The new figures published by the Office for National Statistics suggest that the UK economy is actually doing a lot better than expected. John Van Reenen makes the case for how this Labour government is overseeing productivity growth.

"But now Tice has admitted to anti-solar groups he is powerless to block many of the projects on their way to development." Great news. Reform UK's attack on effective climate action is ignorant and dangerous.

I’m looking for a new personal assistant. You’ll help me with my diary, including supporting my evening meetings on Mondays and Tuesdays. This role sits at the centre of my parliamentary, constituency, government and special advisor teams helping me to be as effective as possible.

New councillor no longer with Reform UK

Join the Constitution Unit! We are welcoming British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme applications for September 2027 entry. If you are interested, contact your proposed mentor by next Monday. Applicants must have had their PhD viva between 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2027. Find out more 👇

What’s your most-used emoji? 🙂 This little button brooch from the Anglo-Saxon period, resembles a smiley face. It was found not far from the Museum at Radley Barrow Hills, Radley - the site of an early Anglo-Saxon settlement.

This is what the internet creates.

"You are loved and wanted in London", I echo that, it is a beautiful poem expressing beautiful sentiments, but I would go further "You are loved and wanted in Britain" the racist vocal minority don't speak for the majority of us who embrace diversity. bsky.app/profile/lond...

The UK has avoided the need for gas imports worth £1.7bn since the start of the Iran war, as a result of record electricity generation from wind and solar. 🔎 This is according to a new analysis by Carbon Brief. www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-win... #DonaldTrump #ActOnClimate #ClimateActionNow

Sneaking a giant screen into the flagshagger march is one of the funniest things @ledbydonkeys.org have ever done. "STAY HYDRATED" 😂🤣😂

Oooooo 😍

Looking to develop some skills in the field? Always wondered what it would be like to excavate a Romano-British site? Come spend 6 days with me in North Hertfordshire. Details here Archaeology Training Excavation / Fieldschool www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/archaeolog...

Yes that is a real issue here is the link of you want to see what they’ve done without the pop up nonsense www.tommychooseslove.org?utm_source=W...

This is brilliant...... “Tommy Robinson’s far right march has unwittingly raised over £100k for refugees. “Over 2,000 of you have chipped in to make tomorrow’s far right march the biggest sponsored walk for refugees EVER.”

Oh, I see! It was a reward for irreparably damaging the UK! Well why didn't you say, Nigel!

Tories have suspended their leader on Worcestershire County Council for doing a deal with the Greens to oust Reform After local elections Badenoch stated Tory councillors were free to do any deal they wanted without interference from the national party Another episode of “I never said that” Kemi?

Wow... Farage is now claiming the £5mn gift from Harborne was a “reward for campaigning for Brexit for 27 years” Quite the shift from saying it was to fund his personal security... Also seems to undermine his previous claim the cash “wasn’t political in any sense at all” x.com/MrHarryCole/...

🇬🇧🤝 The UK will accelerate air defense supplies to Ukraine after russian attacks— Defense Minister In his statement on X, he noted that over the last 24 hours, Ukraine has suffered "shocking attacks by russian drones."

And here’s a convicted criminal paying for Farage’s security long after he secretly accepted £5 million from Christopher Harborne supposedly to pay for his security.

Follow the money. Instead of investigating one donation, maybe it’s time all income going back the past decade or more should be looked at on the grounds of national security.

Robert Jenrick's wife was warned that his campaign had accepted an unlawful donation of almost £40,000 from a convicted American fraudster, according to the Times. Police are investigating allegations that Jenrick's campaign illegally funneled the money to his campaign via a UK-based company

Reform UK said the “purchase of this property commenced before the gift.” And according to Farage himself, the £5m gift was “the only way I can look after myself and protect myself for the rest of my life.” Well, we expect the new house to be fitted with a state-of-the-art security system, then…

This 'gift' already stank. The stench is going fouler by the day.

I am so looking forward to the new series

Look it’s no mystery why the retail figures are up. Labour uplifted pensions, minimum wage and removed the 2 child cap. None of those people has an account in the British Virgin Isles. So they spend it. Who knew???

❤️❤️❤️

Channel 5 launch new series of Cruising with Jane McDonald From the latest Private Eye, out now.

Economists had expected it to shrink by 0.1 or 0.2% in March. It’s the first full month after the outbreak of the Iran war – on 28 February – that’s covered by the figures. Read the full article ➡️ www.ons.gov.uk/economy/gros...

Grandchild is eager to get to school early this week. It’s SAT’s week and the school are providing free breakfasts. Great idea; not worried about the tests just excited about pain chocolat and a good chat with pals.

🤔 Not for everyone, but if you crave continuity and ❤️ our material culture like at the church at Ashbourne, you might like my Genius Loci Digest - an artist's camper-van-camino through the British Isles - posted weekly. Subscribe for free here: www.digest.andymarsh...

Some gentle quiet if you need it tonight - 35 minutes of peaceful tranquility. Episode 98 - A ship that passes in the night (*sleep safe*) Listen with headphones for the full effect > radiolento.podbean.com/e/98-a-ship-... <

Farage was claiming that the £5 million was for his financial security not his actual security. Once a grifter...

Seizing the moment: Pakistan targets 95% renewable electricity by 2040, 60% by 2030! The key rationale is cutting reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Not a scene from a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta? "Yeoman warders taking part in the ceremonial search ahead of the state opening of Parliament" #King #monarchy #tradition #UK

You want wealth taxes? In less than 2 years, Labour have delivered all these wealth taxes (and probably some more as well) taking more money from the wealthiest in society and the biggest businesses! Promises made, promises deliver. Raising billions, maybe 10s of billions of pounds each year. 1/5

As only Aussies can describe it: substack.com/inbox/post/1...

The wonders of wind turbines! #renewableenergy www.ecoportal.net/en/seals-att...

The story of how we found a tree in a perfect recording location. And links to all eight episodes we have shared from there. 🌳🌊🦆

Still life with Lemons, Oranges & Rose, 1633, oil on canvas, by Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664), Spanish Baroque artist. With tripartite composition reflecting Holy Trinity, the orange flowers, water & thornless rose symbolise purity of the Virgin Mary. Zurbarán Exhibition, National Gallery London

Love is a better motivator than hunger

It’s definitely a plan….

This should be brought up on the doorstep during local election canvassing. Reform UK are not to be trusted.

🧵1/ Zack Polanski spouting off about wealth taxes while seemingly not paying his own fair share is exactly the kind of hypocrisy that turns people away from politics. You can’t preach tax justice while dodging the bills everyone else is expected to pay.

* WORK OPPORTUNITY * Associate Lecturer in Digital Humanities and Modern Languages/Comparative Literature (Education Focused). www.st-andrews.ac.uk/modern-langu...

There once was a difficult coo, who wouldn't go to sea with a crew. They pushed and they pulled, but the coo wouldn't be fooled, it just stood there and let out a moo. #NationalLimerickDay

Calling all artists: we still have spaces left on our watercolours masterclass this Thursday, led by the brilliant Linda Saul. You'll learn how to combine experimental techniques to create a beautiful and evocative landscape in miniature. Book now on our website! merl.reading.ac.uk/whats-on/min...

Do you have experience of managing a team of professionals and want to take a leading role in our relocation? We're recruiting for a new Operational Manager position! Head to the link below for more information and to apply. jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/job_detail/3...