Jeremy Bowen: Trump has called for an Iran uprising but the lessons from Iraq in 1991 loom large The US president might learn that starting wars is much easier than ending them, writes the BBC's international editor.

I agree. It's now on the BBC website
BBC News - Bowen: Trump has called for an Iran uprising but the lessons from Iraq in 1991 loom large
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Bruce Springsteen releases Streets of Minneapolis. In the tradition of great protest songs Bruce Springsteen has released a protest song about Minneapolis. In an earlier age it might have been Bob Dylan or Neil Young but the impact in terms of solidarity is just as effective as Young&#82…

Minneapolis. The Boss makes the point in song
wp.me/p15p2Q-g1y

Here's a coincidence: my late friend Marie Coe was an actor and voice-over artist who said "I'd love a Babycham" in the tv adverts.

I was about to send you the link from @thedailytism.com when I realised who had reposted it. Sorry, we don't have a pet, but thinking of you.

North East asylum seeker accommodation search paused The Home Office says it believes it has enough properties in the region for asylum seekers.

In case anyone was wondering, none of the hotels in County Durham are housing asylum seekers. The proportion of asylum seekers in County Durham is the lowest in the North East and only 56% of the national average, and there are only 445 asylum seekers in County Durham.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Having run out of time the other motions will not be considered.

Now moving to a vote other substantive motion. It is CARRIED by 62 votes to 7 with 17 abstentions.

Moving to a vote on the amendment. It is LOST by 63 votes to 25 with one abstention

Jonathan Elmer is seconding

He has moved a motion to remove part 1 which rescinds the climate change resolution while leaving the care emergency part intact.

Ah Mark Wilkes has been called.

It's becoming clear that the Chair is calling Reform councillors to speak. We have not yet heard from opposition councillors.

This has been LOST 25-61

Mark Wilkes has just moved a motion to extend the time available for the upcoming debate.

Someone has just walked in with a serious video camera, presumably to record the debates on the motions which should start in a few minutes

A lot of Reform UK councillors are wearing Make Durham Great Again baseball caps with the Ward Group branding on them

So I'm in the Council Chamber waiting for the meeting with it's motion to rescind the climate change resolution about to start.

@keithbeard.bsky.social here we are at the Gala

I see the LibDems have beaten Reform into third place in the by-election caused by the Reform councillor resigning.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/comments/252...

Just seen in our back garden; a comma butterfly.

Any thoughts, @keithbeard.bsky.social ?

What Is to Be Done? - Wikipedia

I read in @theguardian.com that "An article from the Blue Labour campaign group, titled What is to be Done, calls for the government to legislate against diversity, equity and inclusion".
Do these people have no sense of history? The book has already been written: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Is...

At least it wasn't Scotch whisky.

Classic!

A further change: Reform will be marking their own homework.
Scrutiny Management Board has an important role in checking on the Council. From 2021 it was chaired by Rob Crute, a Labour member and not from the joint administration. An amendment to have Mark Wilkes, a LibDem, as Chair was lost.

Largely appointing committee members in accordance with established rules, but this new Council has added three members to the Charter Trustees for the City, something the outgoing administration decided not to do.

Darren Grimes has been elected Deputy and now a list of eight further councillors to the new Cabinet.

After formal business, Andrew Husband has just been elected Leader.

Voting for Chair of the Council
Richard Bell v Roddie Rodiss
Roddis wins 27-62 with 4 abstentions

Sitting in the Council chamber in Durham waiting for the first meeting of the new County Council to start.