Big news in the wonderful world of constitutional nerdery:
Sad to see the excellent Meg Russell departing, but big congratulations to @alanrenwick.bsky.social on taking over. The Unit does great work, which is needed now more than ever.
As for me, it’s a nerdy procedural question that I can’t get out of my head:
If the PM had been asked at PMQs last Wednesday about Mandelson’s DV recommendation, what information would he have felt able to share with the House at that time? What was the line to take in his briefing folder?
Catching up on the PM’s statement, and finding it fascinating what different MPs consider a killer question. Some seem to define it as “the question that will go well on socials/ get clipped on the news”, while others rightly define it as “the question that could destroy the PM’s defence.”
As for me, it’s a nerdy procedural question that I can’t get out of my head:
If the PM had been asked at PMQs last Wednesday about Mandelson’s DV recommendation, what information would he have felt able to share with the House at that time? What was the line to take in his briefing folder?
There were a number who perhaps succeeded on the first metric, and a few who I thought were close to succeeding on the second, but it was very interesting to see which one they seemed to care most about.
Catching up on the PM’s statement, and finding it fascinating what different MPs consider a killer question. Some seem to define it as “the question that will go well on socials/ get clipped on the news”, while others rightly define it as “the question that could destroy the PM’s defence.”
An Iran-linked group has claimed responsibility for *all* the recent series of arson attacks against British synagogues and Jewish groups – including the ambulance attack.
The story should be bigger full stop. But how is this aspect of it barely mentioned? It seems *bizarre*.
Reports of a third attempted arson attack on Jewish targets in North London this week. It's getting really scary and more people need to start taking it seriously.
Worth bookmarking this if you’re ever minded to engage with rebutting tiresome online whataboutery during the rest of the year.
Has the Pope crossed a line? And do British politicians have the same problem when religion and politics mix? I spoke to @nickferrarilbc.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk earlier about the issues raised by the war of words between Trump and the leader of the Catholic church. youtu.be/TS4kzloHbF4?...
💯
I literally went off on a side-rant about this in a lecture today…
What is it with this ratio in votes on controversial, era-defining issues?
You couldn't write this stuff.
(Well OK, you could. And should. Yourself.)
@nigelfletcher.bsky.social is completely correct (of course!) and if you're looking to refresh your knowledge of secondary legislation- it's been a few years since we had debates over its use to implement aspects of the UK's relationship with the EU!- do we have the set of explainers for you
I'm hoping @ruthfox.bsky.social @darcyxtip.bsky.social and team can perhaps unpick this during this week's 'Parliament Matters' podcast. In any case, I'm sure it's not going to be as egregious as when Tony Blair's government almost abolished parliament, 20 years ago.
web.archive.org/web/20080113...
It's possible that these reports *do* mean the government's proposed legislation will give such sweeping powers to amend existing laws by Order, but if we're just talking about awarding Minister the power to adopt EU rules via regulations, those aren't strictly speaking "Henry VIII powers".
My parliamentary pedantry requires me to point out that "Henry VIII powers" refers to ministers gaining the ability to amend *primary* legislation by the use of secondary legislation:
it isn't just the use of statutory instruments/regulations per se.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Seconded. The value of authoritative, measured commentary, knowing when to add explanation and when to just let the astonishing pictures and comms speak for themselves.
Splashdown!
We’ve loved them to the moon and back. What a truly inspiring journey.
Welcome home, heroes.
👏
They’re back!
I cannot conceive how terrifying this bit must be on board.
What a view.
It’s truly spectacular. And there’s something special about being able to stream the live NASA feed direct too.
Yes I’m tired and have to be up fairly early in the morning to get to Parkrun, but once again there’s ACTUAL SPACE STUFF being beamed directly onto my TV, so clearly I’m not going to bed until these heroes are back safely.
✨🚀 🌍 🌊 ⛴️
Close of nominations day for the local elections, and my watch seems to be having FOMO…
But no. For the first time in two decades I won’t be on the ballot in London. Instead I doff my hat to those putting themselves forward and standing- democracy matters. And so does local government.
I think I speak for everyone in Europe when I say that it’s a huge relief to be able to go to bed now.
Right now, I think we could do worse than just post cat pictures all night.
In the last week Pearl and Harvey have begun exploring the garden, and my goodness they’re nailing the modelling assignment.
BBC London just had a report on the local elections: this consisted of speaking to four random people on “Councillor Street” (ho -ho, see what they did there). No actual news or analysis, all utterly unrepresentative and meaningless. I’m rivalling @timbale.bsky.social in my irritation at vox pops.
A friend just texted to ask what we had for our last meal before WW3.
‘Lasagne and salad’ is the prosaic answer, but the main event comes now: I still have cream cakes to eat and some decent 0% red wine.
Raising a glass to the innate wisdom and goodness of humanity, and the hope it prevails.
🍷 🍰
Plan for the evening.
Go to the Winchester, have a pint, and wait for this all to blow over.