Night all.

Let the Train Cause the Strain!

Star!

It’s the dream that many aspire to.

Hats off.

Our next prime minister, then.

Sayid Qutb’s “Milestones” is much more entertaining.

Don’t do it. Don’t go there. DON’T GO INTO THE CELLAR!

I agree, but suspect he will stumble on to the locals.

You bluff old traditionalist.

Looking good, feeling great!

On brand.

Of left, right and centre. Not a party political point.

Politicians who could do stuff.

Epitaph for an administration.

BINGO!

BUT - I suspect Robbins could have done more to make this all "a thing" if he had wanted to, so I am not wholly sympathetic. He took the path of least resistance and sought to do his masters' bidding. Not unusual for a senior official, but not very impressive.

So - my reading of Olly Robbins's testimony is that the FCDO was bounced. No. 10 shaped the process in a such a way it would be difficult and embarrassing for Mandy not to be confirmed by the vetters, while putting all the responsibilty on the FCDO if everything blew up.

Is The Jackal taking Olly out later?

🤣

The French intelligence services propagated the Holy Blood, Holy Grail theory and laid a trail of breadcrumbs for Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln to find. Purpose - to prove France’s centrality to Christendom/ European culture in a way that chimed with esoteric and conspiracy beliefs.

Cautious optimism about Ukraine's position in the war seems to be gaining momentum

🤣

Quite possible that Chris Mason will spontaneously combust on College Green today.

Currently touring the Highlands. Dutch bloke having breakfast at the hotel. Waitress: “would you like tea or coffee?” DB: “yes”. W: “which one?” DB: “I have to choose?” W: “yes”. DB: “what is regular?” Waitress: “to choose”. DB: “ah, okay”. SILENCE. W: “I’ll choose for you”. DB: “I’ll have tea”.

I have decided to become outrageously wealthy and live in hotels.

North - to Cromarty!

Morning chief.

"What I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you."