I have to say that the Green Party opposing HS2 for years, then u-turning once it was cancelled and their members immediately attacking others (whose party literally initiated the damn thing) for not backing it.... is the most Green Party thing ever, isn't it? The very definition of brass balls.
It is very difficult to read the Darzi review and be anything other than extremely angry at the utterly irresponsible way the Conservative Governments have allowed the NHS to collapse. And yes, the prime responsibility is political and so it's impossible not to be political on this.
Compared to other benefits (PIP, ESA), it isn't "ridiculously awkward" though. Can be done on the phone. Most questions are simple "No" and someone can ring on your behalf as long as claimant is there. Think the "It's really difficult" narrative from the media isn't helping with encouraging take up.
I watched a focus group of undecideds in his constituency during the campaign and "we like Grant Shapps" wasn't a big theme tbh.
Time for me to dig out my inevitable quote, from Jim Callaghan: 'They tell me you really care about Europe. That's okay, as long as you remember I really care about the Labour party.'
Murphy: "Government finances aren't like a household budget! This is bad" Also Murphy: "Rachel Reeves isn't treating Government finances like a household budget, this is bad!"
We have lived in a "village" just south of Reading for 25 years. In the last 10 years a few thousand houses have built in our area. We now have way more access to green space than before as we now have lots of SANGs that we can go to. Before they were private and most wheat fields. It's fantastic.
Strangely enough, I seem to have got more abuse here in 24 hours than I got in the last month on twitter.
Coffey applied to be UK director at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) It comes with a £183,400 annual salary. The director would work with Treasury policy teams and the Foreign Office. Rachel Reeves, as Chancellor decides who is appointed. Coffey was unsuccessful. 🙄
UK director of European development bank reports to Rachel Reeves, who has been critical of previous government
So Labour saying they havnt got the money to do this is bad, but the SNP saying they havnt got the money to do this is good?