The BBC “added it was clear from all news outlets that Reform was ‘setting the political weather’.” Revealing metaphor. Weather is not created by the weather-reporter, unlike political trends. Hence recent research showing the immigration concerns are driven by media coverage rather than numbers.

If the Telegraph, Mail etc are always being antagonised (whatever you do) then don’t be afraid to antagonise them.

I didn’t have much of an acting career. In my first role, and only a few months old, I played one of the baby monkeys in 2001: A Space Odyssey. When you next watch the film, look out for the ginger one. I was cast because they didn’t need to fit me with a suit. I was a very hairy baby.

Damn! Really thought I was in with a chance this time… www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...

Nigel Farage confirmed he did not want the Ukrainian flag on Reform-led council buildings, saying today: “I think they should be flying the British flag.” Putin getting a return on his investment.

What drives Red Pill Nazis? The thrill of risking apocalypse, then averting it for the benefit of a deserving few. They are “always manning the barricades of civilisation”. Society is always on the abyss. And only they, and their little bigotries, can save us. www.theguardian.com/books/2025/a...

The last week has felt like Brexit on speed-dial. Can only hope Starmer is stronger, smarter and more forward-thinking behind closed doors than he seems in public. ‘The world has changed and we are going to change with it. Just as soon as I escape from this box I’ve locked myself in.’

Green Social Democracy implies that in a society valuing a plurality of voices and identities, we distribute wealth to the greatest degree possible, in a participatory political and economic system based on the popular ownership of key resources which serve the goal of ecological sustainability.

How is it possible for me to be 57yrs old and yet in the 53rd year of my mid-life crisis?!

Message for all MAGA voters: You’ve turned your nation into a Communist nation for billionaires. If that was your aim, well done. If it wasn’t, speak out!!

In my own working life I witnessed the distinction between genuine, inspiring leaders and time-serving administrators. Looks like Clinton, Obama and [Blueskyers invited to insert additional names here] were only ever the latter. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Favourite anecdote, taken from his diaries. Alan Bennett receives a Christmas card from a good friend. ‘Jesus loves everyone,’ it says on the front. Alan opens up the card and the rest of it reads: ‘Apart from you, you cunt.’

Re the White House bust up…Has anyone yet asked Farage whose side he’s on?

Damn it! www.theguardian.com/science/2025...

“JD Vance criticises EU’s ‘excessive’ regulation of tech as he addresses Paris AI summit”. So from that I take away: the EU’s regulation isn’t excessive; regulation of tech is a good thing. Thanks JD. Message received.