I must admit to being a bit behind the curve when it comes to COP26. The conference seemed to promise so much, with all its surrounding hype and yet I can’t get a sense of what has been achieved if anything. I know that deals have been struck around methane reduction, stopping investment in fossil … Continue reading Private planes
You have one job
Either the job of a MP is important or not. I happen to think it is and that being one is totally incompatible with holding down another paid role. There are two reasons. Firstly, if you are doing something else then that time must come from the time that you are supposed to be an … Continue reading You have one job
Quacks like a duck
Image thanks to Promiflash There is a rotten stench of corruption around Westminster these days. As an outside observer the handling of the fallout from allegations against the North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson look dodgy at best and downright corrupt at worst. The Parliamentary Standards committee found Paterson to have committed an ‘egregious breach of … Continue reading Quacks like a duck
Is Brexit done yet?
I seem to remember the slogan ‘Get Brexit Done’. Another one of Cummings? Back in 2019 we were promised by the Prime Minister that there was a plan, an amazing deal, that would get Brexit over the line and confine it to the annals of history. The last time I looked, the B word is … Continue reading Is Brexit done yet?
Feed the poor
Image thanks to Wansbeck Food Bank Foodbanks! If ever there was a sign of modern times it is the foodbank. The thought of people going hungry in one of the richest countries in the world galls me, especially the children yet I gather there are over a million of them skipping meals every day. It … Continue reading Feed the poor
A Badgering Badger
As I was coming out of the Home Office - wait, that sounds a lot grander than it actually was - there was someone dressed in a badger suit. Around their neck they had a sign which said I am innocent. It has been a long time since I have been to London. I'd made … Continue reading A Badgering Badger
What opposition?
Image thanks to Prospect. It’s the political conference season, where the great and good gather in seaside resorts or conference centres across the country to preach to the converted. Each party hopes that the media coverage it generates will show it as a dynamic and exciting party with sufficient ideas and drive to lead the … Continue reading What opposition?
Elections Bill 2021
If you have been keeping your eyes on parliament you will know that the Elections Bill 2021 is making its way into law. It’s not all bad, with some strengthening of the electoral commission, undue influence and finance. There is however the proposal that voters will be required to show an approved form of photographic … Continue reading Elections Bill 2021
UK energy company seeks funds to stay afloat
Image thanks to Your Money There is something wrong with the UK energy market. Wholesale prices of gas and electricity are rising leaving those companies which have many customers on fixed tariffs selling energy at a loss. Reserves of cash, just like reserves of gas, are running low and many companies are threatening the prospect … Continue reading UK energy company seeks funds to stay afloat
Old age tax
Image thanks to The Independant Two lessons that I have learnt about tax and politics this week: You can never trust what politicians say about future taxation (not that I did anyway)It is stupid for politiocians to make any promises about tax rates in the future as they hold themselves hostage to fortune and it … Continue reading Old age tax
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 