That was not an apology for his actions. “I believed implicitly that this was a work event”. He washer for 25 minutes and presumably saw no work being done., He apologised on your behalf for misunderstanding him. He also apologised for being caught not doing anything wrong unless Sue Gray finds out and lets him know what it is that he hasn’t done and knows nothing about.
PMQT
I am looking forward to this – hopefully with Angela Rayner rather than Keir Hardy. Just seen it is Keir Starmer, I hope he does better.
What will Johnson’s tactic be? Outright denial maybe difficult. He can defer to Sue Gray’s investigation – but we know that the question will then be ‘why ask her where you were?. He could apologise – but the implications of this are too big as that would acknowledge that he lied to Parliament. Will the Speaker let him get away with obscurification and lying again?
PIE IN THE SKY
Just read https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jan/12/net-zero-climate-strategy-uk-government-sued.
CRISIS – OCEANS
Many people in the world have never seen the life blood of our planet. Out of sight, out of mind may apply to them, but the importance of our oceans is a rather neglected aspect of our global environment. CO2 content of the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect grab the headlines. But p17 of the Guardian reports the sixth consecutive year of hottest temperatures for oceans. Should be Front page of all papers as the Partygate thing will be forgotten by summer.
COVID INFECTION RISK
A study by Bristol Uni has shown that mask wearing and distance are the best protection. The virus loses its potency as it dries out. Thus high humidity increases the risk of infection. In dry offices it can lose 50% of infectivity in 5 seconds. After 20 minutes the virus infectivity has dropped to 10%.
PRIME MINISTER QUESTIONS
There is just one question which should be repeated. “Will you resign because ..” And preferably with yes no answers. The general public loses interest after about 10 seconds of multiple questions. “Did you attend a garden party on?” Yes or No. etc. I suspect that 6 questions is not enough.
The ending can have multiple reasons, I would recommend one at a time. The speaker should also be prepared to stop the PM from talking about vaccination, boosters, and Christmas. Answer the question or shut up. The names of Tory MP’s supporting him with their braying should also be published. Sunak and Truss will sit on their front bench and nod like the dogs in the back of the car window they seem to portray.
LIAR
Another party revelation. Why so long after the events has this been divulged. The die hard Tories will complain about the press. Blame the messenger rather than the culprit. The leak to the wine and cheese party in Downing Street was obviously a government official as the press do not have access to Downing Street to take photo’s of private parties.
HISTORY
I was better at history at school and loved it until Mr Dear became my teacher in year 9 – basically he was a boring bully. And that that. Recently I have read several history books, some tomes and very academic, others verging on the comical. However what they all have in common is the writers interpretation of history. Neil Olivers ‘The story of the British Isles in 100 places’ is middle of the road history candy without too much sugar! But even here I find myself questioning his interpretations and I am only up to Ch17.
CHEESE AND WALNUT BREAD
275g wholemeal four, 15g yeast, 200ml water, splash olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and sugar, 75g cheese, 50g walnuts.
230C for 8 min then turn down to 200C for 15-20 mins.
FARMING
I suspect that most farmers voted Brexit seeing the onerous task of form filling as too much. We are now more than 5 years since the referendum and yet have not come up with anything more than a wish list to replace CAP. CAP was perhaps the area of the EU that I personally thought needed most reform. £3 billion paid mainly to big farms (= rich farmers?). Many of the rules were eminently sensible regarding wildlife, but seem to have not made the majors impacts needed.