hesgen

Physicist and writer Dr Francis Sedgemore. Visit my website, subscribe to my Substack, and connect with me on LinkedIn.

Interests: Earth and space science; traditional and fine arts; natural and social ecology; radio communication; Green Party policy wonkery.

On the waves as m0xbq.

Born at 319.65ppm.

Roysia | Anglia | Europa | Terra


"Yuval Noah Harari backs critique of leftist ‘indifference’ to Hamas atrocities"

"There is no contradiction between staunchly opposing the Israeli subjugation and occupation of Palestinians and unequivocally condemning brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians. In fact, every consistent leftist must hold both positions simultaneously."

#YuvalNoahHarari #Israel #Palestine #Hamas

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/24/yuval-noah-harari-backs-critique-of-leftist-indifference-to-hamas-atrocities


"Most Londoners think Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall’s social media activity is racist, poll finds"

We hear you're a racist now, Ms Hall.

#SusanHall #Conservatives #MayorOfLondon #racism

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/07/most-londoners-think-tory-mayoral-candidate-susan-hall-social-media-activity-is-racist-poll-finds


"Kicking woke ideology out of science" - a new Tory dogwhistle.

How is this different from the Nazis going after Jewish science, or the Bolsheviks' ideological perversion of science?

#science #pseudoscience #fascism #communism #ideology #Conservatives

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/194/165/340/310/154/original/ee523a023729f4bb.jpeg


Back to Green Party conference, and a fringe session "Our shared commons - from land to sea", with guest speakers naturalist Nadia Shaikh and economist Guy Standing.

An important point made my Standing is that the very idea of a 'tragedy of the commons' is an ahistorical nonsense.

#GreenParty #GPC23 #NadiaSheikh #GuyStanding #Commons #TragedyOfTheCommons


I'm now Covid and flu-jabbed for the coming winter.

This is good, but why do residents of a well-serviced town with ~15k residents have to make a 50km round trip by car to a small village pharmacy in a neighbouring county to get their vaccinations?

#Covid #flu #vaccination


If Israel and Hamas are "at war", there can be only one winner, and very many losers.

Please let it end quickly!

#Israel #Palestine #Hamas #Gaza

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/hamas-launches-surprise-attack-on-israel-as-palestinian-gunmen-reported-in-south


Green Party deputy leader Zac Polanski speaking now at conference. He talks of identity, or rather the complex tapestry of identities that make up individuals and communities.

Well said, Zac!

#GreenParty #GPC23 #ZacPolanski #IdentityPolitics


"Surprise attack"? How does Hamas manage to prepare 5,000 rockets for launch without Israeli military intelligence knowing about it?

The consequences for Palestinians are likely to be horrendous.

#Israel #Gaza #Hamas

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/hamas-launches-surprise-attack-on-israel-as-palestinian-gunmen-reported-in-south?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Cars having to do 20mph on the Tower Bridge Road. Men who aren’t allowed to see their kids – they know why – taking 19 goes with an angle-grinder to disable a camera in Chingford … All those moments will be lost, like tears in rain..."

#MarinaHyde on twat with a podcast #LaurenceFox.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/06/ulez-camera-laurence-fox?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


Green Party conference is hybrid in-room/online, and, despite some teething issues with online voting on amendments from the floor, it's working pretty well even in the first plenary session.

The chairing of this technical session is very good.

#GreenParty #GPC23


nostr:npub1kr85r3xf07he4ccf98a7826v3cafxmw4w88shjrrndp3304fgehqqxznpx The way in which the party initially handled the incident might dissuade folk from voting for the party. At least this time.


Almost entirely absent from the coverage today of the Rutherglen by-election is the cause of said election, and reason for much constituency dissatisfaction with the SNP: the public disgrace of former MP Margaret Ferrier.

#Rutherglen #MargaretFerrier #SNP #Labour


As a slogan, "No new oil and gas" is like "Brexit means Brexit", only it actually means something.

#CarlaDenyer #GreenParty #GPC23


Stonking leaders' speech at Green Party conference, following a warm-up from Caroline Lucas MP and her hopeful successor in Brighton, Sian Berry.

#GreenParty


nostr:npub180pdmspftslvcvmhf6s6w2dv2uzwgx5etr236puadvfhxr6h28mqdgz4e6 Sunak is a terrible person.


"Belgian transgender deputy PM urges Sunak not to join ‘the real bullies’"

Well said, Petra. Attacks on trans folk have climbed to a record high, no doubt fuelled by comments by politicians and the media. Whatever one's views on sex and gender, always remember that we're talking about real, vulnerable human beings.

#trans #PetraDeSutter #RishiSunak

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/belgian-transgender-deputy-pm-petra-de-sutter-rishi-sunak-not-join-real-bullies


"Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi wins 2023 Nobel peace prize"

Congratulations to Narges!

#NobelPeacePrize #NargesMohammadi #Iran #WomanLifeFreedom #women

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/jailed-iranian-activist-narges-mohammadi-wins-2023-nobel-peace-prize


nostr:npub1k40wynruxtplp7ccz2nzka0uxnpw2t0xp20cmeuad494k5ecz5jsnhzzd7 Is that a national poll, and if so how sampled? Labour's 18.6% translated to a single MP, and it's still an enormous leap to extrapolate from Rutherglen to the country as a whole. Still, congrats to Michael Shanks on his victory. He certainly worked for it!


After all the nonsense with the Tory turd-polishing fest, and the Tweedledum and Tweedledee party conferences, note that the Green Party of Englandandwales conference begins today in Brighton, and that of Plaid Cymru in Aberystwyth. The Green Party supports independence for Wales.

I shall be taking part in the Green Party conference online. Every member is entitled to attend, and all participants have a vote. How's that for party democracy?

#GreenParty #PlaidCymru #Wales


nostr:npub1k40wynruxtplp7ccz2nzka0uxnpw2t0xp20cmeuad494k5ecz5jsnhzzd7

Interesting piece, Sean, but extrapolating from a single by-election forced by the public disgrace of a sitting MP to a landslide victory across the country is a bit of a leap. Is there reliable polling to suggest that the entire nation will go Scottish Labour (Optional Identity Mark) at the general election?

#Rutherglen #Labour #SNP


I understand that 'Scottish Labour' (Optional Identity Mark) now have a second MP in the English parliament. For the next few months at least. Congratulations to Sir Keir.

#Scotland #Labour


"It is concerning to watch UK disengage from the world, says Irish PM"

I rather think there will be many Irish folk who are entirely happy with this development.

#Brexit #Ireland #LeoVaradkar #BritishImperialism

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/05/it-is-concerning-to-watch-uk-disengage-from-world-says-irish-pm-leo-varadkar


Musk's Saudi investors are going to be fucking furious.

#ElonMusk #Twitter

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/183/262/714/532/446/original/9cbc7a27343afb5b.png


"HS2 will not extend to Euston without private funding"

Otherwise, a bus replacement service will ferry passengers between Euston and Old Oak Common.

You heard it here first.

#HS2 #Euston #OldOakCommon

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/05/hs2-not-extend-euston-without-private-funding?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


PiS and wind across the Oder-Neisse Line.

#Poland #Germany #PiS

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/poland-election-turns-germany-into-punchbag-straining-western-alliance-2023-10-05/


nostr:npub13k6ze8sq0dhz6lrhvvcfgpr6ws7yv7t0w3jdhcpthttuxve4n4vqykc8ma nostr:npub1t3d0yc2kmf6qqcd7tg63smeg7r9xdvea734kr9mmklfdvuk0f2wszwqnlg Totally agree. I just wish there were more than a couple of Linux distributions designed for mere mortals.


nostr:npub1t3d0yc2kmf6qqcd7tg63smeg7r9xdvea734kr9mmklfdvuk0f2wszwqnlg

Other Linux distributions are available. Very many. Oh yes.

(I've been using Linux since Slackware was installed from a bunch of floppies.)


RIP Alan Rea, teacher and adult educationalist.

#WEA #AlanRea #AdultEducation

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/oct/02/alan-rea-obituary


In his speed to the Tory turd-polishing fest yesterday, Rishi Sunak 'joked'...

"Nicola Sturgeon wanted to go down in the history books as the woman who broke up our country. But it now looks like she may go down for very different reasons."

Isn't that Contempt of Court in Scottish law, where it applies from arrest, and not charge as in Englandandwales?

Could RishGPT be extradited to Edinburgh?

#RishiSunak #NicolaSturgeon #PoliceScotland


"RishGPT veers between dull and delusional in Tory conference speech"

"He just sounds awkward. Detached. Words tumble out in more or less the right order but they are drained of emotional intelligence. He’s bet the house on himself and he can’t even connect with himself. He merely sounds patronising. Condescending. Listening to him speak is an ordeal."

#RishiSunak #RishGPT #CPC23 #JohnCrace

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/04/rishgpt-veers-between-dull-and-delusional-in-tory-conference-speech


"Court grants permission for Liberty legal action against Home Secretary"

...for signing-off anti-protest legislation that was previously rejected by Parliament.

#PublicOrderAct #SuellaBraverman #ProtestBans #StatutoryInstrument

https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/issue/court-grants-permission-for-liberty-legal-action-against-home-secretary/


"Rutherglen and Hamilton West: Voters go to polls in by-election"

To those thinking of voting Labour today...

It really isn't worth the effort. Find something more productive to do with your time.

#Rutherglen #Labour

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-67007555


That helmet's nowhere near massive enough for the Reverend Robinson.

#CalvinRobinson #HatePreacher #GBNews

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/179/229/340/204/282/original/5f7d1fc6bb7fb09d.jpeg


nostr:npub1guevarnuc9sl2qqf4avstr0plm3t8gu3cd9u6yey02krxvtetwas20tczv May Laurence Fox's incontinence spread south.


This is now the fourth week of next door having their patio repaved, and the builders are using every conceivable power tool under the sun to carry out the infernal work. I work from home exclusively, and the OH hybrid.

The neighbours never even notified us what was going to happen. Bastards.

That's broken Britain for you.

What's Rishi Sunak going to do about it?

Eh? EH?

FFS!

#BrokenBritain #NeighboursFromHell


"Laurence Fox arrested after video showing police in his home shared on social media"

What a tart.

#LaurenceFox #Ulez

https://news.sky.com/story/laurence-fox-arrested-after-video-showing-police-in-his-home-shared-on-social-media-12976589


"Escape from the rabbit hole: the conspiracy theorist who abandoned his dangerous beliefs"

Good for Brent Lee.

Reading Brent's story, and others, it seems to me that belief in conspiracy theories is an environmentally-induced psychosis. And, as Brent shows, it is curable.

#ConspiracyTheories #BrentLee #QAnon #psychosis

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/04/escape-from-the-rabbit-hole-the-conspiracy-theorist-who-abandoned-his-dangerous-beliefs


"I hear you're a trans-hater now, prime minister."

#RishiSunak #transphobe #trans #CPC23

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/176/614/502/001/980/original/dc56336fb1b2b498.jpg


nostr:npub1pvca84cyp59dux0q85rskgxsd4s73h8cy3ruhu55jsqwzr0s8wyqzfklsu I have a toilet to clean.


nostr:npub1pvca84cyp59dux0q85rskgxsd4s73h8cy3ruhu55jsqwzr0s8wyqzfklsu Look after yourself, Heather. I could endure no more than 10 seconds.


I see that Akshata Murty is the warm-up act for him indoors at the Tory turd-polishing fest in Manchester. Nauseating stuff, it is.

#RishiSunak #CPC23


nostr:npub1c2nezzwz7tvjyceqftyufylc8fqd6fvs3zc3rzkmsn39veyld4tste4ge3

Richard Dearlove is a very strange chap.


Judicial review incoming...

"If Rishi Sunak does not reverse the changes he announced last month, Mr Packham said he will apply to the High Court to challenge this in a judicial review, arguing that such a delay is unlawful given the Government is required to follow a series of carbon budget plans on the way to becoming net zero by 2050."

#NetZero #ChrisPackham #RishiSunak

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/rishi-sunak-chris-packham-tv-presenter-government-parliament-b2423630.html


"Top science journal faced secret attacks from Covid conspiracy theory group"

"A conspiratorial group of extreme Brexit lobbyists mounted an extraordinary campaign against one of the world’s most prestigious science journals"

To think that fruitcake Richard Dearlove once headed England's foreign intelligence service.

#Nature #Covid #ConspiracyTheories #ClimateDenial #Nature #science #RichardDearlove https://bit.ly/3ZWtiU1

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366553435/Top-science-journal-faced-secret-attacks-from-Covid-conspiracy-theory-group


We are, apparently, in "World Space Week", but I have no idea what that actually means in practice.

For our planet, Terra, every week is World Space Week. It hangs there, in space, for billions of years.

#WorldSpaceWeek


nostr:npub1kl5n6euvw2jx35hut7u8gdzejz7gm848flumc8dyg6yuh09y54zsy0ptfd yay!


Vitaly Milonov, Russian politician...

"Human evolution involves good mutations and bad ones. The good ones improve their vitality, and the bad ones - such stupid Neanderthals - slowly die... I'm talking about Ukrainian statehood and the national idea. I deny them the right to exist. Ukraine is beautiful as cultural variations of the Russian people. But she couldn’t do it on her own."

#VitalyMilonov #Russia #Ukraine #RussianImperialism #fascism

https://www.kp.ru/daily/27562.5/4831177/


"Climate scientist faces sack for refusing to fly to Germany from Solomon Islands archipelago | Greenhouse gas emissions"

The issue with #GianlucaGrimalda is bigger than his refusal to fly. It appears to be linked to membership of #ScientistRebellion. If Kiel IfW wishes to forbid climate activism among its employees, it should say so, and write this into HR conditions, even if this draws unwelcome public attention to the institute.

#climate #KielIfW

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/04/climate-scientist-faces-sack-for-refusing-to-fly-to-germany-from-solomon-islands-archipelago


Michael Gove at the Tory conference looked like he'd had a good gramme for breakfast.

#MichaelGove #CPC23


nostr:npub1jfqlmfxcg9dc49dzsqvlvml3kswsrmq4pkjgtgkjgmc9tgzm0wqsy22vsl Well, the Tory conference today was all a bit Nürnberg.


nostr:npub1p85v3ng50rrfem0m4x6ddj9u626vstmtlvgqlt20lqhkvj9v8aqq7pdeg5 Farago is the Tories' new spiritual leader.


"Nigel Farage rules out rejoining Tory party after Rishi Sunak suggests he might be allowed in"

The Conservative Party is now too deranged even for Nigel Farage.

Let that sink in.

#Conservatives #RishiSunak #NigelFarage

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2023/oct/03/rishi-sunak-hs2-tories-conservative-party-conference-labour-uk-politics-latest-news?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Barging past Nigel Farage – the Tories will let in anyone these days – a fan asked Liz to sign a copy of the mini-budget. That was the moment the conference jumped the shark."

#LizTruss #JohnCrace

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/02/in-the-forthcoming-leadership-battle-only-the-deranged-are-welcome-step-forward-liz-truss?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


Woke this morning feeling rather discombobulated.

Got up twice in the night for a pee (pity my ageing bladder!). The first time it seemed like dawn was approaching; the second felt more like the wee hours.

There must be a wormhole in my bedroom.

#wormhole #InterdimensionalPortal #TimeSlippage #sleep


"Five GB News Men Accused of Sexual Impropriety as Channel Engulfed by Wootton-Fox Misogyny Storm"

Includes station chief Angelos Frangopoulos, who expressed outrage at the behaviour of Laurence Fox.

#GBNews #SexualHarrassment #LaurenceFox #DanWootton #AngelosFrangopoulos #misogyny

https://bylinetimes.com/2023/10/02/five-gb-news-men-accused-of-sexual-impropriety-as-channel-engulfed-by-wootton-fox-misogyny-storm/


"EU proposes €5bn military aid package for Ukraine after ‘historic’ meeting"

Europe acts where America slacks.

Yes, I know that's unfair, but it's justified given the recent farce in Congress.

#Ukraine #EU #US #Congress

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/02/eu-foreign-ministers-convene-kyiv-ukraine-russia-war?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


I have to admit that junior minister Gareth Davies made a reasonable stab at polishing the turd that is the Conservative's record in government. His frequent nervous swallowing was entirely incidental.

Well done that chap!

#GarethDavies #Conservatives #CPC23 #Newsnight


Liz Truss...

"I want everyone in this room to unleash their inner conservative!"

'Cry 'Havoc!' And Let Slip The Dogs Of War'

#LizTrus #CPC23 #Conservatives #wato


"‘New Conservatives’ group launch campaign to include ECHR withdrawal in next Tory manifesto"

Or 'Go back to your constituencies and prepare for opposition'.

#CPC23 #Conservatives #Tories #ECHR #FarRightLoonies #LizTruss #NewConservatives

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2023/oct/02/conservative-party-conference-jeremy-hunt-liz-truss-rishi-sunak-tory-labour-politics-latest-updates


"Water firms want bill rises to cut leaks and spills"

Alternatively, we could renationalise the water companies without compensating shareholders who have made a killing over the past 30 years.

Just saying.

#WaterCompanies #sewage #leaks #Ofwat

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66979271


"Scientists whose work enabled mRNA Covid vaccine win Nobel prize for medicine"

Well deserved by Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman.

#NobelPrize #Covid #mRNA #vaccine

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/oct/02/scientists-whose-work-enabled-mrna-covid-vaccine-win-nobel-prize-for-medicine-katalin-kariko-drew-weissman


"James Webb telescope makes 'JuMBO' discovery of planet-like objects in Orion"

Rogue planets such as these could be ubiquitous.

#RoguePlanets #Exoplanets #JWST

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66974738


"[M]y impression is that our former partners would welcome us back, provided – after all the rubbish they have had to put up with – that we were serious.

"However, with a Brexiter prime minister and a leader of the opposition who rules out re-entry to the EU, or even the single market, we do not look serious. That is to say, our politicians do not look serious, although polling suggests that the people are way ahead of the politicians."

Add the LibDems.

#Brexit

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/01/we-really-could-still-rejoin-the-eu-but-tory-britain-isnt-up-to-it?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


Rishi Sunak says that his "Plan for the Farmer" will include exterminating every single beaver in England. "Enough of these hare-brained conservation schemes," he adds.

#beavers #RishiSunak

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/30/baby-beaver-born-in-london-for-first-time-in-400-years


nostr:npub1txd79zqd977yhjzzaemsq3qp55p8wgrjqe0pf7z2xny89g8yf4tqg3txmn

I'm sure Rishi Sunak hath a plan.


"Baby beaver born in London for first time in 400 years"

Cor blimey guvnor!

#beavers

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/30/baby-beaver-born-in-london-for-first-time-in-400-years?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Labour optimistic in ‘huge’ byelection in Rutherglen and Hamilton West"

The English party goes for broke in Scotland, and, TBF, it has no other option.

#Rutherglen #Labour #SNP #indy

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/01/labour-optimistic-in-huge-byelection-in-rutherglen-and-hamilton-west?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Revealed: UK government keeping files on education critics’ social media activity"

It's not just education. A number of departments operate what can only be described as blacklists of experts who have been critical of government policy. And I wouldn't be surprised if this has been going on longer than the life of the current Tory administration.

#education #experts #blacklists

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/sep/30/revealed-uk-government-keeping-files-on-education-critics-social-media-activity?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


General Mark Milley...

"We don’t take an oath to a country. We don’t take an oath to a tribe. We don’t take an oath to a religion.

"We don’t take an oath to a king, or queen, or tyrant or a dictator, and we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator.

"We don’t take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the constitution, and we take an oath to the idea that is America, and we’re willing to die to protect it.”

#MarkMilley #Trump

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/29/mark-milley-retiring-trump-dictator


"Green Party plans to double membership fees amid legal woes"

Aside from the innumerate headline, this gives the impression that the #GreenParty is in danger of going bust. It's actually growing rapidly and achieving huge electoral successes. Money is tight, not least as we don't accept corporate donations for ethical reasons. The legal case brought by a vexatious former deputy leader over our support for transgender people is serious, but ultimately a distraction.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66935750


"Why finding alien life in Universe is now 'only a matter of time'"

Indeed, and like one of the scientists referenced in this piece, I'd be surprised if there was no life on one of Jupiter's icy moons. Europa is the most likely candidate.

#AlienLife #exobiology #Jupiter #Europa

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66950930


"How a thinktank got the cost of net zero for the UK wildly wrong"

Tufton Street telling porkies? Surely not.

#Civitas #TuftonStreet #NetZero #ClimateDenial

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/29/how-a-thinktank-got-the-cost-of-net-zero-for-the-uk-wildly-wrong?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Scientists on panel defending ultra-processed foods linked to food firms"

A panel briefing which, as the Grauniad helpfully points out, was organised by the RCP/Furedi-cult body known as the Science Media Centre.

Shocked, I tell you. Shocked.

#UPF #BadScience #RCP #Spiked #FurediCult #SMC

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/sep/28/scientists-on-panel-defending-ultra-processed-foods-linked-to-food-firms


U2
Bono
The Edge

Gobshites

#C4News


"Crooked House pub: police investigating fire arrest man and woman"

"Staffordshire police said a 34-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, both from Leicestershire, had been arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered."

Crooked House pub owners Carly and Adam Taylor are 34 and 44, respectively. They hail from Leicestershire.

#CrookedHouse

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/28/crooked-house-pub-police-investigating-fire-arrest-man-and-woman


"Croydon stabbing: Elianne Andam, 15, named as girl killed on way to school"

RIP Elianne. May your memory be a blessing.

#ElianneAndam

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-66942668


Wherein George Monbiot reminds us that HS2 was originally a Labour project, and "the case for HS2 always was a baggage train of bullshit."

#HS2 #RishiSunak #Labour #GeorgeMonbiot

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/28/hs2-fiasco-clientelism-profit-big-projects?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Michael Gambon, star of Harry Potter and The Singing Detective, dies aged 82"

Oh feck.

RIP Michael Gambon, actor.

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/sep/28/michael-gambon-star-of-harry-potter-and-the-singing-detective-dies-aged-82


I see that Ken Loach is shortly to present an episode of BBC Radio 4's Great Lives, on Gerrard Winstanley, founder of the Diggers (True Levellers).

A low-life reviews a great life? I shall give it a miss.

#GerrardWinstanley #Diggers #Levellers #KenLoach

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/142/261/483/417/604/original/92c401039736a388.jpg


"Now Sunak blames Covid for failing railways as he repeatedly dodges HS2 questions in excruciating interviews"

Human beings are stupid creatures who fail to learn from history. Even very, very recent history.

(That includes me, as I've momentarily forgotten the name of Sunak's immediate predecessor.)

#RishiSunak #LizTruss #BBCLocalRadio #HS2 #potholes #CarCrashInterviews

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rishi-sunak-hs2-trains-covid-b2420128.html


nostr:npub1uem6eu4hqjzj0dcxs8q5kxg24xynpf4el94ft2vu7lw6gfpamdwqsjwssk Mary will sort him out.


nostr:npub1hpcdfjpxrawnmu6ryh36ce7xu4qd54pu6xca394yhvmyzlery0tqvghjn3 As chaps so very often do.


"Sunak suggests fixing potholes is transport priority as he refuses to tell Manchester if it will get HS2"

England's prime minister has his finger on the g-spot of the nation. Oh yes.

#RishiSunak #potholes #HS2

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2023/sep/28/rishi-sunak-hs2-manchester-north-of-england-local-transport-uk-politics-latest-updates


nostr:npub1hpcdfjpxrawnmu6ryh36ce7xu4qd54pu6xca394yhvmyzlery0tqvghjn3 Even though they bashed the bishops while saying that women are [insert misogynistic epithet here]?


nostr:npub1hpcdfjpxrawnmu6ryh36ce7xu4qd54pu6xca394yhvmyzlery0tqvghjn3 Wanked each other off live on air.


GBeebies has an "editorial charter". Oh yes.

#GBNews #LaurenceFox #DanWootton

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/142/025/993/494/092/original/67dbca124c61c9f2.jpeg


nostr:npub10kcanyrevwyaafkmcjkh2zcaz8tg9ujc3f4xn74ef5dp5vwptjnqqmqjyy The UK Government is busy investing... in Norway.


Not content with militarily conquering the largely ethnic Armenian territory, Azerbaijan has now dissolved Nagorno-Karabakh's civic bodies, and more than 65,000 of its residents have fled. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the conflict, the disputed territory will likely soon be majority Azeri, amounting to ethnic cleansing through human exodus.

#RepublicOfArtsakh #NagornoKarabakh #Armenia #Azerbaijan #EthnicCleansing

https://www.politico.eu/article/nagorno-karabakh-dissolved-azerbaijan-armenia-de-facto-president-samvel-shakhramanyan/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=alert&utm_campaign=Azerbaijan%20officially%20dissolves%20Nagorno-Karabakh


"The deep rooted problem holding back the UK economy"

Don't let the headline get your hopes up.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66937239


An imagined statement from the Norwegian Ambassador to the Court of St James...

'The people of Norway thank the people of Britain for their kind and most generous donation to our sovereign wealth fund via a £4bn tax-relief subsidy to Equinor for the Rosebank oil field.

'Tusen takk!'

#Rosebank #Norway #Equinor #SovereignWealthFund


The Equinor spokesman on BBC #WATO this afternoon was disingenuous in the extreme in his comments on the financing of the Rosebank oil field. With such off-the-scale spinning skills, he deserves some kind of award from PR industry bodies.

#Rosebank #oil #Equinor #PR

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/137/320/950/791/168/original/5d83550da1aa2780.jpeg


"Girl, 11, among six young people taking on 32 nations in historic climate case"

May these six young people live long and prosper!

#ECHR #climate

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/sep/27/girl-11-among-six-young-people-taking-on-32-nations-in-historic-climate-case


nostr:npub1hq2x7vhrefya6nl8jpnfwv4sq2z9qu4mhn4katq4hqxssmjf0euqyq07w7 I'll let you into an open secret, Michael: the Tories don't want the London mayoralty. It's too much like hard work, and they're a bunch of lazy feckers.


"GB News suspends Laurence Fox over on-air comments about female journalist"

Cancelled by the cancel-culture worriers. You couldn't make it up.

#LaurenceFox #GBeebies #GBNews #CancelCulture

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66932538


"Rosebank oil field given go-ahead by regulator"

And there we have it - the UK is to 'max-out' oil extraction, at a huge cost to taxpayers, and the Labour government-in-waiting will not block the development.

#Rosebank #oil #UK #Labour #NetZero #ClimateCrisis

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-66933346


"‘A huge storm’: polarised Slovakia on a knife edge ahead of elections"

Think Orbán-lite vs sanity.

#Slovakia

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/27/slovakia-knife-edge-elections


nostr:npub1a4602y8ezqk72y809qs0j3q3g52fgrynjwmzw0qgy0564z93xpxqgya6zk Badenoch's another one.


"Anyway, here was the deal. There were 900 million migrants on the loose and they were all headed for the UK in the largest ever convoy of small boats. And almost all of the 900 million were heading to Leicester where they were out to cause trouble."

Some would say thar Leicester deserves it. I wouldn't naturally. Oh no.

#SuellaBraveman #JohnCrace

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/26/smirking-suella-trashes-70-years-of-human-rights-in-30-minutes?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Signal’s Meredith Whittaker: AI is fundamentally ‘a surveillance technology’"

I would swap "principally" for "fundamentally", but Whittaker is essentially correct.

#AI #SurveillanceCapitalism #SurveillanceSociety #MeredithWhittaker

https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/25/signals-meredith-whittaker-ai-is-fundamentally-a-surveillance-technology/


"Multiculturalism has failed," says Suella Braverman, positioning herself to be the leader of a far-right Conservative Party in opposition.

#SuellaBraverman #Multiculturalism #Conservatives #FarRight

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/132/615/066/610/945/original/a2a159602927b90c.jpg


"You can have voice chats with ChatGPT now."

Or, 'Open the fucking pod bay doors, Hal! NOW!!'

#ChatGPT #AI #2001

https://www.zdnet.com/article/you-can-have-voice-chats-with-chatgpt-now-heres-how/


nostr:npub16kvvffgn36flynkzv43yath7samfqpcgaacjhlk5wlqm32dz85ssywr053

With that attitude, Andreas, maybe there should be a special speed limit for you - 50 km/h, everywhere.


"Cuts, war, Brexit: all fuel the battle for the centre ground, but no one really knows where that is"

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,...

[WB Yeats]

#CentreGround

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/26/cuts-war-brexit-all-fuel-the-battle-for-the-centre-ground-but-no-one-really-knows-where-that-is


"Anti-gay discrimination not qualification for asylum, says Suella Braverman"

The stomach-churning awfulness of Braverman is something that no one should have to behold. What a nasty specimen of humanity she is.

#SuellaBraverman #asylum #homophobia #gay

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66919416


RIP Zoleka Mandela. May her memory be a blessing.

#ZolekaMandela #Cancer #ChildSexAbuse #DrugAddiction #RoadSafety #InfantDeath

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66921654


"Ursula von der Leyen speaks about Green Deal as backlash over environmental policies grows"

Europe has a far bigger problem than a lame-duck English prime minister when it comes to watering down environmental policies.

It's time the little people to take control of the environmental narrative.

#EU #GreenDeal #NetZero #VDL #RishiSunak #environment #AirQuality #ClimateCrisis

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/sep/26/ursula-von-der-leyen-green-deal-environmental-policy-backlash-europe-latest


"The trials of Robert Habeck: is the world’s most powerful green politician doomed to fail?"

Philosopher-kings have never made the best philosophers or kings. Still, Robert Habeck's achievements are huge, and I hope this German with a Danish heart continues to nurture his country's analogue of fælleskab.

#RobertHabeck #DieGruenen #German #Denmark #AxelSpringer #Bild

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/26/robert-habeck-vice-chancellor-germany-greens-climate-policy-backlash


"Brexit: Labour will seek re-write of deal, Starmer says"

Behold the next occupant of Number 10 as he strides the world stage, telling Johnny Furriner what he's going to do and what they're going to do for him.

#Brexit #KeirStarmer

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66839501


Wales is bringing in a 20mph speed limit. Why – and what will happen? | Transport policy | The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/15/wales-is-bringing-in-a-20mph-speed-limit-why-and-what-will-happen


'Russell Brand - top bloke,' says Vladimir Putin.

#RussellBrand #Putin


"Ties with Europe are a top priority, says shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, as he calls for Britain to play a lead role in world affairs"

OK, Dave.

#Brexit #Labour #DavidLammy

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/16/labour-wants-new-eu-links-in-a-reset-of-british-foreign-policy?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Boris Johnson an ‘egotistical chancer’, says Rory Stewart"

Huge if true.

#BorisJohnson #RoryStewart

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/16/rory-stewart-hits-out-at-incompetence-in-uk-government?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


Perfectly normal people in a perfectly normal country.

Oh yes.

#RussellBrand #LaurenceFox #loonies #prophets

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/074/682/999/139/373/original/35b1b0144870255c.jpg


Return to your Rotary Clubs, and prepare for government.

#RichardTice #ReformUK #loonies

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/074/326/799/672/449/original/8f829c7f822f953c.jpg


nostr:npub15wn53njmax7a5smk3njxnr598qegu83p5lgr53nccge3acpc2lfsctfnhh

I'm generally more wary of pitbulls' humans more than the dogs themselves.


Happy new year, Jewish friends.

Shanah Tovah!

#RoshHashanah5784 #ראשהשנה

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/070/103/376/903/739/original/e6daabe1d32c9353.webp


Will Rishi Sunak's legacy be the banning of an aggressive dog breed fashionable with inadequate humans?

#XLbully #RishiSunak #DangerousDogs

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/sep/15/american-xl-bully-dog-will-be-banned-says-sunak?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


After burying alive his personal physician, Chechen president and mass-murderer Ramzan Kadyrov is said to be in a coma.

The smile will vanish from Kadyrov's lips when the fires of hell consume his spiritual remains. I, on the other hand, shall raise a glass to Karma.

#RamzanKadyrov #Chechnya

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/070/158/119/260/375/original/72d53309afb0b43f.jpg


"Tory London mayor candidate liked tweets praising Enoch Powell"

My thinking is that Susan Hall is the Conservative candidate for London mayor as the party doesn't actually want the mayoralty. It's too much like hard work, and Tories are lazy feckers.

#SusanHall #MayorOfLondon #SadiqKhan #Conservatives racism

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/15/conservative-london-mayor-candidate-susan-hall-liked-tweets-praising-enoch-powell


"Toxic chemicals banned by EU since Brexit still in use in UK"

How long before all UK agricultural exports to Europe are banned by the EU?

#Reach #EU #Brexit #ToxicChemicals #farming #agriculture #pesticides

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/15/toxic-chemicals-banned-by-eu-since-brexit-still-in-use-in-uk


"The [social mobility] commission, which is packed with Tory backers, now wants to investigate how 'culture, values, and family attitudes' affect aspirations. These are dog-whistles that are often blown by those wanting to change the poor, not to change society."

#class #SocialMobility

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/14/the-guardian-view-on-class-in-britain-the-government-doesnt-want-to-talk-about-it?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"The system we call democracy is a mere patina, sticky and dimpled, on the surface of oligarchic power."

George Monbiot's analysis of oligarchic state capitalism is increasingly robust. In this piece, I particularly like his description of client journalists as part of a "concierge class".

#GeorgeMonbiot #capitalism #oligarchy #ClientJournalism

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/15/tragedy-modern-britain-piers-morgan-playbook?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Starmer attacked from left and right after setting out plan to stop Channel crossings"

For the benefit of the politically hard-of-thinking, this doesn't necessarily mean that Starmer is doing something right.

#KeirStarmer #ChannelCrossings #SmallBoats #EU #Europol #Brexit

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/14/starmer-attacked-from-left-and-right-after-setting-out-plan-to-stop-channel-crossings?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


Watching Stella Creasey, chair of the 'Labour Movement for Europe', attempt to square the circle over Brexit, is toe-curling stuff. And this after Keir Starmer's embarrassing performance earlier today in Den Haag.

#Brexit #Labour #StellaCreasey #KeirStarmer #newsnight


"British TV ‘allowed monarchy to censor coverage of king’s coronation’"

The omertà is broken by John Ryley*, former head of Sky News.

#monarchy #media #KingBrian

* Ryley's claim that the advertising boycott of CBeebies being a violation of free speech is off the mark, however. No person or media outlet is entitled to a platform financed by those who dislike their views.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/14/british-tv-allowed-monarchy-to-censor-king-charles-coronation-coverage?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"Braverman to have Home Office diversity training vetted after ‘woke’ claims"

The idea of diversity training "consistent with the values of the Home Office" is rather amusing. Maybe Suella Braverman has a sense of humour after all.

#HomeOffice #SuellaBraverman ##diversity #racism #HostileEnvironment

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/14/suella-braverman-to-have-diversity-courses-at-home-office-vetted-after-woke-claims


"The Labour leader hopes the deal will include a replacement for the EU's live police data and intelligence-sharing system."

Eh? The police agency's data and intelligence-sharing system works as-is. If the UK wishes to be outside Europol, that is surely its problem.

"'Just because we are outside the EU, doesn't stop us leading in Europe,' Sir Keir wrote."

It does, actually. The UK now follows.

#KeirStarmer #Europol #PeopleSmuggling #Brexit

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66804798


Meet Bryan, a real-life vampire whose goal is to live forever.

May he live in interesting times.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/14/my-ultimate-goal-dont-die-bryan-johnson-on-his-controversial-plan-to-live-for-ever?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


UK infrastructure investment falls by nearly two-thirds following Brexit. New public sector lenders are failing to make up for losses due to Britain's exit from the European Investment Bank.

#Brexit #EIB #infrastructure #investment

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/sep/14/exclusive-new-uk-banks-post-brexit-investment-only-one-third-of-lost-eu-funds?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech"

VDL's speech was interesting in parts, but the notion of a "call of history" is facile.

#EU #VDL #StateOfTheUnion

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/09/13/state-of-the-european-union-five-takeaways-from-ursula-von-der-leyens-speech


"Earth ‘well outside safe operating space for humanity’, scientists find"

This is interesting, but the idea of planetary boundaries beyond which 'equilibrium' breaks down is overly simplistic from a scientific perspective. There is no equilibrium, as such, nor hard and fast tipping points. Still, the boundaries concept may be useful when it comes to environmental risk analysis.

#PlanetaryBoundaries #disequilibrium #environment #RiskAnalysis

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/13/earth-well-outside-safe-operating-space-for-humanity-scientists-find?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


nostr:npub1qfldn400e0l5egxgly4w9c3sysdgk56d8ter905qmtaknu22rgps3u6ztg Indeed.


nostr:npub1ex328w5w0hjweznw8t6f9epk5w5xy4ak6kzyc7y93lfjtelxuymsk9c58j

Entirely credible, from my perspective.

The CCP's United Front Work Department has insinuated itself into very many areas of institutional life throughout the British Isles.


"The Spy Who Bored Me"

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in the China Gate spying scandal in Westminster, call 0800 123456 for support.

#China #spying #Westminster #MarinaHyde

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/12/rishi-sunak-spy-scandal-mps-chinese-westminster?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


"UK fails to ban 36 harmful pesticides outlawed for use in EU"

Brexit benefit: industry is now able to poison the population with impunity.

#Brexit #BrexitBenefits #pesticides #toxins

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/13/uk-fails-ban-pesticides-outlawed-use-in-eu?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


Green Party AGM right now, online via Zoom embedded within another platform (crowdcomms). I'm combining it with housework, to make it a little more interesting. Some tech glitches, but nothing too serious.

Having the AGM separate will allow conference to concentrate on policy, etc.

#GreenParty


"Miriam Margolyes: ‘I don’t just want to be a foul-mouthed old biddy’"

But darling, you are a foul-mouthed old biddy. And a great actor. Celebrate and be proud of both!

#MiriamMargolyes

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/sep/09/miriam-margolyes-i-dont-just-want-to-be-a-foul-mouthed-old-biddy?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


RIP Mike Yarwood, comedian and impersonator

His impersonation of then Prince Charles, now King Brian, set the standard.

May Yarwood's memory be a blessing.

#MikeYarwood

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66758400


"G20: African Union becomes permanent member of group"

Not before time.

#Africa #AU #G20

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-66724117


"No bids for offshore wind in government auction"

This isn't the good green industry vs shitstain government it's made out to be. Subsidising energy producers is a complex and murky business, complete with corporate greed and state incompetence.

#OffshoreWind

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66749344


Dear EU,

Could we turn off Twitter over Europe to prevent the moral pollution of our beloved continent by this wretched creature?

Yours, etc.,...

#ElonMusk #Starlink #Ukraine #Twitter

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/08/elon-musk-committed-evil-starlink-order-ukraine


What's the betting that Daniel Khalife turns up in Tehran wearing the uniform of the Revolutionary Guards Corps?

#DanielKhalife #Iran

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-66749354


"Elon Musk ordered Starlink to be turned off during Ukraine offensive"

Who will rid us of this meddlesome Space Karen?

#ElonMusk #Starlink #Ukraine

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/07/elon-musk-ordered-starlink-turned-off-ukraine-offensive-biography?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


Actually, that should be...

Brexitania is now Member 3rd Class of the European research community.

EEA/EFTA members such as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland enjoy free movement across the EU, so have a better deal than Brexitania. EFTA states are Members 2nd Class of Horizon.

#Brexit #Horizon


Is anyone else's timeline being dirtied with incel onanists posting from detroitriotcity.com? Blocking entire domains is a blunt tool, but I can do without such tiresome wankspeech.

#HateSpeech


Horizon Europe operates on seven year funding cycles, so British labs and researchers have been out for much of the current round.

That's a huge amount of money lost; projects stalled or cancelled; careers disrupted if not ruined (it's a highly competitive game, and very youth-oriented); senior researchers have left the UK; European postdocs don't want to come here; British postdocs face obstacles with fellowships abroad... I could go on.

#Brexit #Horizon #science


I have a dear Turkish friend and colleague who worked with me on the evaluation of pre-Horizon EU research proposals. Turkey benefits from associated membership of Horizon, but, outside the Single Market and Customs Union, the returns are modest, and there are few opportunities for Turkish research scientists outside their own country.

#Brexit #Horizon #Turkey


We're looking at at least three months before the UK is granted associated membership of Horizon Europe, whatever Sunak says about applying for grants from today.

Brit researchers, like all other non-European citizens, will not enjoy free movement across the EU/EEA, so career mobility will remain hindered.

Today's announcement is mildly positive, but there is no cause for celebration, however loud the crowing from the pollyannas of the UK polity and research establishment.

#Brexit #Horizon


Detail of the European Commission *proposal* to allow the UK to join Horizon Europe as an associated member.

* A decision has to be made by all member states in the European Council.

#Brexit #Horizon

https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=COM(2023)527&lang=en


Brexit is Brexit.

#Brexit

https://files.mstdn.media/media_attachments/files/111/022/971/634/570/244/original/0f8e4e086aa53077.jpeg


"Sussex Tory candidate 'healed deaf man's hearing through prayer'"

Mid Sussex is truly blessed with prospective MP Kristy Adams. Miracles galore await!

#MidSussex #loonie #Tory

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/23765611.sussex-tory-candidate-healed-deaf-mans-hearing-prayer/


nostr:npub1f6jtu64e597aq3gapt6uu7nkzag8faev7mh4kxcmjjg97j5zq79qpk56zy

Indeed, and I've pointed that out before and elsewhere.

Associated membership of Horizon Europe will likely resemble the 'fax diplomacy' of Norway's relationship with the EU.

Also, being an EU research assessor until Brexit saw me removed from the Commission's register of experts, I know very well how associate members function within the regime.


"The critics of Russia's war in Ukraine caught in jail 'carousel'"

#Russia #Ukraine

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/arrest-detain-repeat-russian-war-critics-caught-jail-carousel-2023-09-07/


Brexit benefit: England wouldn't have been able to join Horizon Europe if it hadn't left the EU.

Can't argue with facts!

#Brexit #Horizon #BrexitBenefits #science #research

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66737714


Brexitania is now Member 2nd Class of the European research community. Policy directives and executive decisions will be issued to London from Brussels by email.

Well done to all concerned.

#Brexit #Horizon #research

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/sep/07/horizon-brexit-eu-science-rishi-sunak?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other


nostr:npub1gzw7nnpnn5eurdyznzc9w4hmv32unrvv20hh3dnjw4435c2rkjaq9nt758 Some have.


nostr:npub1hpcdfjpxrawnmu6ryh36ce7xu4qd54pu6xca394yhvmyzlery0tqvghjn3 nostr:npub177hcl02zc07jh699lpke8endp4gd6rdzpytdwmwa5ypl5nzerqxqkua2d8 nostr:npub1ex328w5w0hjweznw8t6f9epk5w5xy4ak6kzyc7y93lfjtelxuymsk9c58j

I should never have left Denmark. Another year or so of residence, and I would have qualified for citizenship.


Bibby Stockholm evacuation shows 'startling incompetence'"

Just think of the good David Davis could do if he were not a Tory, and was not a Brexiteer. Such wasted talent. Tragic, it is.

#BibbyStockholm #HomeOffice #DavidDavis #Brexit #Conservatives

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-66485051