsession” with male genitalia.

    Prof Garnett continued: “I say his, because this is just the sort of thing which will be familiar to anyone who has spent any time in a boys’ school, but seems unlikely to have been the product of a female mind.”

    Dr David Musgrove, a podcast host and tapestry expert, said: “The possibility of there being another penis in the tapestry is fascinating.

    “It invites us to think again as to why there are these explicit scenes in what is otherwise a story of politics, power and pitched battle.

    “It’s a reminder that this embroidery is a multi-layered artefact that rewards careful study, and remains a wondrous enigma almost a millennium after it was stitched.”
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2025/04/24/TELEMMGLPICT000421312038_17454922334430_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwfSVWeZ_vEN7c6bHu2jJnT8.jpeg?imwidth=960
    Prof George Garnett identified 93 penises on the 70-metre-long Bayeux Tapestry
    Prof Garnett identified 93 penises on the 70m-long tapestry
    Discussing the impact of his research, Prof Garnett told the podcast that his work was not about sensationalism – it is about understanding mediaeval minds.

    “The whole point of studying history is to understand how people thought in the past,” he said. “And mediaeval people were not crude, unsophisticated, dim-witted individuals. Quite the opposite.”

    Asked about Dr Monk’s claim of a 94th penis, Prof Garnett insisted that he was mistaken.

    He told the podcast: “It’s quite clear to me that what is being depicted in that instance is the scabbard of his sword or dagger because right at its end is a yellow blob, which I take to be probably a depiction of brass.  

    “If you look at what are incontrovertibly penises in the tapestry, none of them has a yellow blob at the end.”

    1. Trans people ‘seeking asylum abroad after Supreme Court ruling’

      Labour peer Lord Cashman says some friends looking to leave Britain because they fear for their safety and futures

      Dominic Penna Political Correspondent
      24 April 2025 6:19pm BST

      Trans people are seeking asylum abroad amid fears for their safety after last week’s Supreme Court judgment, a Labour peer has claimed.

      Lord Cashman said friends were looking to leave Britain after the country’s highest court ruled that transgender women are not legally women.

      It came as Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, suggested that he wished he had listened to women’s concerns about the Government’s trans stance sooner.

      Last week, judges insisted that the ruling, which determined that trans women were not the same as biological women under the equalities law, did not dilute protections for trans people against direct discrimination.

      But speaking in a debate in the Lords on Thursday, Lord Cashman said: “Currently, trans people in this country live in fear, they live in fear of their safety, their futures.

      “Indeed, some friends are now looking at seeking asylum in countries where they will fear not [for their] safety but where they will receive a welcome.”

      Lord Cashman did not provide any evidence to support his claim.

      Baroness Smith of Malvern, the equalities minister, replied: “I very much hope that trans people will still believe that this is a country where they are welcomed, where their rights and their dignity are upheld. That is certainly the position in law.”

      It is believed no one has ever previously fled Britain to claim asylum in another country.

      Lord Cashman, an LGBT rights activist and former EastEnders actor, has been a Labour peer since 2014 and was an MEP for the previous 15 years.

      He is among the founders of Stonewall, the LGBT charity, which has continued to insist that trans women are women.

      In an interview in 2020, he claimed that there were similarities between the treatment of trans people in modern Britain and discrimination against lesbian and gay people decades earlier.

      At the time, he said: “If I don’t stand up for the rights of others, how can my own rights ever be defended? The fact that lesbian and gay people are willing to sacrifice trans people – we’re rolling back the clock.”

      On Wednesday, Mr Streeting suggested trans people could be treated in private rooms in the NHS after the court ruling.

      Asked by LBC whether trans people would be treated on male wards and use male changing rooms and toilets, Mr Streeting replied: “No. What we want to do is make sure we have single-sex provision on wards in the NHS, and that’s based on biology, and to make sure that trans people have access to safe and dignified and respectful care.”

      Asked which wards trans people would be treated on, he said: “It will very much depend on particular settings. The NHS is updating its guidance, and what we would like to see is appropriate kinds of rooms and private spaces for trans people to be cared for in NHS hospitals.”

      Mr Streeting also suggested that he was wrong not to have listened to women concerned about trans people entering their spaces.

      Asked about his previous comments that “trans women are women… get over it”, he said: “I’ve addressed this previously and I don’t mind kind of saying, ‘look, you know, I don’t think that was the right thing to say’.

      “And actually, I wish I’d listened much earlier. I don’t think we, to be honest, given some of the rough discourse we’ve had on these issues in recent years, I don’t think we lose anything by having a bit of humility to say, ‘actually, I wish we’d listened’.”

      Sir Keir Starmer accepted the ruling of the Supreme Court after years of shifting his position on the trans debate, but he has faced a backlash from Labour ministers and MPs. Leaked WhatsApp messages last week showed that frontbenchers railed against comments made by Baroness Falkner, the equality watchdog chief.

      Downing Street refused to take any action against the two ministers, claiming that they were not trying to undermine the judgment of the court.

      Meanwhile Rosie Duffield, the former Labour MP, who claims she was forced out of Labour for her gender-critical views, branded Starmer weak for his changing views on trans rights.

      The independent MP for Canterbury said she has still not received an apology for the way she was treated while still in Labour.

      She told Times Radio: “He’s a manager rather than a political leader and that’s how most of the veteran backbenchers view him,” she said. “He sits on fences and reacts to things.

      “He’s in politics, he’s not managing a bank, he’s no longer a barrister or the director of public prosecutions. He’s managing a political party and the country’s politics as a whole.”

      ***************************************

      Aelfwynn Erin
      13 hrs ago
      "trans people in this country live in fear, they live in fear of their safety, their futures"

      This hysterical propaganda is shameful. How exactly does asking men who identify as trans to treat women with respect and stay out of women's spaces and sports endanger them in any way, shape or form?

      If trans activists are trying to claim that excluding men in dresses from women's spaces "endangers" these men, why can't they see how the presence of men in women's spaces endangers actual women?

      The misogynistic hypocrisy is sickening

      1. There is no such thing as "trans people".

        There are the mentally ill and there are the bandwagon-jumpers. No other form of suchlike weirdo exists.

      4. Yo Citroen

        May I fidddle,

        Labour peer Lord Cashman says some friends looking to leave Britain because they fear for their safety and futures

        Dominic Penna Political Correspondent
        24 April 2025 6:19pm BST

        Heterosexal people are seeking asylum abroad amid fears for their safety after last week’s Supreme Court judgment, a Labour peer has claimed.

    2. Dangler in the top picture looks more like the barrel and front of cylinder of a revolver to me.

    3. …… "expert on Anglo-Saxon nudity" .….
      Bu88er, I missed a chance to get lots of attention and make some easy money.
      And the Bayeaux Tapestry was created by trans monks? Well, quelle surprise; I thought everyone knew that.

    4. Oh ffs. Humanity once aspired to perfect beauty and the greater glory. Now it obsesses over its own arsehole. Good morning!

    5. I have to say that when I was looking at the Bayeux Tapestry, searching for genitalia was the last thing on my mind.

  6. Patriotic Hymn.

    SIR – “I Vow to Thee, My Country” would be an excellent choice for an English national anthem (Letters, April 24).
    Based on the poem “Urbs Dei” by Sir Cecil Spring Rice, set to the music of Gustav Holst, it always inspires feelings of patriotism.

    David Fletcher
    London SE10

    There are lots of opinions on what should be the ENGLISH national anthem but, for me, only one song fits. Land of Hope and Glory (from Sir Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March, No 1) is the only one I shall ever consider.

    At international rugby league matches, England often sang "Land of Hope and Glory" as their national anthem. Although their anthem changed to "God Save the Queen" after of the Great Britain side in 2007, it is still tradition for the team to use "Land of Hope and Glory" as their walk-out theme.

    "Land of Hope and Glory" was the England team's victory anthem at the Commonwealth Games until 2010, when the public rejected it in a poll in favour of "Jerusalem".

    Personally I would never accept Jerusalem as the English anthem despite it being written by Robert Blake with the best intentions. Just to be clear, any song for England that is entitled after a Moslem enclave will not get my vote.

    1. It was William Blake who wrote the poem, and 'Jerusalem' is not meant to be taken literally – it is symbolic of a better land – an aspiration.

      1. Whether it is taken literally or not it is certainly not “a better land” and the Mohammedan overtones make it less than “an aspiration”.
        There are dozens of other places that would have been more suitable (in Blake’s time, that is).

        1. The poem uses Christian mythology and symbolism. Christianity was more important in Blake’s time though he was not too enamoured with the CofE. ‘Jerusalem’ has a great tune and an aspirational aim rather than singing about how great one’s country is or about the Monarch, which is why I like it. But its religious tone is why many would reject it, although curiously enough some CofE vicars ban it in their churches, stating that it isn’t a hymn because it is doesn’t praise God.

          1. We (a group of English students) sang it in the Vistavka in Moscow when we were studying at the Summer School. The Russians gave us a standing ovation.

      1. That's Newby Bridge in Cumbria – I was sitting pretty much in that exact spot having a beer at the Swan Hotel just last week……

          1. Morning Sue, the River is the River Leven which flows out of the southern end of Windermere, which is only about a mile upstream. Beautiful part of the world.

  8. Seasonal Surgery

    SIR – It is not only fruit and bread that can cause injuries (Letters, April 23).
    Before I retired as a consultant hand surgeon, I always knew that summer had arrived when I saw the first flexor tendon laceration caused by trying to separate, with a sharp knife, frozen beefburgers for the barbecue.

    Roger Helm
    Alicante, Spain

    There is no such thing as a "beefburger". Just as there is not a city in Germany called "Beefburg" (nor "Porkfurt", nor "Doughlin", for example). This idiotically risible expression only came about as the result of clueless and gormless marketeers who thought that a hamburger contained ham!

    The Hamburger was originally a minced beef patty called the Hamburg Steak ("Hamburger" in German colloquialism). The Frankfurter is a sausage that no one would dream of calling a "porkfurter"; and the Berliner is a doughnut that no one has (yet) bastardised in to being a "doughliner".

    1. Love Berliner, me. Got to have raspberry or strawberry jam, though, the custard or apple sauce versions aren't right.

      1. Agreed, Paul; however, the jam has to be raspberry, morello cherry or blackcurrant …. never strawberry!

        1. No one told the clown that "Ich bin Berliner" would have made him look a lot less of a muppet.

      2. Doughnut.

        Good morning, Rastus. Is your memory failing you? That’s two howlers in one morning.

  9. BBC Offers ‘Inclusive Environment’ Therapy Sessions to Staff After Supreme Court Trans Ruling

    The BBC has today sent an round robin email to staff members:

    “A message from Alice Macandrew (BBC Pride Executive Sponsor) and Simone Marquis (Chief Talent and Inclusion Officer)

    Dear all,

    We recognise that the last few days have been difficult for many of you. Like many other organisations, the BBC is waiting to see the updated Equality Act 2010 Code of Practice in order to understand the Supreme Court ruling more fully and any legal implications to our policies and practices.

    We want to be really clear that in no circumstances will we accept this ruling being used as a mechanic to create an environment of hostility towards our trans and non-binary colleagues. We are committed to ensuring that everyone at the BBC feels safe and accepted when they come to work – and that we engender a culture of belonging. This means all of us of us working together.

    For that reason, we’re keen to create a space to hear from our trans and non- binary colleagues on what more we can do to create an environment where the community feels valued, safe and respected. We would like to invite trans and non-binary colleagues to a dedicated In-Person Listening session.

    It will be a great opportunity for us to meet you and for you to share how you are feeling, to help us understand what some of your challenges are and discuss your thoughts about what practical steps we could take to create an inclusive environment. Alice will host as the ExCo Sponsor while Rhodri Evans from the D&l team will be present to help facilitate the session alongside Anna Shackleton the HR Director for BBC Pride, and Matt the co-chair of BBC Pride We’ve arranged two sessions, one in London and one in Salford.”

    The BBC confirms to Guido this is internal email – “a staff network message to their members, not a corporate central message from the BBC.” Talk about impartial reporting…

    24 April 2025 @ 20:56

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/69fc155021e6211924d46ab6799cd43744f043c9429b3d896dd59be303c6c90b.png

    2. Could we name tag Rodhri, Anna and Matt?
      Possibly I need more coffee and/or mind bleach, but I'm a trifle confused.

  10. Ministers approved another £100,000 additional funding for Scotland Yard detectives to spaff on the investigation of Madeleine McCann.

    Always gets a laugh.. the hissy-fit reaction of Gerry McCann when probed if he had ever met MI5 runner Robert Murat prior to the alleged disappearance incident on 3 May 2007.

    1. Beats paying pensioners their WFA.

      Don’t get me wrong. Madeleine is/was just 3 months older than my daughter. And I cannot imagine how awful it would be, to have had her disappear and with no body or answers. Yet there are lots of parents in this position and they don’t get this kind of treatment. So, I don’t understand why the McCann investigation gets the money.

      1. with no body or answers.

        Hmmmmm. I didn't follow the story, however, like 9/11 some really suspicious red flags popped up concerning Gerry McCann, the whats-it-love that dare not speaketh its name and the shutdown of some very revealing YT investigative journalism.

        As Katie Hopkins says.. there's a distinct Epsteinian whiff about this story.

        1. Our youngest grandchildren were about the same age.
          Their parents chose Warner holidays because the company ran children's clubs which gave the parents a bit of free time. EXCEPT on Thursday evenings; but Warners would supply vetted baby sitters for that evening – at a cost.
          The parents all gathered round that pool were youngish professionals who could afford baby sitters. They were too mean or careless to do so – for just one evening out of the entire week.

      2. with no body or answers.

        Hmmmmm. I didn't follow the story, however, like 9/11 some really suspicious red flags popped up concerning Gerry McCann, the whats-it-love that dare not speaketh its name and the shutdown of some very revealing YT investigative journalism.

        As Katie Hopkins says.. there's a distinct Epsteinian whiff about this story.

    1. You could always help me with my pumps and motors condition monitoring specification, Anne. It's driving me nuts.

      1. Ummmmmm …. how do I put this?
        I'm not sure I'd be much help!
        "Fuck it, leave 'em to get on with it" wouldn't win you any brownie points.

  15. Morning, all Y'all.
    Beautiful day today, forecast over 20C, rising to 25C on Sunday!
    Better get the stratosphere pollution going, it might get to be over room temperature, and that will never do – after all, it's never happened before, must be runaway global warming…

  16. 404683+ up ticks,

    The race will have a foregone conclusion
    winner and that will be the " last man with the strength to still stand due to starvation"

    Friday 25 April: The race for renewable energy leaves rural land vulnerable to misuse

  19. A belated good morning to one and all!
    Well, a good night's sleep until the DT began coughing at 10 to 5, so I've had a couple of hours lie in!
    A beautiful morning with a tad under 6°C outside but it had been down to just under 4°C earlier.

    BBC kicking off against reform I see:-

    Reform UK criticised for candidates' offensive posts
    24 April 2025

    Reform UK is fielding local election candidates who have "posted hate, pushed far-right conspiracies and praised extremists" – despite Nigel Farage's claim to have beefed up the party's vetting process, campaign group Hope Not Hate has said.

    Reform UK, which has recruited more than 1,600 candidates for 1 May's English council elections, has made much of its efforts to "professionalise" the party after a series of racism scandals at last year's general election.

    Speaking at a campaign event in Dover on Thursday, Farage said the party had put in place "a vetting system that was as good if not better than the other parties" for this year's elections.

    The Reform UK leader said "hundreds of people who applied to be candidates for the county council elections were rejected… often because of repeated use of words beginning with F and C on social media."

    He said others had been rejected "because they just said things that were just ridiculous, outrageous, embarrassing".

    But Hope Not Hate, an anti-racism campaign group which has clashed with Farage in the past, said the examples it had found undermined his vetting claims.

    On Thursday last week, the group published details of social media posts it had found from 14 different current Reform UK candidates.

    The BBC has spent the past seven days checking the posts and seeking a response from individual candidates, as well as the party's head office.

    We sent several requests for comment to Reform UK HQ but have yet to receive anything back.

    The posts seen by the BBC include:

    A Reform UK candidate saying "one big nuke bomb" should be used to remove Islam from the world

    Another saying Bradford has a large Muslim population and is a "shithole"

    Others promoting the conspiracy theory that Muslims are seeking to "supplant the native population" in the UK

    Some of the posts, on Facebook or X, were made this year, others date back up to a decade.

    They appear to have been open to anyone to view when Reform UK selected and vetted the candidates but some have now been hidden or deleted.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz798wrd81jo

    I doubt if many of those on here will disagree with those comments.

    2. The “conspiracy theory” is the most mind blowing. Moslems have consistently conquered every country they’ve moved into for 1400 years and to point out that their intentions might be consistent with that record is a “conspiracy theory”? Really?

  20. Will India strike back after the Kashmir terror attack? 25 April; 2025.

    India is bracing for a potential military confrontation with Pakistan after a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir left 26 people dead, triggering a wave of national outrage and sharpening regional tensions. The assault – described by authorities as the deadliest attack on civilians in the region in recent years – claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one foreigner. While no group has claimed responsibility, Indian officials have pointed fingers across the border, reigniting old hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

    I wouldn’t put it past them. They have fought three wars. These people hate each other. Just what we need. You can almost see it all going down the pan.

    https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/will-india-strike-back-after-the-kashmir-terror-attack/

    2. Maybe all the Pakistanis in Britain should return to Pakistan to join in the conflict?

      1. Oh yes, what a wonderful idea.
        But we all know what the slammers are like Richard. Every where possible they cause cause as much trouble as they can.

      2. I suspect I would disagree with her on most topics – on this topic however I’m delighted with her common sense and bravery!

        1. Same as me!
          She has made some VERY Left Wing observations on other subjects that I strongly disagree with, but for this one issue I will forgive for all that.

    1. Oh dear that means I'm going to have to get out from our large garden shed, our two small glass round tables and four comfy wicker chairs and set them up on our 'lower terrace'. And we need a new sun (parasol) umbrella. The last one was ripped to pieces by the gales.
      And yesterday I've all ready sprayed for weeds.

    1. Let's face it the old frogs have never been able to get over Agincourt, Crècy and many other lost battles.

      1. Apparently, the Frenh buy all the Italian 'old' Military vehicles

        The gearboxes have 1 Forward gear and 4( or 5) Reverse ones.

  28. Morning all 🙂😊
    Light cloud bright and sunny, already 9 degrees. Oh dear looks like we're in for a decent day.
    There's a post on FB about solar panels being plastered all over our green belt.
    All made in and imported from China.
    Another classic example of how stupid our political idiots are. And sharmer is talking about blocking out the sun………

    1. It's a bit grey here.
      What use will solar panels be when they have succeeded in dimming the sun?

  29. 404683+ up ticks,

    Woe is me, what can we do to counteract this move, finance tickets you say, woe is me, woe is me, repeated.

    Trans people ‘seeking asylum abroad after Supreme Court ruling’
    Labour peer Lord Cashman says some friends looking to leave Britain because they fear for their safety and futures

    1. Visions of hundreds of dinghies filled with trans people crossing the Channel heading towards Calais.

      1. 404683+ up ticks,

        Morning A,

        Or hundreds of solos buoyed up by preposterous sized tits heading out.

        A true sight of wonderment.

    1. Betcha Farage will be banging on about this one in a months time.

      We need the Great Repeal Act, followed by national restoration – with total power being returned to Parliament.

    2. Well done Robert Lowe.
      But I think we already know what Nigel is capable of. Just by looking at his record of achievement.

      1. 404683+ up ticks,

        Morning RE,
        I do believe wecould very well see the Farmers food & freedom party become a front runner on ALL things needed, food for thought there.

    3. Nigel was bumping his gums in Dover, apparently, saying he'd form a department of deportations. Sure. Is that only for future invaders?

  31. A belated Good Morning, chums. I was up at 6.15 am, but then completely forgot to post. So a further belated "Thank You" to Geoff, for today's new NoTTLe page.

    Wordle 1,406 6/6

    ⬜⬜⬜⬜🟨
    ⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜
    ⬜⬜🟩⬜🟩
    ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟩
    ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟩
    🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    1. Not dissimilar result, except that my starter word yielded zilch today. Mind, that in itself is a clue of sorts.

      Wordle 1,406 5/6

      ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
      ⬜⬜🟩🟩⬜
      ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟩
      ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟩
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    2. Yo Richard

      May I fiddle

      I wonder how long it will be before HMS Prince of Wales sets sail?

    3. What, our carrier strike force is surely not liable to such mundane things?? Anyway TT/FG/NH Kier is in his way there so hopefully PoW will last that long!

      In other news a Leftie who assaulted a man at a demonstration has been spared gaol! Luckily there is no two tier justice here /sarc.

    4. What, our carrier strike force is surely not liable to such mundane things?? Anyway TT/FG/NH Kier is in his way there so hopefully PoW will last that long!

      In other news a Leftie who assaulted a man at a demonstration has been spared gaol! Luckily there is no two tier justice here /sarc.

    5. I was reading that as our beloved King. And wondering if his conscience might be getting the better of him. But no, I had misread your post!

  33. Good morning, all. Overcast and chilly.

    Now, my chemistry education 60+ years ago explained that mixing a carbonate with an acid =

    a carbonate reacts with an acid and forms a salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas.

    One method being proposed to dim the Sun is the dumping of fine calcium carbonate particles (Gates) into the atmosphere. Another idea is to use sulphur dioxide. The latter, in the presence of water vapour will eventually turn into an acid (anyone remember the acid rain scare?). It's clear where this is going…

    …when the two chemicals meet up, as surely they will in a turbulent atmosphere, carbon dioxide will be created: the very gas that the climate change fraternity declares as the Number 1 enemy of the World. Miliband minor is spending oodles of money on carbon capture machines at the same time other entities are initiating plans that could have the opposite effect.

    https://x.com/JimFergusonUK/status/1915655011461455882

    Whoever declared climate change as madness wasn't far off of the mark.

    1. People who claim that human beings have messed about with nature by creating man-made climate change want to mess about with nature to reverse the 'damage'. I suppose irony is lost on them.

    2. The dumping of SO2 into the atmosphere resulted in acid rain, damage to vegetation and crops and people, and was rightly stopped by cleaning flue gases (remember flue gas desulphurisation projects?).
      The word "fuckwits" doesn't even come close.

    3. The best way to 'dim the sun' is to fly all the dimwits — who propose this idiocy — to the sun in a massive spacecraft.

      Trouble is, they will vaporise just past the orbit of Mercury; meaning that their 'dimming' will be ineffective.

    4. There are coal plants in the USA that emit over 20 tons of sulfate into the atmosphere every day. Make Sunset has launched a few balloons that might or might not have had a few pounds of sulfate in them. While this doesn’t absolve anyone from having to report and monitor what they do, if EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] was really concerned about air pollution, it would focus on those larger sources and not peddle false narratives about “clean coal”.

      Daniele Visioni
      Assistant Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Science
      Cornell University

      https://srm360.org/news-reaction/us-environmental-protection-agency-make-sunsets/

      1. Let’s go with Visioni’s evidence and then look at the “experiment” to seed the atmosphere. If Visioni is correct the “experiment” is already happening and the need for additional seeding with what “might or might not have had a few pounds of sulfate in them” is not worth the reported £50M pounds this government is paying out of our taxes.

        Nevertheless, adding substances to the atmosphere that mimic the acid rain problem of a few decades ago doesn’t sound a particularly good idea and further, if the “experiment” is successful how much sulphate will be placed in the atmosphere? It will not be a few pounds.

  34. 404683+ up ticks,

    Well worth checking out if we want to get to the root of many of our treacherous woes.

    Encompasses ALL our needs behind peoples we have previously trusted over multi decades and who have have NEVER let us down.

    Farmers Food Freedom
    The Farmers Food and Freedom Party is based on common sense, fearlessness and truth

    2. Every single new party that has emerged since 1900 has quickly collapsed under the weight of the power-crazed who started them and the hapless quarter-wits who supported them.

      The shelf-life of each new party gets shorter and shorter.

      1. The Labour Party was founded in 1900, having emerged from the trade union movement and socialist parties of the 19th century.

        What a shame that it ever got off the ground and formed its first government in 1924.

      2. Hello, Grizzly :-)…nevertheless, Labour doing very well at the moment, recruiting lots of new soldiers. But we know that won't last once the MPGB gets its skates on.

        1. Greetings, Kate.

          You'll have to help me with 'MPGB', me duck.😊 In common with Auntie Elsie, I'm not very good with initialisms.

          1. Muslim Party of Great Britain, Griz. They weren’t such a force at the last GE UK (General Election UK) but I suspect may be so at the next GE. Auntie Elsie?

          2. Aha! Thanks, Kate.👍🏻

            Auntie Elsie Bloodaxe. My real name is Olaf Bloodaxe and she is my aunt!😉

          3. As ever, welcome Grizz. I’d give my eye teeth for a name like that…..why are you using Grizzly (is it anything to do with a bear)? xx

          4. No other reason, Kate, than it is my favourite — utterly magnificent — animal.😘

          8. OK, David :-D…think I’ll go for the Monster Raving Loony lot (do they still exist?!)

      3. 404683+ up ticks,

        Afternoon G,
        I beg to differ in one year UKIP under Gerard Batten had a successful run put UKIP in the black financially and was making successful headway daily until the party nec/and a farage letter decided he was unfit to re-stand in a leadership election 2019, then farage triggered the brexit fleet of marching foot, pro tory, pro johnson party the tinsel tory £25 a pop con man was really breaking cover.
        ALL those shouting UKIP fruitcakes had been voting tory (INO) for decades driving us deeper into the shite,recognising the “nige” for what he truly is, a deep cover tory coxswain, but no matter the tribal dangerous idiots will have us back after the amalgamation to things being more so truly abnormal.
        One additive will be one will always have to be be prepared to drop onto a prayer mat.

        The rust of treachery has been eating away for years,

        https://youtu.be/Fc7iuUHk3Yk?si=YGp9lBFhlsZAZDOZ

        1. I knew you would differ, Oggy, and you are certainly allowed to do so.

          However, I stand my by assertions on this topic.

          1. 404683+ up ticks,

            Evening G,

            There is a first time for many an issue, treacherous stupidity and deceit must be mastered and I do believe the time is ripe.

            The answer on this occasion really does
            “lie in the soil” and everybody has a survival interest.

  35. SWMBO just played a YT video that claims that all councils in the UK will be striking on 24 May, but a) is that true? and b) striking over what? Have you seen anything about it?

    1. ChatGPT answers:
      The UK-wide council strike planned for 24 May 2025 encompasses a range of grievances from different sectors, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with government policies and pay offers.

      ### Local Government Pay Dispute

      A significant catalyst for the strike is the dispute over local government pay. Employers have proposed a "full and final" pay offer of 3.2% for council staff in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This offer falls short of the £3,000 flat-rate increase demanded by unions such as UNISON, GMB, and Unite. Given that inflation is projected to rise to 3.2% later this year, the proposed pay rise could effectively amount to a real-terms pay freeze for many workers . ([Local government pay: employers make 'full and final' offer]( https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/04/22/local-government-pay-employers-make-full-and-final-offer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

      ### Birmingham Bin Workers' Strike

      In Birmingham, refuse workers have been on an all-out strike since 11 March 2025, protesting against job cuts and pay reductions. The dispute centers on the council's decision to eliminate the Waste Reduction and Collection Officer (WRCO) role, which unions argue is "safety critical." The removal of this role could leave up to 170 employees £8,000 worse off annually . The strike has led to significant public health concerns, with rubbish piling up and reports of rat infestations . ([Fresh talks over Birmingham bin strike to be held on May Day]( https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/birmingham-deputy-prime-minister-acas-birmingham-city-council-unite-b2738783.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) , [Birmingham bin workers threaten to strike until September with some fearing walkouts could go onto CHRISTMAS]( https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/34530079/birmingham-bin-workers-strike-threat/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) , [No end in sight for UK city's 'disgusting' rat and rubbish nightmare]( https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-17/birmingham-bin-strike-sparks-rat-and-rubbish-nightmare/105185658?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

      ### Broader Public Sector Unrest

      The strike on 24 May is also part of a broader wave of industrial action across the UK. Teachers' unions, including the National Education Union (NEU) and NASUWT, have threatened strikes if the government fails to fully fund upcoming pay rises. They argue that the proposed 2.8% wage increase is insufficient and could lead to cuts and redundancies in schools . ([Second teachers' union vows to strike if pay award fails to fund schools in England]( https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/apr/19/second-teachers-union-vows-to-strike-if-pay-award-fails-to-fund-schools-in-england?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

      Additionally, civil servants at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have initiated strikes over office closures and changes to remote work policies . ([Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa – WSWS]( https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/24/mjsx-a24.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

      ### The Great British National Strike

      The 24 May strike is being framed by some organizers as "The Great British National Strike," aiming to unite various groups in a collective protest against the Labour government. The movement criticizes the government for alleged corruption and calls for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer . ([Great British National Strike: Doncaster to join nationwide protest …]( https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/politics/great-british-national-strike-doncaster-to-join-nationwide-protest-against-labour-5040201?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

      In summary, the strike on 24 May 2025 represents a convergence of multiple disputes across the public sector, unified by common concerns over pay, job security, and dissatisfaction with government policies.

      – [Latest news & breaking headlines]( https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/is-britain-heading-for-a-summer-of-discontent-xvjx2ts6z?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
      – [Latest news & breaking headlines]( https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/teachers-nurses-strike-action-2024-pay-offer-g3l09k7tr?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
      – [The Sun]( https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/34530079/birmingham-bin-workers-strike-threat/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

    1. Because they know Labour will cave in.

      Besides which the unions are also donors. A clear conflict of interest.

    2. A direct correlation.
      Maggie worked hard to break the Unions out of the habit.

    3. Because odds-on they'll get what they want (what do we want – higher pay…when do we want it – NOW).

      1. That's the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Port Talbot.
        Fun facts:
        Wales has over 6,000 chapels & churches.. the most per urban square mile in the world.
        70% of the country's places of worship will close in the next 20 years. 80% are not unused for Christian services. LOL
        40 have been converted into mosques.

      2. Another fun fact for Port Talbot.

        Port Talbot briefly became the go to place for international Art lovers with an estimated 20,000 visitors flocking to see an artwork, after the mural of child playing in ash was revealed to be a Banksy original.

        In December 2018 the mural was removed from view and put into storage after a dealer paid a six-figure sum for it.
        The actor Michael Sheen described the display as “uninspiring”.

        1. Not to be out done..

          Another Banksy star attraction boasted 150,000 visitors from all over the world. Despite the runaway success of Banksy's thoroughly depressing Dismaland theme park Weston-super-Mare council closed it down, and had it replaced with a.. er, nothing.

    2. My friend, who has a French brother in law, reports something along the lines of 800 blazes in French churches recently.

      I wonder how/who starts them? (Rhetorical).

      2. I don't know the source of the friend's French brother-in-law's figure, but a misunderstood/misread map might be behind it. Reuters reported the confusion in July last year.

        A widely shared map plotting a range of alleged crimes including theft and vandalism against French churches and cathedrals has been falsely claimed on social media to show only instances of arson.

        The map of France, which has symbols over it indicating where the alleged crimes took place, was shared after a fire at Rouen Cathedral on July 11, 2024.

        The caption says, “This is years old now, but it pinpoints the churches and cathedrals that have ‘caught fire’ in France. The beautiful Rouen cathedral is the latest to have ‘caught fire’. France’s newcomers are notoriously clumsy.”

        One post on X was viewed more than 250,000 times and it was also widely shared on Facebook.

        “Just shocking. When will people wake up to what's happening?” said one comment under the map on X. Another said: “Most of those churches have been standing there for hundreds of years, then, all of a sudden, they start catching fire and get destroyed.”

        The map is identical to ones found on archived webpages of Christianophobia Observatory, a French organisation that seeks to highlight what it calls acts of “Christianophobia” – or instances of anti-Christian sentiment – in France and around the world.

        A spokesperson for Christianophobia Observatory said in an email that the organisation had produced maps resembling this one in the past.

        “If it comes from us, on the one hand, it is a fairly old version,” the spokesperson said. “On the other hand, and above all, we have never made a map with only the fires, but with all the events listed on our site – from the theft of collection boxes to aggression, including the desecration of a cemetery or the burning of a church – with signage corresponding to the typology of the acts.”

        The archived webpage also explains what each symbol means. The most common symbol on the map shared after the Rouen fire is vandalism. There are also ones indicating thefts and fires.

        The president of the Observatory of Religious Heritage, an organisation that works to preserve French religious buildings, said in 2021 that a French church was being hit by fire once every fortnight, reported French news site http://actu.fr .

        Rouen judicial court, where an inquiry has begun into the causes of the Rouen Cathedral fire, did not respond to requests for comment.

        VERDICT
        Misleading. The map shows a range of alleged crimes against French churches and cathedrals, not just fires.

        https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/map-shows-all-alleged-crimes-against-churches-france-not-just-fires-2024-07-25/

    3. Yo RE

      A few weeks ago, it was visited/raided by the perlice and found (allegedly) to be a cannabis farm.

      I used to live 200 yards from it.

  40. ‘I saw many die with my own eyes’: Survivors describe an unfolding genocide in Darfur
    As Sudan’s civil war spirals, refugees recall witnessing pogroms, mass killings and barbarism
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/sudan-war-survivors-describe-unfolding-genocide-in-darfur/

    BTL

    My father was in the colonial service in Sudan and finished his career as governor of the Northern Province in 1948. I was born there in 1946.

    We are always told of the evils of the British Empire. It is sickening.

    My father was a kind, just, compassionate and well-educated man and when he was in the Sudan the place was a far happier, better run and more humane place than it is now 75 years after the British left.

    1. Notable that the Biafran war started once Britain had ceased to be the colonial power.
      I wonder if the two cases might be related? </sarc>

    2. And, here's one for you, Rastus.
      If the black world comes after the British for reparations for slavery, then the British can deduct from that sum the costs already incurred in the Colonial service (note: Peace-keeping), and other services, such as the UK funded at least two Universities in Nigeria, Ibadan and ABU in Zaria, that I know of; paid for the buildings, the teaching staff, costs, etc, in an effort to make the country less dependent on outsiders. My Father was part of the Universities schemes.

      1. And deduct the full costs, both personnel and money, of the Royal Navy's anti slavery patrols!

        1. Deduct the price of every slave in Africa today and they'll soon owe us money, not t'other way around.

    3. I'm not proud of it, but I'm completely out of compassion.
      I realise that those at the bottom of the heap are not responsible for their current plight, but we gave the savages the chance to join the C20, but they kicked us in the teeth.
      60+ years and countless £billions later they are now back in the Stone Age.

    4. The present war kicked off when the (admittedly) corrupt government offered its port to the Russians.
      Victoria Nuland (she of Ukraine colour revolution fame) visited and the Rapid forces attacked.
      This does not let the Affies off the hook. It takes four to fight a war – each side AND each side's sponsors… or sometimes just three, as in the Middle East where the US sponsors both sides.
      If the Sudanese were not so keen to kill each other they'd have sent Nuland packing.

      But this war is a continuation of the East-West mess by other means.

    1. Oh that's dreadful. I saw him from just a few feet away in Trafalgar Square at one of the early anti-lockdown rallies. He was one of the speakers that day, together with Vernon Coleman and a few others.

    2. Held in solitary for giving legal advice while muslims are free to associate and convert other to islam by using threats.

    3. He is the German equivalent of Tommy Robinson. The similarity in treatment is exceptional.

    4. His grand jury.net exposes the whole covid and vaccine hoax shebang. Hours and hours and hours of forensic, painstaking research. Fuellmich is the lawyer who exposed the Deutschebanke and VW data fraud.

    2. I worked on the housing in the background early seventies for Architects Darbourne & Darke in Richmond on Thames (2 The Green).

      The site had been part of an early Trade Exhibition and we were plagued by finding mass concrete foundations to a building about the size of the Albert Hall. I recall White City Stadium had survived from that time.

      The contractor, the Irish firm McInerney employed a “concrete diviner” to locate the mass concrete foundations which had to be removed. The deep holes were then filled with sand and the entire foundation system for the new buildings became expensive piles.

      Memories eh!

      1. Oh goodness! Are those flats nice inside? I remember the White City Stadium and when I first came to work here in 1991, the site where Westfield now stands was just muddy waste ground that the BBC used as an overflow car park. I thought all of it had been occupied by the 1908 Olympic village. I hadn't heard of the "Franco-British Exhibition". Westfield is a welcome development but it seems a shame that the white arch up by Holland Park Roundabout was demolished.

    2. He's looking very smart! The forecast is for warm weather until next Thursday, when my central heating goes off. Terms of the lease and all that. Weather irrelevant.

      1. I remember that when working in the hospital.
        The poor old dears were frozen if the weather didn't coincide with the annual heating schedule.

      2. It was the same when I was at school. Heating off on May 1st and mandatory summer uniform. Pity the weather never got the message.

  46. Spring has definitely arrived here. Temps yesterday were up in the 24C range with lots of sunshine. Since the rear of the house has a lot of glass and faces west, the afternoon sun pours heat in – even with the "dimming" blinds down. When it hit 28C in the house late afternoon yesterday, I confess to turning on the A/C and knocking it back down to something more comfortable. At least we do not yet have our normal summer humidity levels, for which I should give thanks.

      1. Must be. It happens every year around April.

        Summers here though do seem a bit milder than they were. I remember my very first visit to this area some 50 years back. Taking a taxi from Washington National airport to a hotel in the NW 'burbs, we went past a big sign outside a Bank which was showing the temperature at 100°F, plus 80 odd % humidity. Bit of a shock coming from Essex! Peeling my shirt offf my back in the hotel was not easy – it was well and truly stuck to me. We always used to reckon our temperature range here was 0F in winter to 100F in summer. Haven't had a winter that cold for s few years – nor a summer that hot.

    2. Just 14C at the top (Canadian end) of I81 at the moment, it certainly beats the wintery cold weather of a week ago).

    1. Thanks Johnny. Excellent speech imo. I'm not certain Russian can be excluded from Crimea tho.

      1. I haven't watched it but any suggestion that Russia has no legitimate claim on Crimea is historically illiterate twaddle. Where were the Ukrainians in the Crimean War?

        1. American administration has wised up, they want it to be over – stop the killing and the spending. They’ll get their way. Hopefully Pres Putin will be satisfied with warm deep water port and Russian speakers/church too. We’ll see.

          1. The way the west pontificates about Ukraine would make anyone who was not aware (perhaps living a few parsecs away) think the war was won or winnable by the west. It is lost, and deservedly so. A million more young men have died for the self aggrandisement of elderly corruption in Washington and across the EU. Trump can threaten to walk away but nothing will change what was done in the name of America, and – God help us – the United Kingdom.
            We have become so soaked in lying propaganda that I doubt one in ten of us in the UK understands the root causes of the conflict, but that does nothing to excuse the dishonour we have all suffered by these events.

          2. That’s pretty strong condemnation, Jonathan. I believe Trump recognises the folly of the Ukraine/Russia debacle, it’s costing a lot in terms of both finance and man power – he didn’t start it but he intends to end American activity there (at least as far as we can ascertain). Ukraine population seems to want to continue the fight from what I read – perhaps Europe will step into the breach? perhaps not.

        2. Ukrainians are a minority of the former Russian territory and for complex historical reasons have harboured a hatred of Russian speakers.

          The Russian speakers in Donbas and the regions presently under Russian control have every reason to wish to remain Russian. They retain memories of the connivance of Ukrainian ‘Kapos’ with Nazis in the concentration camps. They have monuments in Donetsk and elsewhere commemorating the deaths of over a million citizens, including every Jewish family, whose bodies dead or alive were dropped down deep mineshafts in the hundreds of thousands.

          You may imagine the absolute horror experienced by these Russians on watching footage of Ukrainian soldiers wearing Nazi insignia and rushing to a US/UK/EU financed war in order to kill Russians.

          Ukraine was and remains a truly evil and corrupt construct. The sooner its Banderites are disarmed and dispersed the better for all.

        3. Ukrainians are a minority of the former Russian territory and for complex historical reasons have harboured a hatred of Russian speakers.

          The Russian speakers in Donbas and the regions presently under Russian control have every reason to wish to remain Russian. They retain memories of the connivance of Ukrainian ‘Kapos’ with Nazis in the concentration camps. They have monuments in Donetsk and elsewhere commemorating the deaths of over a million citizens, including every Jewish family, whose bodies dead or alive were dropped down deep mineshafts in the hundreds of thousands.

          You may imagine the absolute horror experienced by these Russians on watching footage of Ukrainian soldiers wearing Nazi insignia and rushing to a US/UK/EU financed war in order to kill Russians.

          Ukraine was and remains a truly evil and corrupt construct. The sooner its Banderites are disarmed and dispersed the better for all.

  51. I have just been told the there were squatters in the Bethany Church, that caught fire, in Port Talbot

  53. When will the BBC ever learn?
    Douglas Murray

    26 April 2025

    They say that death and taxes are the only certain things in this life. I would add BBC bias into that mix.

    It was probably about 20 years ago that I first went on Newsnight. In those days Jeremy Paxman ruled the roost and taught me an early lesson in live television. Jeremy asked me my view and I gave it. He then turned to the other guest and duffed him up a bit. I made the mistake of smiling briefly, only for Paxman to turn on me and say something along the lines of: ‘I don’t know what you’re grinning about.’ He then proceeded to duff me up a bit too. Lesson learned.

    Back then, when you left the Newsnight studio, your phone would explode. Like Question Time some decades ago, it was must-watch television. (It is hard to think of any programme on terrestrial television any more that could be described as ‘must watch’.) As the years went by, Newsnight – like so many other shows – went from ‘needn’t watch’ to ‘impossible to watch’ to ‘no one watched’. You could go on and your phone would be silent afterwards. Neither friend nor foe tuned in, and guests were left wondering about the tree falling in a forest line.

    Yet in recent days I have been doing the media rounds for my latest bestseller (On Democracies and Death Cults – available wherever books are sold, since you ask), and Newsnight asked for an interview. I didn’t have a free evening, so it agreed to a pre-record. For connoisseurs of BBC shittiness, this should have been a warning sign.

    On one afternoon last week, I gamely went to the BBC’s deserted headquarters and sat down opposite the perfectly affable Nick Watt. He is one of those unfortunate BBC interviewers who learned their interviewing technique from the worst, but I had a book to sell and assumed I might be asked about it. Instead Watt did that thing that BBC interviewers still think they can do – which is to treat the guest as though you are in the dock, accused of a criminal act, and they are the prosecuting barrister to whom you must answer. Personally speaking, I do not feel this pressure.

    Watt started off by asking me about my relationship with Donald Trump. Funnily enough, I didn’t feel inclined to talk to him about that. Then he tried to get me on Elon Musk. I didn’t feel the need to play the BBC’s game of trying to sow division between the President and the founder of Tesla, however. Eventually I managed to get a bit of book stuff in – and then Watt went for the ‘greatest hits’ section.

    This is the stage when a BBC interviewer has an author on and asks them how they had the temerity to say certain things in the past. The certain thing on this occasion was a quote from eight years ago in which I observed that since Islamic terrorism comes from Islam, countries that have ‘less Islam’ have less Islamic terrorism than countries that have an awful lot of the stuff.

    To me, this seems a statement of the obvious. But not to Newsnight. Indeed, Watt seemed to think he could prosecute me over this observation. What he failed to realise was that the statement had been made in a short film I had created in 2017 at the request of the corporation’s bosses. This was after the Manchester Arena attack, when even the heads of BBC News seemed to be aware they might not be catching the national mood by running endless stories about locals singing the Oasis dirge ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’. Still, I think I made my points.

    Watt also tried to pretend that what I meant was ‘less Sajid Javids and less Sadiq Khans’. I pointed out that I have nothing against Javid (I left the question of my attitude towards the Mayor of London hanging). But no, I pointed out, what I am very strongly against is people who shouldn’t be in our country coming here and detonating suicide vests. And – as I feel I have said more times than any sane man needs to – if there were Quaker, Methodist or Anglican preachers calling for death and destruction from the pulpits of their respective places of worship, I would be as vexed as I am by Muslim preachers doing the same. In every other country on Earth this is a discussion which was addressed many years ago. Only at Broadcasting House are things that the French and Dutch left (for instance) have said for decades regarded as wildly outré.

    Anyhow, the 20-minute interview wound down with some good verbal jousting and no small amount of criticism of the BBC from my side.

    As it happens, I know one person who still watches Newsnight and he messaged me afterwards to let me know what had then transpired. The BBC had edited the interview down to significantly less than half the length – which is its right to do – and had, of course, left out most of the book stuff, which is what I was there to discuss. It had also cut out anything that made the BBC look bad.

    It had then pulled its masterstroke, which was to bring out three completely unknown people – one of them possibly a former Liberal Democrat leader – to talk about the interview that had just aired.

    I tend to favour balance in discussions – I especially favour it when the subject under discussion is me. On this occasion the BBC didn’t even try to pretend that it would be balanced. Instead it brought on three people who all agreed it was really quite terrible to interview me at all and that the Newsnight team should be jolly ashamed of themselves. Defenders of your present columnist there were none.

    Since none of the people in question had any livelihood to speak of, I suppose I should be glad that I can provide some kind of cottage industry. Someone in this country has to be in the business of job creation.

    **************************

    Paul Taylor
    a day ago
    The BBC is a fantastic institution, fundamental to life here in Britain, providing entertainment and unbiased news reporting that is unparalleled in its quality. Apparently.
    Therefore I can see no reason why it shouldn't become a subscription service as it would undoubtedly thrive in this modern environment. This would save those handful of deluded souls who watch not a minute of its content but do watch other channels c£170 pa.
    A vote winner if ever I saw one

    Hammerklavier Paul Taylor
    a day ago
    Indeed.

    The BBC is SO good, and such tremendous value, that if it became a subscription service, it would be able to charge TWICE as much, and still keep the same number of viewers.

    They could then pay their immensely talented and diverse staff even more, and enhance essential websites like BBC Pidgin.

    Seems like a win win for the BBC.

    1. FEWER!!! Fewer Sajid Javids and fewer Sadiq Khans! (If only!)

      Douglas – I hope you pointed out the grammatical error of Watts’s ways, in addition to all his other failures…

    2. "I suppose I should be glad that I can provide some kind of cottage industry."

      Pardon?!

  54. Samuel Gregg
    The welcome fall of Klaus Schwab
    25 April 2025, 2:56pm

    Hubris has a way of catching up to people. That was my first thought when I read that Klaus Schwab, founder and chair of the once-mighty World Economic Forum (WEF), had resigned his position in the wake of an anonymous whistleblower alleging financial and personal misconduct on the part of Schwab and his wife (the family has strongly denied all the claims).

    In early April, the 87-year-old Schwab had signaled he might step down. That process, however, rapidly accelerated on April 22 following these allegations. They come on top of a board-led independent probe into the WEF’s workplace culture – one, it was alleged, had been characterised by bullying, sexual harassment, and other forms of discrimination (in March, the WEF said the investigation ‘did not find the forum had committed any legal violations’ and ‘did not substantiate’ allegations against Schwab).

    For an outfit as notoriously woke as the WEF, which has bent over backwards to flash its progressive credentials on every possible occasion, it’s difficult to underplay how damaging these and the new allegations have been to its reputation.

    The truth, however, is that these rumblings about the WEF and Schwab in particular have occurred against a background in which the WEF’s relevance and prestige seem to have been in decline for some time. That trend has only magnified as the WEF has become identified in many people’s minds across the political spectrum as exhibiting all the worst features of the ‘globalist’ outlook: one that ill-fits an age in which questions of national identity, national borders, and national sovereignty now occupy a centre-place in world politics.

    It’s not, however, only nationalists who now view the WEF with deep suspicion. In more recent years, those of a free-market disposition have fiercely criticised the WEF’s advocacy of ‘stakeholder capitalism’, a topic that Schwab has been writing about for decades.

    In 1973, Schwab penned on the WEF’s behalf the first Davos Manifesto. It begins by stating that ‘The purpose of professional management is to serve clients, shareholders, workers, and employees, as well as societies, and to harmonize the different interests of the stakeholders.’ Since that time, Schwab has aggressively pushed this vision of business, the most recent iteration being his 2021 book Stakeholder Capitalism: A Global Economy that Works for Progress, People and Planet.

    You don’t need a PhD in political economy to understand that the idea of business being responsible to potentially infinite number of stakeholders directly challenges the shareholder vision of the corporation articulated by free market thinkers like Milton Friedman. More generally, stakeholder capitalism effectively renders CEOs accountable to everyone, which means, in practice, that they are accountable to no one – and especially not the shareholders who have actually invested their capital in the business.

    But that is only the start of free market criticisms of the WEF. The annual gathering at Davos, Switzerland, of heads of government, senior ministers, CEOs of the world’s largest businesses, union leaders, and self-selected representatives of ‘civil society’ (mostly government-funded NGOs) reeks of what’s called ‘corporatism’.

    Corporatism is the idea that political leaders should work together with established businesses and other interest-groups to manage the economy in ways that diminish the ups-and-downs of robust free markets. The critique of corporatism is that, far from smoothing the business cycle, it primarily functions to serve the interests of political, business, and professional NGO insiders at everyone else’s expense.

    And that, for better or worse, is the image that the WEF has acquired in recent years. Networking is part and parcel of modern business. But the WEF’s annual Davos gathering has long looked like a global version of corporatism on stilts in which CEOs, government ministers, and NGOs hash out deals that actually diminish economic competitiveness as business leaders extract privileges from political leaders. That’s the very definition of the mercantile system that Adam Smith devoted Book IV of The Wealth of Nations to assailing.

    Overshadowing all this, however, is another problem: the WEF’s less-than-subtle habit since the early 2000s of portraying itself as a quasi-government institution on a par with sovereign states. This has been exacerbated by Schwab’s proclivity to speak and behave as if he was the equivalent of a head of state. Humility is not a word that comes to people’s minds when they hear the name ‘Klaus Schwab’.

    With Schwab’s departure from the Chair and the Board of Trustees of the WEF, the organisation now has an opportunity to reassess its purpose and mission. New leadership could purge the WEF of its commitment to Schwabian stakeholder capitalism, move away from its uber-wokism, and repudiate any aspirations to pseudo-government status that has helped fuel some of the most lurid conspiracy theories about the WEF that proliferate in the internet’s darkest corners.

    Is an organisation whose then-chair co-authored a book in 2020 calling for a ‘Great Reset’ of nothing less than the entire global economy in Covid’s wake capable of such self-reflection? I have my doubts. But if the WEF wants to survive, it should put as much distance as possible between itself and the entire Schwabian political and economic agenda and disown the hubristic rhetoric in which it was clothed. Without a fundamental reset of its own, the WEF is surely doomed to the worst of all worlds: mockery and redundancy.

    1. Must admit I can’t see much change in the ethos happening. All those attending will just carry in in their usual way.

      1. Yo vw

        Why rock the boat, when you are sitting on solid Gold seat, pitted Diamonds, Emeralds and Dollars

    2. I thought Schwab had just got old and is passing the baton to a chosen successor who'll continue the agenda. The globalist cabal isn't showing any signs of dropping said agenda and I have colleagues still boasting about getting WEF funding for programmes.

    3. This is a criminal organisation that admits proudly to subverting the leaderships of a wide number of western democracy as if somehow we should all be grateful for the blessings brought by the reptile Klaus's so-call young leaders. It is these people who gifted us the likes of Trudeau, Macron, Merkel, and others, and provided encouragement to other parasites like Starmer and Sunak. If you work for the WEF and pose as a national leader your conflict of interest between right-living and evil is built into you. Corporatism reads better as racketeering.

    4. I do hope, fervently, that your last sentence comes true. An evil oligarchy and an evil man.

      1. You have to know what to click on; there is a “no thanks” and then another (can’t remember what now) but you can always get through.

        Here it is though:

        “Does a high latitude confer grace in attitude?

        Or is a Magellanic penguin who swims

        Five thousand miles every year for the last five years

        To see the man who saved him just

        An ordinary sort of bird

        Devoid of feelings we would recognise as

        Common to our condition?

        If that’s not gratitude what is?

        And as I rise each day to greet the sun in my own latitude

        What is my attitude? Is it one of gratitude?

        Am I just an ordinary sort of man

        Devoid of feelings God would recognise as

        Common to our condition?

        Oh, grant me Magellanic grace to plunge the seas and land

        To beach a grateful soul upon the sacred strand.”

      2. LIR is correct. A subscription is not necessary to view Tarableu articles. Just click "no thanks" to the subscription offer.

  58. The Government obviously loves the military:

    Nearly three years after the story first became public, another Canadian Forces veteran has stepped forward alleging Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offered him medical assistance in dying (MAID.)

    David Baltzer, who served two tours in Afghanistan with the elite Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI,) told the Toronto Sun he was offered MAID in Dec. 23, 2019 — possibly making him among the first Canadian soldiers offered therapeutic suicide by the federal government.

    2. Why join if that's how you will be treated? Even a used paper tissue is shown more consideration.

  60. Wordle No. 1,406 4/6

    ⬜⬜⬜🟨⬜
    ⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
    ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟩
    🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    Wordle 25 Apr 2025

    Well-kent by Par Four?

    1. Five for me today. Fairly self explanatory…

      Wordle 1,406 5/6

      ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
      ⬜⬜🟩🟩⬜
      ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟩
      ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟩
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    2. Almost 'rescued' a bogey after a horrible start!

      Wordle 1,406 5/6

      ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
      🟨⬜⬜⬜⬜
      ⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜
      ⬜🟩🟩🟩⬜
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    4. Late again, I was thinking for a while.
      Wordle 1,406 4/6

      ⬜⬜🟩⬜⬜
      ⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩
      ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

    5. Just back from a lovely pub social early evening.

      Haven't a clue what the word was this morning.

      Wordle 1,406 4/6

      ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
      ⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
      ⬜⬜🟩⬜⬜
      🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

      3. We should never forget what the Aussies did supporting us – that's why I like them so much!

        PS McGowan is effing awesome…..

          1. Yes, he is/was the same age as me (and had better teeth! err.. only joking).

            I guess I was just amazed he lasted as long as he did!……..

          2. New Zealand lost proportionately more aircrew than the other Commonwealth nations, I believe.

      4. I wonder how many would go to war for us now. I wouldn't if I was an Aussie. At the same time, how many young Aussies would fight for Australia?

    3. There is an ANZAC bridge in Sydney, which Sydneysiders are rightfully proud of. It's the second most famous Sydney bridge.

      On my last visit, in 2006, I made the unforgivable faux pas of referring to it as the "AZTEC" bridge, to the mirth and consternation of my brother. As a punishment I was ordered to cook a Mexican meal for the family, which I did. Tacos, refried beans, guacamole, tortillas etc and lots of Margaritas to drink.

      By popular opinion my guacamole was voted the best they had ever eaten.

          3. Thanks David…from a time when things were better than today..love his jacket too 🙂

    4. When I was the architect in charge of Richmond House Whitehall and throughout the five or more years of its construction, I took a keen interest in Whitehall ceremonies. I enjoyed a birds eye view from the first floor conference room overlooking The Cenotaph.

      One such ceremony was ANZACs Day. At first there was a line of about ten men as you might imagine representing ranks with a couple of officers, the latter obvious even in civilian dress. The ceremony was accompanied by a square formation from the RAF Bandsmen. Elgar’s Nimrod featured in the service.

      After five or so years the line of men attendees was reduced to a half dozen or so. That was poignant and just as you have suggested.

      I weep for our lost traditions and the sad state of our once beautiful country, now polluted by foreign excrement most of whom never fought for anything of value in their pathetic self-centred existences.

  62. That's me gone for today. Did some more potting on, then a friend arrived with 100 onion plants – so the MR and I spent an hour or so sorting that out.

    A distinctly chilly day – again. So much for the "heatwave"…..

    Have a jolly evening

    A demain – one hopes.

    1. I don't think the warm front was expected today. The middle of next week should see temperatures rather above usual for the time of year.

  63. Phew! I'm bloody knackered!
    The first day for a while I've reached mid-day without the urge to curl up in bed, so I walked into Cromford and took a bus to Matlock.
    Then, after picking up my prescription and doing a bit of shopping walked to Matlock Green for a pint in the Red Lion, followed by a pint in the Duke William.
    A walk over the hill to the White Lion at Stakholmes proved barren, so I dropped down into Matlock Bath for a pint in the Rose Cottage.
    The I went totally mad. I walked back to Bonsall via Jacob's Ladder, phoning the DT en route to tell her to jump on the bus to come up and join me in the King's Head.
    Jump on a bus?? Nah!! She walked up!
    After our drinks and a portion of chips each, we walked down home and have just arrived back.
    I think a bath is in order for tonight and then bed!

        1. Great stuff! I was always impressed that Ian Anderson could stand on one leg whilst playing the flute – maybe he was just Living in the Past (did you see what I did there?)……

  64. Evening, all. Winston now has a crate that will fit in the motorhome, ready for our adventures this summer. He's tried it out for size (it's smaller than the one he has in the kitchen) and seems resigned. I keep telling him that if he could be trusted not to rip everything up, he wouldn't need to be in a crate – I'm not sure he's got the message yet. Everybody seems to like him. The scouser workman made a great fuss of him when I walked them down to collect my prescription and the woman in the pet shop thought he was wonderful.

    The countryside round here is disappearing fast. If it isn't vast housing estates, it's solar arrays.

    1. Why does the poor lad need a crate? Is he that hysterical when being driven about?

      1. From dogs I've had in the past, Paul…with a favourite cushion/blanket/toy, makes them feel safe. Go figure…

      2. No, he's fine when he's with me. Left unsupervised (i e when I can't take him with me) he rips up anything he can get his teeth on. He goes berserk when I get back yowling, grovelling, excited weeing and the rest. I'm trying to make it as relaxing an event that I come back but I think he's convinced himself that he'll never see me again once I've gone out the door. Not surprising, given his history.

        1. I had a little dog very similar, from rescue, would cling to my arms, legs. So RSPCA fetched out her 'brother' (they looked nothing alike)…there he was in the back of the van, throwing himself against the sides making the loudest noise possible. Fetched him in the house, gave him chicken tikka (all I had meatwise in fridge) on my hand…mine for rest of his life. The other dog, meanwhile, had run away – took me two weeks to entice her back from the streets. They ignored each other more or less. Siblings my sweet tush. Winston sounds a fine little dog x Luckily I live on a flood plain, no solar arrays, as yet but I suspect they'll come, it's very flat.

          3. Born in a nursing home on Ilkley Moor, me.
            Can't get more Yarkshire than that…

          7. Born in a nursing home on Ilkley Moor, me.
            Can't get more Yarkshire than that…

          8. Winston will be a wonderful dog. He just needs to learn the rules (and obey them) and become civilised. We're getting there. I've only had him 10 weeks.

          9. With two huge cats, we found a bottle of water with a pistol-squirty top was useful in getting attention for unwanted behaviour.
            Such as cats on kitchen worktops.

          10. His main transgressions are ripping stuff up when I'm not there (difficult to squirt him in flagrante in that case!) and jumping up/climbing on my knee. Persistence should cure the latter and finding the right key to keep him happy, relaxed and occupied should sort the former. We're working on it. He's a challenge, but I've faced challenges before and turned them round. Oscar had different challenges, but he turned into a loving dog in the end. Winston is already a loving dog; he's just insecure.

          12. Been there, confidence in you. Sounds a lovely little dog. My current dog 15 + years now, sleeping around 22 out of 24. Going to break my heart…

          13. Oh, man… Big Cat has staretd that, we're hoping (desperately) that it's a reaction to hay fever…

          14. How old is BC..sneezing, nose running, eyes sore?………warmer weather may be a factor?

          15. About 9 years. He's a Norwegian Forest Cat. Very relaxed and not so assertive… lovely fuzzy moggy!

          16. Could be hay fever? Pollen count here been high for days, as my eyes tell me…tree, mostly oak and birch. I use the Pollen Pal app, set to my location.

          18. I wasn’t either until a few years ago. Now I need eye drops all the time tree pollen is high. Grass/flower pollens don’t affect me. There are tablets eg Allevia, but I don’t take them they make me sleepy. Hope you’re doing better today 🙂

          19. It rained. Much pollen washed out of the sky. Humans and cats vastly better, thanks.

          20. Good to read:-) I have an app on my mble Pollen Pal, I registered and can now see which pollen (trees, flowers) are high/medium/low in my area so I can plan my day (windows closed etc).

        2. Poor old lad, suffering from separation angst.
          I was away from the two cats for three nights over Easter, and Big Cat was showing separation angst once I got home. He's not properly settled down yet, still checking up on me.
          Yet, a two-night absence before Easter was no problem…

        3. I don't know if this helps, Conners, or if it's a case of trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs. But friends of mine had a dog called Ben and trained him by saying "Shopping, Ben" before closing the door on him and waiting for a short while before returning to the room. These periods of saying "Shopping, Ben" and leaving him for a short while got longer and longer until he got the message that they would be back in due course so that he became understanding that they were not abandoning him.

          1. I always tell him where I'm going and when I'll be back and I follow the same routine every time. There wasn't time to desensitise him like that before I had to leave him the first time (my life is quite hectic and often means I have to go places where I can't take the dogs) and to be fair, I had no idea he suffered from separation anxiety; that was never mentioned when I took him on. He is much improved from the beginning. He is dry in the house now and I think we are gradually getting him more relaxed so he doesn't tear up his bed (could be famous last words, that!). He has stopped excitement widdles when I let him out of the crate, but he's so frenzied and jumps up at me that I have to take him outside to try to calm him down. That's when he'll often do a little wee because he's being submissive when I stroke him. Once I've persuaded him to have a run around the garden he's fine; he settles down and peace reigns. I think it will just be a matter of time. Ten weeks is nothing, really. I try not to leave him for more than a few hours at most. Today I took him shopping with me (and Kadi, of course) after I got back from giving my dressage lesson. Tomorrow he'll have to stay at home because I'm going racing. Sunday I think I'll take them to church with me and then to the plant fair. He has to learn to fit in with my routine but it has been a bit of a culture shock for him.

    2. I hear you, Conners (nasty housing estates and horrid solar panels destroying the local micro-climate)

    3. Some dogs feel very much more secure in crates. We had a (beloved and magnificent) terrier that would not only go into her own crate when she felt like some QT but would also pull the door shut behind her.

      1. He's fine in his crate. I leave the door open and he goes in and lies down. He can come out whenever he wants as long as I'm there. He's asleep in it now. When I tried him out in the one in the motorhome, Kadi got in, too!

  67. Episode of Lewis on, with what the lovvies think is target rifle shooting… HA! HA! HA!

    1. I think I might have mentioned Obs when in the vast outback sheep stations with a few mates on our dirt bikes we use to ride around shooting wild boar.
      My bolt action rifle was a Tikka 222. Leupold scope. And we use to reload our own cases.
      And spent time at the mine dumps JHB firing hand guns. Memorably a German Lugar.
      Those where the days my friend.

  68. Yesterday at last, I had a letter from St Albans hospital.
    An Early June appointment for another pre op assessment. Third time lucky, so fingers crossed 🤞 for a very long awaited knee operation.
    I miss my local countryside walks so much.
    We have even talked about having another 'pet dog'. But only another Lab from my perspective. Our Lottie was a great friend and a wonderful companion.
    Friday all done, I've finished my garden painting. Didn't get around to setting out the gardenfurniture, maybe tomorrow. I found four old paint tins on the shelf in the shed, solid dried lumps in the bottom of them. Taken out the dried up solids for non recycling, tins now in the recycling bin.
    Tin tin peeps goodnight all 😴

      1. I hope the surgeon doesn't have his fungers crissed. It could be another stitch up.

  69. Before I go to bed, some photos.
    May blossom in the hedge between Matlock and Matlock Green. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/86e6ccffd94089381572d06c8b52ab86c56a9707c29c9f2bd991fd40d1459cae.jpg And some Holly Blossom:- https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eda3323a695b60670823c06c24b31fb8517baef583de94ddacc5b08481275055.jpg Starting the climb:- https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bc4d0c44e5597ad46840892d53fdf253610d8164118517991ed78952dbe5e83d.jpg And the next bit:- https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/58e82ed349d986a79875d92726df722ebe37a2fa510e3a8483ed234a8db222b3.jpg Nice views though https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/07c15ee4565d0916e219e3655d461dc6c27deaecb976764beba19b9c3053ed79.jpg The unpretentious start of Jacob's Ladder. From here it goes up:- https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d01164b6e8c9110d9b82860c64780dc3e85b1f02acd9f1c1d78dccd9f99488f4.jpg And keeps going up https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/952b8f91d646ba26ff6aa947b6d0139e0267e30654238c58d1ede6a91a5d2d70.jpg And even further up https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/baf77b6f69bfc98dec4339afc57cdc7b20ad94b9708536e2ebdee370a1fe1b6b.jpg And on to part 2

  70. Before I go to bed, some photos.
    May blossom in the hedge between Matlock and Matlock Green. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/86e6ccffd94089381572d06c8b52ab86c56a9707c29c9f2bd991fd40d1459cae.jpg And some Holly Blossom:- https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eda3323a695b60670823c06c24b31fb8517baef583de94ddacc5b08481275055.jpg Starting the climb:- https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bc4d0c44e5597ad46840892d53fdf253610d8164118517991ed78952dbe5e83d.jpg And the next bit:- https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/58e82ed349d986a79875d92726df722ebe37a2fa510e3a8483ed234a8db222b3.jpg Nice views though https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/07c15ee4565d0916e219e3655d461dc6c27deaecb976764beba19b9c3053ed79.jpg The unpretentious start of Jacob's Ladder. From here it goes up:- https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d01164b6e8c9110d9b82860c64780dc3e85b1f02acd9f1c1d78dccd9f99488f4.jpg And keeps going up https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/952b8f91d646ba26ff6aa947b6d0139e0267e30654238c58d1ede6a91a5d2d70.jpg And even further up https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/baf77b6f69bfc98dec4339afc57cdc7b20ad94b9708536e2ebdee370a1fe1b6b.jpg And on to part 2

    2. Those Slopes and hills would probably kill me today. But we did camp on the top of somewhere near there around 50 years ago.

      1. I'm bloody surprised I can still do it.
        Though it does take a little longer than it did a couple of years ago.

        1. You can do it still because you've carried on doing it. I have taken note. 🙂

  71. Photos part 2
    Once upon a time there were street lamps up here!
    The path led to one of the display caves Victorian Tourists used to visit. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3c66516413a20d4c01f890e167134ee8b2b934dcfe0103868ee1204ac4e86ee8.jpg And there are lots of flowers https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/97143e85f9e623bbdc846e25b940b5c1b206ff69ed35d4176115485154fe8346.jpg Finally getting to the top https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/075ddbf16dc816006642ebc10e17a0c6a7d36e8ba1ad99792ee308bbe90fb957.jpg But not quite https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/048c868af8bb947be82e63a87fdc3e4825ffc59e4c866e7a24c21eefcb6da96c.jpg A craftsman at work https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b18573bcc38696bcce9bfe3730641b0794004ebb096d099b0e54aed21821c175.jpg At last, the top
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/51b6369fbe5b3f138ae17f76d11b31b8120b6793d7a97324910b6abf145c835f.jpg And then downhill https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/953fe355df4f5178ce2e2f9f6b3ff31137126e89c3064c9981191e4e49d57a33.jpg And with that I'm off to bed.

    1. When you look up the winners, Sue Ed, be sure to let us know the results here on the NoTTLe site. In the meantime, sleep well.

    1. Farage feels most uncomfortable when he sees people like Rupert Lowe who is clearly a greater man than he is.
      Farage only wants to be the centre of his own show. He does not want to share the limelight with anyone else..
      Farage is a Narcissist.

      Cassius Farage?

      Such men as these be never at heart's ease
      When they behold a greater than themselves.

      Or Cicero Farage?

      ……… he will never follow anything
      That other men begin.

      1. Rastus – do you have a UK vote? (I know you live in France, so am interested in how this works).

        I agree with you re Farage, but his animus towards the Con Party and love for the Uberstarmerfuhrer is now being funny-distorted-fairground-mirror-reflected in B Habib's animus towards NF. It will not do. (NB I adore Ben Habib, and Rupert Lowe – but if only they would rise above the raft of excrement that Reform has floated since the installation of Mohammed Yusuf)

    2. Ben H is a double yolker, but he needs to stop focussing on Farage and get back to the very positive programme that he and Lowe etc. have for the UK. They will have an uphill climb in getting countrywide candidates, but if they field a genuine one in my constituency I will vote for that person, and so would (most of) my friends.

      1. I've given up voting for the foreseeable future. Nothing remotely resembling a credible party is on the horizon.

        1. Vote for the person, then. That's what I do. Sometimes, of course, they are all baddies – but often there is one who isn't (usually an independent – but sometimes a maverick operating within the uniparty). It's all so bloody opaque.

        2. I will always cast my ballot even if I have to spoil it. Our forefathers fought for that right and I will not give it up.

      2. 404728+up ticks,

        O,
        Agreed, I would now like to see it ALL encapsulated under the Farmers food & freedom party banner.

        I cannot think of a better footing for a new party to have as a foundation stone than the very earth beneath one’s feet. that is being abused in so many odious ways.

    2. Photoshopped? I do not trust it to be genuine. I mistrust much of what I see on X because it lacks editorial control.

      1. I think so, too. It really does not help at all to have hyperbolic memes spread. The truth is bad enough. But the Truth is suborned by people – even (especially) people on our side – that make things up to push an agenda. Keep it clean, lads.

      2. 404728+ up ticks,

        Morning DW,

        Long may it continue, by the by, we dropped chaff during WW2, not cricket a ?

      3. There doesn't seem to be any reference as to where this poster has appeared, but the quote from the Quran is indeed genuine.

  77. Well chums, it's time for bed for me. So Good Night to you all, sleep well, and I hope to see you all tomorrow morning.

  78. War in Kashmir will explode onto Britain's streets

    Conflict over Kashmir could lead to violence in multicultural Britain

    Rakib Ehsan – 25 April 2025, 4:01pm BST

    Thanks to decades of mass migration, spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan could lead to serious outbreaks of civil disorder on our streets. While we may be thousands of miles away, the UK has a vested security interest in ensuring that the current face-off does not escalate into a full-blown conflict. Such is the reality of modern Britain.

    The April 22 massacre, in which gunmen slaughtered at least 26 civilians in the forest-covered valley of Pahalgam, was the deadliest terror attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 2000. Responsibility has reportedly been claimed by a rebel militant group called The Resistance Front, which is said to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a jihadist organisation that desires full Pakistani control of Kashmir.

    While Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack, India has shut the main border crossing, expelled its military diplomats and suspended the landmark Indus Water Treaty (a water distribution agreement between the two countries arranged by The World Bank). Pakistan has in turn threatened India with war.

    This is bad news for Leicester, which experienced weeks of rioting between its Indian and Pakistani communities in 2022 over a cricket match between their respective home countries. The city's already-shaky reputation as a positive example of multiculturalism was blown to smithereens as subcontinental-style communalism spilt onto the streets. Progressives were faced with an uncomfortable wake-up call when footage of Hindu and Muslim youth gangs brawling across the Belgrave suburb exploded onto social media.

    Leicester was already home to large migrant-descended communities when it was hit by the "Boriswave", the unprecedented cascade of migration that followed the former prime minister's changes to the visa system after Brexit. For the year ending June 2023, total immigration to the UK was an astonishing 1.32 million.

    1.1 million of these were from outside the EU, with 308,000 coming from either India or Pakistan. Nigeria, which has its fair share of problems with ethnic and religious conflict, was also a common country of origin for new arrivals.

    The rise of ethnic and religious identity politics – accelerated by the post-Brexit immigration system – means that the King's peace is increasingly threatened by conflicts in far-off lands. This is exacerbated by the fact that the UK is a soft touch on Islamist extremism, even when compared to much of the Muslim world.

    Britain also now increasingly has to contend with the threat of Hindu-nationalist ideology. The last general election saw overt sectarian politics with The Muslim Vote (TMV) campaign, as well as the production of a "Hindu Manifesto" that called for the proscription of those "attacking the sovereignty and integrity of India".

    While we should be cautious over civil-war-is-coming alarmism, we must guard against diversity-is-our-strength complacency and not allow the normalisation of ethnic-religious tribalism in British life.

    The Government must use all diplomatic channels at its disposal to ensure that growing India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir do not spiral into an all-out war. Otherwise, it may well find itself having to respond to serious forms of communal disorder in its own cities and towns.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2025/04/25/war-in-kashmir-will-explode-onto-britains-streets

    1. Well, whoda thunkit! I wonder whether our glorious leader will be demanding that the full force of the law be visited upon any such riots, should they occur, or indeed on any people who post on the subject.

    2. "While we may be thousands of miles away, the UK has a vested security interest in ensuring that the current face-off does not escalate into a full-blown conflict." No we don't, we just need to manage the fall out over here. If that means sending loads of warring factions back to the nations they came from, then that's what it will take.

      1. Even if you're right, it won't happen, because the kind of authoritarian government needed to implement such draconian actions will never be elected into office in what remains of my lifetime. The only other possibility is civil disorder involving an armed struggle in which the eventual victor will impose, by brutal force, the kind of outcome you seek. It won't happen through the ballot box.

        1. So, meanwhile, we have to content ourselves with the kind of authoritarian government which implements draconian actions that harm the remaining indigenous people. The ballot box has been proven to mean nothing, when a landslide victory is obtained from less than 20% of the vote. Brutal force will not save us, nor will civil unrest. My view is that the only salvation might be as a result of the media becoming honest, curious, truthful and courageous. As they used to aspire to be, once upon a time.

          2. Hear you, opopanax. I honestly think even if the media did try to be the things you say (I'm not certain they ever were, btw)…we'd still have all the online sh1 to cope with and I worry about that and the effect on younger people (good morning, btw, hope a good day in store for you:-)) x

    3. Oh good, some more vibrant multi-cultural diversity-strength to look forward to.

  80. Lucy Connolly was jailers for 2 years 7 months for a tweet she deleted after 2 hours, which anyway had the rider “for all I care”. Mike Amesbury got one day. This man got 2 years 4 months – and the pictures are pretty vivid.

    “A HEAD teacher who was caught in a love triangle with his deputy attacked him at school with a wrench because of “overwhelming sexual jealousy”.

    Anthony John Felton, 54, armed himself with the tool and sought out Richard Pyke, 51, attacking him from behind.
    Mr Pyke fell to the ground and attempted to kick away his attacker before colleagues at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon, South Wales, came to his aid. CCTV footage caused people in the public gallery to gasp as Felton landed a blow to the back of Mr Pyke’s head.

    Felton, who was appointed as head teacher in September 2023, pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent on April 7.

    Judge Paul Thomas KC sentenced him to two years and four months in jail at Swansea Crown Court yesterday. He was also given a restraining order.

    Ieuan Rees, for the prosecution, said Felton believed Mr Pyke had slept with another teacher with whom he had recently been in a relationship.

    “The evidence of his wife and the admissions he made to her suggested Mr Felton had been in a relationship with another member of staff and had recently discovered he was the father of her child,” he said. “Furthermore, he believed that Mr Pyke had now begun his own relationship with that lady.”

    Following the incident on March 5 this year, Felton threw the wrench away and left in his car. He then emailed all staff to apologise “for the problems and distress his actions were likely to cause”.

    Mr Thomas said an attack by a head on their deputy was “I suspect, entirely without precedent” and was the result of “overwhelming sexual jealousy”.

    Following the incident, police said struck a defenceless man repeatedly to the head with a metal weapon, demonstrating he had an intent to cause his victim really serious harm.

    “The level of unprovoked violence, from a professional in the workplace, was shocking. Too often, we see attacks of this nature result in life-changing injuries or fatal consequences and, thankfully, that was not the result in this case.

    In a victim impact statement, Mr Pyke told the court he would live with the attack for the rest of his life, saying it had taken “what made me, me”. “I trusted you completely,” he said.

    “I had no idea that you held anything against me, I thought we were trusted colleagues who had built up a relationship of respect You had my complete trust and you used that to manoeuvre me into a position of utter vulnerability. Then you attacked me from behind.”

    He added: “The fear that you could attempt to do me such harm, smiling at me just seconds before, will always be with me.”

    The judge said the attack “was in effect an ambush”, with Mr Pyke believing his attacker to be his friend. While John Hipkin KC, speaking for the defence, said Felton had suffered due to the death of his mother, the judge argued his actions were due to jealousy.”

    #two tier justice
    #RIP Peter Lynch

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