But an analysis. The numbers are small – hundreds but it is probably fair to multiply that number by 100 non-active supporters (those withnjobs?). So a few thousand? Their concern seems to be the few thousand asylum seekers in accommodation. Labour can solve this quickly by clearing the backlog as fast as possible. Once the visible representation of these people is removed we will have to wait and see where their attention is turned next? I fear it will be migrants in general as these people are emboldened by social media lies and by imbecilic public figures on TV and in Parliament.
Starmer has shown great leadership with measured comments and swift action in setting up a police task force to counter the disturbances.
However whilst a proper informed discussion will take away some of the anger and hatred there will still be several thousand thugs to deal with. Prison, except for the most violent would seem to be counter productive. A curfew and restricted movement could work as we have the technology. Hitting their credit rating could be a suitable punishment as it would impact their ability to buy phones, etc. or maybe dog walking services?
Weather is turning again – although I did pick 400g of tomatoes this morning. Temperatures higher by 10C in Antarctica is concerning – but maybe a rapid rise in sea level would shut the denialists up? Oil companies are disclosing very high profits again and show no sign of cutting back on exploration. Let us hope that Miliband and Starmer hold their resolve in the face of huge oppositin from the trash papers, which has already started. Arguments that I hear regularly about Chinese and Indian coalmines and power stations does not accept 2 facts. 1. China leads the world in renewable energy production. and 2. No country is immune from climate change. Both India and China have had major unprecedented incidents related to climate change recently. California is again burning. Sea level rise whould devastate approx one billion people in terms of their living accommodation and about 8million km2 of farmland. This is without factoring in extreme flooding and drought in other areas. Already some houses cannot get house insurance due to flooding, but when cities face flood damage on a £$ multi billion level, then Governments will listen. Ecosystem change is also barely understood – what is behind the vast reduction in insects in Europe and elsewhere? Ecosystems evolved slowly over millions of years of climate change, with some of the most rapid changes taking place over thousands of years.
Which brings me nicely to my front garden – oh and back garden. I have seen a small frog so hopefully there are several. A few butterflies but it has not been the weather for them! But if every garden or even a third were like mine there would be a corridor for wildlife and a haven and oasis away from the pesticides which may be used on the apple trees? I do not know and should not speculate!
A thought – Labour has pledged to free up planning legislation for more houses – I do hope some did GCSE Geography and realise the impact on infiltration and runoff! Pictures on tv of flooded houses often show new estates where this was obviously ignored. Can we have a mandatory lattice style for all driveways and water butts on all new homes. Orientation of houses is also important for the free sunlight/heat; maybe shutters could make a comeback or larger roof overhangs to offer protection from sunlight and rain? How about carbon neutral developments with integrated power sources, green play/relaxation areas, work from home style units and a communial kitchen space; and maybe a lawn area for tennis, basketball, 5-aside footie and maybe if enough space cricket. So Labour my idea would not be for new towns but for smaller integrated villagettes!