Time to stop the bickering. the government may have got it right by the timing of the abolishment of restrictions. However it is also clear that the disease has not gone away and could return with vengeance. Therefore I believe the government should outline plans for future pandemics or similar. This should include stockpiles of PPE, money allocated to support research (with part ownership by the public), recognition of the need for citizen groups in times of danger being given recognition and status. By the way I was absolutely stunned by the disappearance of the local Parish Council when the going got tough.
UKRAINE
As usual I am confused. Russian troops and tanks are gathered on the Ukraine border. Have I missed something? Recent conflicts have been characterised by initial air power. And if British anti-tank guns which has been a publicised donation to the Ukraine, are effective then this whole psycho-drama of world leaders is ridiculous. Or are these multi-million pound planes just decoration for fly pasts.
ANDREW WINDSOR PAYS UP
MOVE OVER MESSI AND RONALDO
There are new boys on the block – Mbappe and Haaland will both probably move for eyewatering fees this summer. Mbappe has already clocked up a !80 euro plus transfer in his teens. He seems to be on his way to Real Madrid (Barcelona are skint at the moment). So Barca probably cannot afford Haaland – that leaves jus a few super clubs. Newcastle would have to offer astronomic terms for him, PSG could be a possibility, but probably lack the attraction for a potential Number 1 superstar. So it is probably down to Liverpool (who have no need to expend the dosh as they have brilliant forwards), ManU who are in the doldrums of high level mediocrity, or ManC who have not replaced Aquiro – but are doing rather well without an out and out No9 – Sterling and Foden and co are doing great. I am not sure the Italian teams have the money, although Brexit is weakening the attraction of the UK.
Next weekends Prem Matches look difficult to call. Liverpool – Norwich and ManC – Spurs might be predictable? But the rest are debatable.
Want to have a go at predicting –
Oliver Dowden
Has complained about Woke culture. As an MP presumably representing ALL his constituents, could he explain what it is about WOKE that he does not like – definition
Alert to injustice in society, especially racism.”we need to stay angry, and stay woke“
Presumably not alert to the injustice that allows his privileged arse to be heard farting ANTI-PATRIOTIC claptrap.
CLIMATE DIPLOMACY
Whilst rapid jerks in the Net Zero Scrutiny Group pursue a well funded campaign to undermine the UK Governments commitments to climate action – the climate emergency continues to build momentum. Troops can be with drawn by Putin, but the climate emergency cannot be reversed for maybe decades. It is not an optional extra to take action now. It may cost money, but there is plenty around – the NZSG would like to continue to receive their dividends from the energy companies. Blaming the new green technologies for cost of living rises is dishonest. Transporting energy materials like gas and oil contribute almost 50% to the greenhouse emissions of ocean transport.
WEATHER
Two storms line up to batter Ireland and Scotland, Dudley and Eustace will be most harmful in the north but it is windy band wet here at the moment.
Around the world – Madagascar bracing itself for its third tropical revolving storm, Spain is suffering from drought, Australia experiencing some bush fires, China Winter Olympics are very cold and has unexpectantly heavy snow. Northern Japan has record snow.
WAITING
for a concerted campaign against Sadiq Khan. Zac Goldsmith tried but made a fool of himself by accusing a tory supporter of being a ‘radical imam’. Priti Patel feels slighted by Sadiq as he did not tell her what was blindingly obvious to anyone with a brain – that Dick was not up to, or doing, the job.
I wonder how much effort she will make to appoint a pro-Johnson candidate. Or are they all playing a waiting game, let Dick take the flack from Downingstreetgate, then appoint. It will be interesting as public opinion is, I think, demanding a ‘clean’ police force in London. Will ‘the accused’ keep out of the discussions – I doubt it!
GARDEN
I know it is not spring yet – but I am getting ready. I have ordered a small heater for the greenhouse so I can get started. I have ordered Ruthje and Santiam Sunrise tomato plant seeds. I also have Xmas presents to plant – purple dragon carrots;mstriped tomatoes; red ball Brussel sprouts; yellow courgette golden zucchini and some Brightlights Swiss Chard. And then some organic seed bombs which I will put along front garden by the road – I need to clear of grass first.