Month: October 2023

So Sunak’s answer as ever involvred money. His response to the crisis in Gaza is to state that he is allocating £10 million in humanitarian aid. He knows this is meaningless as there is no way in or out of Gaza at present. At least Starmer sounded statesman like at PMQ’s, calling for international law to be observed. It is action not £ or $ that are needed to halt the humanitarian crisis.

It also seems that, with press being barred from the area, we are dependant upon dodgy internet sites. The latest tragedy in the hospital may have been an Israeli air attack (possibly inadvertent?) or a Jihad group missle failure.. The internet was quick to fill with people stating certainty. To be honest neither side has my trust. Hamas has conducted a most heineous crime and Israel has killed hundreds of civilians, many children, in revenge attacks.

Many politicians still refer to a two state solution. My daughter has suggested that it is nationalism that is atnthe root of the problem and whilst I agree with her I am not sure this is practical. My solution would be a federal state with guarantees of veto over certain issues – but any hope of any negotiation seems totally implausibe at present.

Obviously this inquiry is overshadowed by the events in the Middle East. But the brief bits I have copied below means that when Johnson appears before the inquiry the spparks should fly! As many suspected at the time we had a government without a clue and driven by ideolical dogma rather than science. It is worth noting that Truss, Coffrey,, Sunak (resigned in2022) Jenrick, Shapps, Barclay, Raab, Cleverly, Gove were all part of the shambles. I wonder what their WhatsApp will reveal together with Hancocks. The government already trailing Labour by 23 points in opinion polls will not be looking forward to the appearance before the Inquiry of these figures. Sunak in particular gets a bit flustered when interrogated. Johnson will hope to btrazen it out with carefully scripted sound bites until he goes off on one! His political career seems to be over anyway, although the remaining party faithful who have not died still prefer him to Sunak, Truss or basically anyone else as they believe he is the only one who can win an election! Johnson and Sunak may try to claim that they were not guilty ofthe partygate scandal, despite having paid the fines.

WhatsApp messages from 2020 released by the Covid inquiry have revealed senior civil servant Simon Case complaining about the influence of Carrie, the partner of then-PM Boris Johnson.In exchanges with a Downing Street adviser at the time, Dominic Cummings, Mr Case jokes that Mrs Johnson was “the real person in charge”.In a later text Mr Case also says the government looks like a “tragic joke”.The messages came as the Covid inquiry heard evidence on political governance.The screenshot of the WhatsApp group chat from autumn 2020, provided by Mr Cummings, was displayed on screen during a session in which the senior lawyer for the inquiry, Hugo Keith KC, was drawing attention to what he called “dysfunctionality” at the heart of government.

I am appalled at the harassment faced by those attending Jewish faith schools. Hate and violence like this should have no place in British society. But again there is a nuance. For too long people have been allowed to hide their cowardice behind social media platforms. Politicians, especially female of all political persuasions have been subject to appalling threats and abuse. Jo Cox was killed 5 years ago and nothing seems to have changed. This may be a great amount woke ‘but where has the love and friendship gone?’ To all those who attack woke views I will ask what is wrong with them? Personally I would do away with faith schools completely, but there should be no room for bigotry in our society or newspapers.

It sees that Israel is preparing to invade the Gaza Strip, 300000 reservists have been sent to the border with Gaza.. The onjective presumably to free the hostages and wipe out Hamas. Whether eother are achievable is debateable. It coulsd attempt to annexe the Strip and bring it under Israeli control, although with 2 million residents that could be difficult.

The US have stated that Israel had 3 days notice from Egypt of the attack. This will put Netanyahu under pressure as he has made security his main issue. The left and moderate elements of Israeli society have been decimated bythe attack, not only figuratively – the kibitz attacked were socialist leaning societies..

There has been no reporting in the British Press of any propoganda offensive by either side. Hamas preumably do not care but again I am surprised that Israel has not mounted a press offensive. Guterres, UN secretary-General has expresswed concern that Hezbollah has shelled Northern Israel – escalation must be avoided. There are no reports of violence in the West Bank that I have seen.

The 2 nation concept seems doomed to failure when one of the nations wishes to drive the other into the sea. A federal type state could have a possibility as it would enable both sides to claim that they were magnamonously conceeding elements? There would be no place for Hamas, or the fanatical Jews either.

Something I had not thought of – there are at least 500 Americans in Gaza and probably a total of more from other countries.

The more detail that comes ot the more horrific the actions of Hamas are. there is much talk about propotionality of the response. I totally understand Israels desire for revenge and to inflict a major defeat on Hamas, even if that means huge civilian casualties. However the Israeli government need to be careful of the long term impact of any over reaction. Hamas has no regard for human life – so it is necessaryto work out their motivation. Those who invaded Israel were suicide terrorists. Did the famed Israeli secret service actually turn a blind eye for political/military objectives?

So flags! I am unsettled by us putting the Israeli flag on 10 Downing Street and the demand for Wmbley to light up its arch with Israeli colours. Firstly is is copying those in Europe who have more erason to express there solidarity with Jews. Secondly it is more than a bit NAFF! And thirdly, does it set a precedent? Should we display Ukrainian flags everytime Russia bombs. What about support for the Rohingya people in Burma, the Uyghur in China. Perhaps a better idea would be to fly the UN flag?

A barn storming effort from Keir. No real detail but it took the battle to the tories. 1.5 million houses is ambitious and his comments about stimulating the economy sounded great. Lots of smiles from delegates.

Where is there a Mandela when you need him? Whilst the jingoists are having a field day, and in all probability breaking international law with war crimes, where is the voice of calm and reconciliation? It is almost certainly too soon for this to occur but is there a voice of reason and peace out there? Sunak and Co are queueing up to encourage Israel with offers of military aid – it seems like they are the bullies mates chomping at the bit to join in the carnage and depravity. Two wrongs do not make a right.

I am surprised that the Israeli’s do not have the ability to use precision bombing to take out missle launching sites. maybe they do, but want revenge mafia style.

regarding the guilt of the civilian population I am reminded of the smugglers song by Rudyard Kipling.