imo Olly Robbins made an error of judgment in his assessment of Mandelson.
Robbins is highly experienced in advanced vetting & I think he bowed to pressure from no 10.
This does not mitigate his error. Pressure goes with the territory, be it undue or not.
I did watch the Committee hearing.

She doesn't do wise.

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Good morning Mark.
I nearly went up in flames last night.
Put to many chilli flakes in the con carne.
Gaviscon to the rescue.

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Shrek.

a close up of an orangutan 's face with a glove on it 's arm . ALT: a close up of an orangutan 's face with a glove on it 's arm .

I haven't got any temples, apart from in me 'ead, or warriors, or fields, or womenfolk.
I just want me feckin tea.

I think he's done very well on the international stage because he trusts his instincts in these arenas and therefore performs with assurance.
Domestically he is unsure; almost timid and relies way too heavily on others e.g. advisors/mentors and that is not working.

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Serve me tea or the dog gets it.

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I know someone who moved to Swindon on purpose !!!

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Correctski

I'm not clear as to the gap between "borderline, but manageable" & failed totally to pass advanced vetting.
From Robbins meeting were he understood borderline, & the shift to failed, did more info come to light? If so, why was Robbins not informed?

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Good afternoon Mark.
I've been watching Ollie Robbins giving his version of events to the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Wowzer !

Being a Sainsbury's avocado.

"This is a new piece, it reflects feelings of neglect, abandonment and broken promises. I call it "WHERE'S MY FUCKING DINNER '"

@wulfhelm.bsky.social

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Good morning Mark.
Blue skies and very Springy here.
I wonder who's going to be first to put a damper on it.

Who are the Kremlin's friends in the West? YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

One Russian paper today claims “Life has become four times more joyous.” Another reports the country’s economic reserves are “largely exhausted.” Plus: “a new drop in the approval rating of the [Russian] authorities.” And who are the Kremlin’s friends in the West? #ReadingRussia

Whenever trump speaks, a demon gets its wings.

and with good reason. They've been royally shafted by Trump twice, mid negotiations.

It's not working.
his "cunning plan" to keep everyone on the back foot has resulted in no one believing a word that comes out of the freak's mouth.
I hope the markets are paying attenton.

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I graduated, or possibly regressed to Kickers . BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT RED.
My boyfriend at the time bought navy blue.
It was a sign.
I wouldn't have married him , even if he'd asked me.

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Probably. Just RED with a lot of attitude, otherwise why would ya bovver ?

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Ok.
I had a pair of Docs before Take That were born.
RED ONES.

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Other than Direct Messages, what are DMs ?

I've been struck by the lack of anything meaningful coming from Congress/Democrats.
There's a clutching of pearls and wringing of hands, but it hasn't translated into action.
Nothing new will happen until your intentions hit your muscles.
No one else can or will do this for them