Arsenal lost

Getting into work today, two people greeted me by laughing about the result as soon as I stepped through the door.  It did not stop there.  Even patients have been talking about it.  The only thing I can say back to them is that we are still top of the league.  Hopefully that will last...

Labour, Andy Burnham and media bias

Andy Burnham has been blocked from standing as an MP for Labour. I do not know if it is the right or wrong thing to do, but what I do know is that him replacing Starmer as leader has risks as well as benefits.  The main advantages of having him as leader is that he has shown that he is capable in his role a Mayor of Greater Manchester but more importantly, he is a great communicator.

One big disadvantage is that Labour have financial handcuffs thanks to the dire economic legacy that they have inherited from the Tories.  The spending plans of Rachel Reeves are accepted by The City and any decision to spend more will result in debt repayments increasing, which means more money to bankers in interest and a smaller proportion to helping people of the country.  Also, like it or not, Starmer has managed to save many British jobs thanks to the way he has dealt with Trump.

But what people forget is the way the media is biased against Labour.  I have no issues with the media holding Labour to account.  Starmer has changed his views on many matters, some of which is right, some of which could be explained with better communication.  It is right that the media scrutinise the government.  What is not right is the way the media ignore Reform UK.  There are numerous examples of where Nigel Farage has been given a pass on matters.

As noted in the video above, Nigel Farage praised the nightmare budget of Liz Truss.  His trip to Davos to stick it to the global elites was not one.  The Guardian stated that he is listed on the programme for the World Economic Forum as a member of parliament and a representative of HP Trust, which describes itself as the “family office of Sasan Ghandehari” with a portfolio value in excess of $10bn (£7.4bn).  His views on how only some people should be jailed for social media posts have also not been challenged or raised either.  There are his dodgy finances where he has accidentally forgotten to declare financial interests on time as well has his views on duplicating ICE from the USA.  

In summary, Labour has to change the way it communicates, because the media bias against them is killing them in the polls.  And a change of leader risks the economic gains we have won. 

My wife meeting up with friends

Today, we went to London to meet up with old school friends of my wife.  We took my son, who had a friend with him.  While we went to a restaurant, my son and his friend went shopping and appeared to enjoy themselves.  I get on well with the friends and the husbands, and it was nice to meet up.  The dog was very good, even when one of them teased her a bit.  We are lucky to have such a placid dog, as is Robin who did not get bitten!  We had met up last year in the same place, then without the dog, our children shopping together back then.  Anyway, I need to rest.  It has been a long drive. 

The alleged ceasefire in Gaza

Trump is forming The Board of Peace. Originally thought to be the next step on the ceasefire process in Gaza, Trump has fashioned it to suit his ego.

While peace has not come to Gaza, the alternative, which is the continued war, is far worse.  There are many in Israel who want the war to restart so that Christians and Muslims can be removed from Gaza. I would love a just peace for Palestinians, one that had been agreed many years ago, but sadly this is not going to happen while Trump is in power.

Which Brings Me to You

My son, wife and I watched this last night. While described as a rom-com, there is not much comedy. But we liked the film. We all have different tastes when it comes to films, and when it started, I thought it was going to be the usual bland rom-com. It is not, it is a story that is not normally told in this way. It is best described as a romance and one that leaves viewers being able to discuss how the two main characters will go on with their lives afterwards.

Like many films, I doubt I will watch it again, but it was nice to watch it, even better that all three of use did so together.  The Guardian rated it three out of five and I would have to agree with it. 

The cost of occupying Greenland

There is understandable concern that Trump wants to occupy Greenland. In the event of an invasion, the US would quickly win. But how many American lives is Trump willing to give to occupy it? We saw quick invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan resulting in US troops being killed by those resisting their presence. If the USA invades Greenland, how popular would its occupation be if US troops were killed? Would the American public really back Trump in that situation?

But, it may not come to that. Some NATO members have sent troops to Greenland. Trump is not happy and wants them out. Preventing an invasion keeps NATO together, officially. Is it dead however?

My Mum wants to leave Labour

First of all, my wife and I dropped our daughter off in Bristol. We had intended to do this earlier in the day but woke up late.  Driving there is my car is the environmentally right option as my car is electric while my wife has a hybrid car. It means that we do get a chance to rest, but this also means the journey takes longer when it charges.  It has enough range to get to the services at Reading when driving there, or the services at South Mimms on the way back, but there are no services in between.  The dog was not happy when my daughter was dropped off and sulked, ignoring her as she said goodbye. My son did not come as he has a party.

On the way back, while charging the car, my mother rang, asking if she should leave Labour. She said that Labour are not doing anything for the environment. If that was the case, then Reform UK and the Tories would not need to complain, but they do oppose Labour on the environment. My EV was bought at a discount thanks to the stance of Labour on electric cars. 

While I can see why she is attracted to The Green Party, but the economic policies of The Green Party are from Planet Truss.  We saw the damage that fantasy economics did to the country under her. Polanski has not learned from history when it comes to his policies, not just Zimbabwe, but Germany in 1923.  

I don’t agree with Labour on everything. I can see why they have had to take decisions which offend many. I think Labour are wrong on immigration, I think that they were wrong to offer Junior Doctors the highest pay rise in the public sector when pay restoration applies to so many, such as nurses.

But I do think that Labour are the best to run our nation. I hope my mother can see that.