I thought I would start with the good news – an otter has appeared on camera at Trinity College, Cambridge. Almost extinct in parts of the UK in the 1970’s, campaigns to stop otter hunts have succeeded in allowing the otter to thrive.
On a more serious note – Starmer is talking of dangerous increases in military spending. Trump is saying he will not withdraw Americas nuclear shield (but that was today – tomorrow, who knows). Should Europe be more proactive in its defence spending and actions – probably, but do not forget the millions that U.S. tech and arms companies make out of Europe. Is Starmers latest debacle due to elections coming up in the UK and he wants to attract right-wing support?
The Observer had a double page on student loans. The amounts students are owing is eyewatering. The original argument was that graduates benefitted from high salaries and therefore should payback the cost of their education. What a load of bollocks. Society needs doctors and nurses, engineers and scientists. Just raise higher level income tax – those earning vast amounts due to their education should be taxed accordingly. Society should not put a value on degrees, we need artists and also those with obscure degrees. So abolish the loans completely and give grants to those doing degrees of public service/need. Then let tax get the money back!
To be honest – not much else! Apart from the fact that the USA has carried out 157 armed raids in Somalia in the last 15 months. Epstein files rumble on with Andrew becoming less likeable every day. Starmer is also fighting due to ‘support’ of paedophiles being promoted to HoL. I doubt he will survive May elections. But who takes over? Will Sweeting who will likely lose his seat next election? Only Andy Burnham seems to have a hope of recreating Labour into a left’ish party again.
FA Cup action this weekend – AVilla were embarrassing in their support by the referee!